I know I should be paying attention to the obvious letdown and redirect, but all I can hear on repeat in my head isputting you in that position.
But sexy.
Lord, do I know it would be sexy.
And he could have me in any position he wants.
He growls and I blush, nibbling on my lower lip as I try to give him my most innocent expression. “Hmm?”
“Kat.”
“What? I heard you.”
“It can’t happen again.”
“Nothinghappened.” I huff, annoyed that he insists on saying it over and over.
“Kat.”
“Stop saying my name like that,” I hiss because I’d rather have the lecture without the undertone of exasperation. If he doesn’t want me,fine,but he doesn’t get to make me feel bad about it. “I get it. My brother is paying you. You’re a professional. You have zero thoughts of getting me naked and furthermore, there will be no enjoying each other’s company while we’re at it.”
His jaw clenches and there’s the slightest twitch in the corner of his eye.
“Miss Harrington…”
It’s the mocking formality that does it.
“Out,” I bark, standing from my chair and pointing toward the door. “Get out.”
“I’m trying to?—”
“You’re trying to piss me off. Mission accomplished.” There’s a bite to the words that I hope covers the hurt as I round my desk and face off with him.
“Don’t leave while Jace is here.”
“Get. Out.” The words crack like a whip, and I can see the internal struggle play out on his face. He wants to fight with me. He wants to make me understand, but I don’t want to understand.
Iget it,I do.
But that doesn’t make me want him less, and for him to deny the obvious chemistry between us feels like the worst kind of rejection.
So he can go fuck himself and I’ll continue to write filthy, out-in-public, we-might-get-caught sex for the next couple of chapters.
“Don’t leave.”
“Are we done? Because I have work to do.”
The question is rhetorical, the coolness in my tone dismissive. Without looking at him, I return to my desk, solidifying whatever wall we’ve just erected between us.
And fine, it’s not like I can afford a distraction now anyway.
So I let my fingers fly over the keyboard, pouring this disappointment onto the page until finally Tom quietly backs out of the room and closes the door behind him.
Symbolic.
Final.
And enough to break my heart a little in the process.
