I bit my bottom lip, hiding a smile. “Maybe I’m Hera. Queen of the gods.”
“You’d fit the role perfectly. Regal and commanding. But the crescent moon mask gave it away.”
I snicker. He’s right, I’m a dead giveaway.
“And how about you? It’s a pretty sleek outfit, however, you’re rather plain for the host.”
His lips twitch. “You always had a thing for Selene, so I took a chance.”
“What does this…” He drops my arms, and I tug on his lapels. “Have to do with Selene?”
He leans in, pressing our bodies closer, and bites my earlobe. A shot of pleasure radiates right through my core.
“I’m the Night Sky, of course. The goddess of the moon can only shine bright because of me.” I narrow my eyes, and hebarks out a laugh. “You’re still the star of the show. But I needed to prove to you that you need me, Mads. That your light is undeniable when I’m there…when we’re together.”
My heart begins to race quickly. “Why are you so dang romantic?”
“I am. Aren’t I?”
We both laugh when I impishly swat at his chest, then he checks his watch.
“Go ahead back in, Nate. I’ll try to disappear into this corner or escape out the back.”
He cups my chin and brings my face to his. “Fuck everyone else, Mads.”
“You know that’s not easy for me,” I sigh.
“I’ve seen you command a boardroom. This is no different. Walk out there with your head tall.”
I hesitate, I want to, but… “My coworkers are out there. I just mauled the CEO. And how about photographers?”
He shakes his head. “We need to approve anything shot inside. And trust me, no one from the office is here yet. You’d be shocked, but most people in the city like to be fashionably late.”
“Don’t tease me. Being late is not in my DNA.”
He softens his voice, one of understanding. “I know.” He runs the pad of his thumb along my bottom lip. “Please.”
“We need to talk, Nate,” I say earnestly.
Nodding, he leans in and kisses one of my dimples. “For now, there’s only one thing I need to hear.” He kisses the other. “Tell me it’s over. I need to hear it come out of your mouth.”
There is no hesitation on my part. “It’s over.”
His bright-blue eyes sparkle with triumph against the contrast of his mask. He steps back, extending his hand out to me. “Maddie Grace Cunningham, will you do the honors of being my date tonight?”
I don’t know why this makes me giggle, but I do and nod. “Yes. Only I have stipulations.”
He crosses his arms, amused. “Go on.”
“No being too touchy-touchy, especially in front of people from work.”
He looks at me deadpan. “No deal.”
“Nateeee.”
“It’s been ten long years waiting to win you back. You expect me to keep my hands to myself?”
I take a deep breath. “You need to slow down.”
