“Exactly.” She sighs. “I’ve never been great at networking. I’m a numbers girl. People will stab you in the back, but numbers never lie. They don’t play games. There’s a solution for every problem.”
"People are a whole lot messier," I agree. “But it keeps business booming for me.”
She laughs. “I can only imagine. People are exhausting.” Her eyes meet mine. “Well, most people.”
The air shifts, and I can feel the weight of what she is not saying. “Not me?”
"No.” She bites her lower lip. “You’re easy to be around. Maybetooeasy.”
I reach across the table. Not thinking. Just moving. My hand covers hers. “Too easy?”
She doesn’t answer the question, but she does turn her hand over, curling her fingers in mine. We sit like that for a moment, just listening to the crackle of the wood in the fireplace, looking at each other.
“Rhea,” I say, my voice husky.
"This is probably a bad idea," she whispers.
"Why?"
“Because I like things to be orderly, controlled. And this feels… I could lose control with you.”
I run my thumb along the side of her hand. "Would that be so bad?”
She shakes her head. "I don’t know.”
“It wouldn’t be bad,” I promise.
Chapter Five
Rhea
Theairbetweenustightens. He waits. I recognize the restraint for what it is. Respect. Control. An invitation that I have to accept first.
It's now or never, Rhea. Make a choice.Do I take a leap of faith with this man I barely know, but who I'm already falling for? He's handsome, honest, and disciplined, and we have so much more in common than I'd have ever guessed.
"You saved me," I whisper. "You've cleared my name, and—"
He shakes his head. "You saved yourself. I'd like to think I'd have come to the right conclusion about Warren in the end. But I was able to do it a whole lot faster with you on my team. My beautiful badass warrior."
That does it. I reach for him, fisting his shirt in my hands, and pulling him nearer.
He cups my jaw and lowers his lips to mine. He kisses me slowly, deliberately, like he's already decided there's no rush, like he has all the time in the world and intends to useevery second of it. The contact sends a steady pull through me, grounding and sharp all at once. He tastes faintly of marinara sauce and something warmer underneath, something that makes me want to lean in and stay.
I do lean in. He deepens the kiss, his hand sliding to my waist, fingers firm against my side, and I feel the intention in that grip. Like he's been thinking about exactly where to put his hands.
"Are you sure?" he murmurs against my mouth.
"Yes."
"Say it again."
I pull back just enough to meet his eyes. They're darker than usual. Focused entirely on me.
"I'm sure, Gideon."
He kisses me again, and this time there is more heat. More intent. His other hand finds my hip, pulling me closer until there is no space left between us, and I feel the solid length of him against me, already wanting, already decided, and a low sound escapes my throat before I can stop it.
"Rhea." My name sounds different in his voice. Rougher. Like he's been holding it back.
