Thomas gave a low whistle. “Opposing teams, huh? This should be fun.”
Mr. McHenry chuckled, eyes glinting. “Do you play?” he asked me.
“Play what?”
“Rugby, of course.”
“Never,” I admitted.
He tsked his tongue softly, amusement crinkling the corners of his eyes before he turned to Dean. “Well then,” he said with a mock sigh, “looks like you’ll have to give her a few lessons before the retreat.”
I blinked. “The retreat?”
“At Pine Ridge,” Mr. McHenry said kindly. “Youwillbe joining us, won’t you?”
I opened my mouth to answer, but before I could, Dean’s arm tightened around me again, steady and calm.
“She wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
Five
For a while,things became easy.
Everyone was warm and welcoming—especially Thomas and Trisha, who proudly proclaimed themselves as TnT—a little spark, a whole lot of boom. They were funny in that dry, unpolished way that made me feel like I belonged, even though I absolutely didn’t.
Still, I smiled more than I meant to. Laughed too easily. And somewhere between the third course and dessert, I caught myself leaning in when Dean spoke, watching the way his mouth curved around words like I was trying to memorize them.
There was a hum between us all night—low and constant. An energy, I pretended not to notice but felt all the same. It was in the way his fingers brushed the small of my back when no one was looking. The way his eyes found mine across the table and didn’t look away. The way his voice dipped when he spoke to me, as though every word was meant just for me.
I wasn’t used to being treated like that. And I hated how much I liked it.
As night wound down, we were the last ones lingering near the bar, the party still buzzing in the background. Dean leanedagainst the counter, watching me as if he wasn’t ready to let the night end either.
“You should come with me,” he said quietly, taking a sip of the water he’d insisted we switch to over an hour ago.
I was digging through my bag, searching for the valet ticket I’d misplaced. “Where?” I asked, half distracted.
“The retreat. Pine Ridge.”
I let out a short laugh. “Yeah, no. Not happening.”
“I’ll pay you.”
That made me pause. My fingers stilled inside my bag, a tight pinch blooming in my chest.
I glanced up slowly, something sharp settling in my ribs. I shook my head—more at myself than at him. I’d been too comfortable tonight. Too at ease. I’d forgotten, just for a little while, who I was. Whatthiswas.
“I don’t do overnights,” I said, flat and even. He would’ve known that if he’d actually read my contract.
No overnights.
No sex.
No kissing unless I initiated it.
It was all there—page two, clearly outlined under Personal Boundaries.
“Name your price,” he said.
