"And there are... other complications. Things you don't know about me. Things that—"
"Julia." He reached out, took my hand. "I don't care."
But you should. You really should care.
"We should set boundaries," I tried. "Keep it professional during work hours. No one can know. Especially not Stone."
"He already suspects."
"Then we'll be more careful."
"Okay."
"Okay."
We both knew we were lying to ourselves.
But we needed the pretense. The illusion of control.
"I should get to work," I said. "Catch up on emails. Review the schedule."
"Right. Yes. Work." He didn't release my hand.
"Quentin?"
"Yeah?"
"You're still holding my hand."
He looked down like he'd forgotten. Let go quickly. "Sorry."
"It's okay." I stepped back. Put professional distance between us. "I'll be at my desk."
"Julia?"
I turned.
"Last night. I don't regret it."
"Neither do I."
That's the problem.
Chapter 14
Quentin
Iwatched Julia walk to her desk and tried to focus on work.
Failed spectacularly.
All I could think about was the way she'd looked at me. The careful distance she'd maintained. The admission that she couldn't stop thinking about me.
This is dangerous.
My phone buzzed. Text from Stone:Morning meeting. Nine. Conference room. Need to discuss security protocols.
Which was code for:I need to talk to you about Julia Russell.
