ARTHUR
The momentI get back to my office and close the door, I pump my fist in triumph. I’m beyond grateful that no one witnessed it.
That kiss. My God. It was like something out of a movie I wouldn’t be caught dead watching. I thought I wanted Elliot before, but after that kiss? Now that I’ve tasted her? Held her in my arms, pressed myself against her? I think I might need her.
It’s exhilarating. And petrifying.
Not only had I kissed her, after wanting to for so long, but she kissed me back. With enthusiasm. The noises she made while we explored each other. The dazed look in her eyes when we finally broke apart. Memories of that kiss are going to get me through the next six days on the road.
There’s a knock on the door. I didn’t expect for her to be done with Will’s session so quickly, but I’m not mad about it. In fact, my dick swells at the thought of being near her again.
“Come in.” I’m smiling despite myself. I smile so often now, it almost comes naturally.
The door opens and my smile turns into a scowl.
“Hey, Ace.” Noah’s grin is the last one I want to see right now. He leans in the doorway like he owns it. “I saw you skipping in here and thought I’d say hello.”
“I have never skipped, Watts. Not before my injury and sure as hell not after it.” My voice comes out flat, which only feeds his amusement.
He presses his lips together, silent laughter lighting up his whole face. “Hmm. Maybe floating is a more apt description.”
“Did you need something, or are you just here to annoy me?”
“The second one.” He strolls across the room and drops into the nearest chair. He folds his arms and watches me with the attention of someone waiting for a punchline.
“As much as I’m enjoying this staring contest, I’ve got calls to answer,” I tell him, trying to harden my tone.
“Oh? I figured you were expecting someone.”
“What makes you say that?” I ask, already dreading the answer.
“In the two decades I’ve known you, I have seen you smile a couple times, but nothing like the look you had waiting for whoever you thought was coming through that door. Who knew you had that many teeth?” He waggles his eyebrows, delighted.
My frown deepens and he points at my face. “Yeah. See, there’s a look I know well.”
He waits, patient as a cat. I have known him long enough to know he will not leave unless I give him something. “Fine. I am expecting someone.”
“And that someone’s name is?”
I blow out a frustrated breath and shove my hands into my pockets, leaning back against the edge of my desk. My office is warmer all of a sudden. “You know her name, jackass.”
His grin widens like that’s the answer he was hoping for. “Now we’re talking. Tell me everything.”
“Why?” I’m already second-guessing the idea of confessing.
“Because my personal life consists of tea parties and readingFancy Nancyto a six-year-old.” He shudders in his chair.
“Who the fuck is Fancy Nancy?” I snap, then immediately regret the bluntness because it makes him laugh again.
“A fictional child with an unrealistic vocabulary,” he says between laughs. “But back to you. Come on, Ace. Give me the dirt.”
I sigh, almost wistfully. “We kissed.”
“No way.” He punches the air; not unlike I did a few minutes earlier. “Atta boy. When?”
“Ten minutes ago.” The words feel absurd even as I say them.
His eyebrows fly up to his hairline. “You made out at work?”
