I jerk back before I melt completely, and shove down the weakness. “Fine. But inside that arena? We’re co-workers and nothing more. Do you hear me?”
His jaw tics, the muscle flexing. For a second, I think he’ll argue.
Instead, his mouth curves into something dark, edged with promise. “We’ll play it your way for now, but don’t expect that to last forever.”
As we approach the glass entrance, our reflections blur and merge in the door. For one dizzying second, it looks like we belong together. Then the motion-sensor light flicks on, washing away the illusion.
The glass reflects everything I’ve spent years building. A version of me that looks calm, composed, and untouchable.
I almost don’t recognize that woman anymore.
Nerves buzz beneath my skin as I school my expression into something neutral, the look I’ve perfected for the cameras and locker-room interviews.
Every step deeper into the arena feels like a step closer to disaster.
And even knowing how badly this could blow up in my face, I still can’t make myself stop.
32
Oliver
The day ends with Rina curled against me on the couch, her body tucked into mine, my hand spread protectively over her barely-there bump while I murmur to the baby growing inside her.
“Can you believe that, Little O? Your mom thinks she can keep us a secret, but that’s not going to happen.”
With a groan, she swats at my chest, the faint twitch of her lips giving her away. For the first time since the women on the sidewalk lifted their phones and took our picture, Rina looks at ease.
For a fleeting moment, the world feels simple.
Just her, me, and the tiny heartbeat I swear I can almost feel beneath my palm. Just the thought of that life growing inside her hits me like a punch to the gut.
The need to touch her rushes through me, impossible to ignore. I give in, sliding my hand beneath her chin and tilting her face upward until I’m lost in her eyes.
“Any chance you’re looking for something tonight?”
The corners of her mouth lift. “Possibly.”
A chuckle rumbles out of me. “Good. That’s exactly what I was hoping to hear.”
I lower my mouth until our breaths mingle, teasing her with the promise of more. When our lips finally collide, the kiss is drawn out just enough for me to savor the taste of her. But it doesn’t stay that way for long. The caress deepens, turning needy as I coax her mouth open and slide my tongue against hers until we’re on the verge of losing control. Her fingers fist my shirt before tugging me closer.
She gasps when my palm slides beneath the hem of her sweater and finds the silky heat of her skin. Her hand rises to my jaw, thumb brushing the corner of my mouth, as if she can’t get enough either.
“Oliver,” she whispers against my lips.
“What is it you want, baby?” I ask roughly.
“You. I want you.”
The admission is sweet music to my ears. I’m just about to ease her back into the cushions and lose myself in her when the elevator chimes, ruining the moment.
We both freeze.
Her lips are swollen as her chest rises and falls against mine. That frantic thrum under my skin is still pounding as reality slams back in.
Rina frowns, her gaze slicing toward the sound. “Are you expecting someone?”
Before I can say anything, the doors slide open, and there’s the sound of footsteps. A blonde figure steps out of the hallway, a duffel bag slung over one shoulder.
