“What happens between us stays between us, Drew.” Will repeats his earlier sentiment.
“I don’t doubt that it would,” I reply, and he nods. “But that doesn’t mean I’m safe. All it would take is for one person to see us and start spreading rumors, and my career would be toast.”
“I wouldn’t let that happen,” he reassures me in a stern voice. “So, why don’t you go ahead and give me your next objection? And then I’ll tell you why that’s a nonissue too.”
I chuckle. “There are too many obstacles to list them all, and you won’t change my mind on this. I like you a lot, but the risks for me are too steep.”
Will pushes his head back into the couch and opens his thighs a little wider. I sink further into him—physically and emotionally. “Then I guess I have to be patient a while longer.”
He lifts me from his lap and tucks me under the duvet before moving across the room to retrieve my hot chocolate.
“Where are you going?” I ask when he hands me the drink and heads for the front door.
From over his shoulder, he just grins. “Heading back home so you can comfort eat a bit more and think about everything you’re missing with me.”
He winks, and I melt like the cream running down the sides of my mug.
“Have a good night, Drew. I guess I’ll catch you on the flight to Brooklyn.”
21
. . .
Drew
“Ikissed him,” I announce, dumping myself down on a barstool in front of Vesper.
Her jaw hangs open, and she lifts a finger at me before handing change to a customer and locking in on our conversation.
As always, she looks incredible. Tonight, she’s wearing a dark blue bodycon dress and high-top white Converse. Teamed with her trademark red lipstick and nails, she looks like the American dream.
“You tell me this like it should land as a surprise.”
“Wait, what?” I panic. “Someone already told you about the kiss?”
She chuckles and leans on the bar. “No, silly. I’m saying that it was obvious you liked him just from our previous conversation. It was only a matter of time before something physical happened. What was he like?”
I roll my lips together, certain I can still taste him nearly a week after the kiss. “Incredible.”
When Vesper winks, I pick up the cocktail menu, and she takes it from my hands.
“Manhattan?” she asks, already adding whiskey to a shaker.
“Sounds perfect,” I croon, grateful to have shared my secret with someone.
I’ve always enjoyed watching bartenders mix cocktails, and Vesper is particularly skilled, throwing the shaker behind her back. It somersaults over her head, and she catches it in front of her.
“Did you just stop by tonight to update me on your sordid love affair or snag another free drink?”
I twist my lips to the side, and she pours the cocktail into a glass before sliding it into my hand.
“Both, but also neither,” I reply, taking my first sip and letting the whiskey warm me from the inside. Seattle in November is freezing, and I stupidly wore a skirt and no tights to work today. “I actually could use some advice if you have the time?”
Vesper’s gaze roves the relatively empty bar area. “As you can see, I’m slammed. But shoot, and I’ll try and help you.” She points at the cocktail and then me. “In return, I’ll need you to stick around for a second drink to help alleviate the boredom of tonight’s shift. Thursdays are always slow-going.”
I lift my glass and nod. “Girl, you just got yourself a deal, although I’m limiting myself to two because I have an early flight in the morning.”
Intrigue overtakes her face. “Don’t tell me he’s taking you on a mini vacation somewhere already.”
