Page 97 of Flirting with 40

Then making love to me.

One last time.

CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

Blakely

“I do believe this is yours.”

I shut my car door behind me as Slade holds out the napkin. I bite my bottom lip and then smile when I look down at it.

Blade’s To-Do List:

Make Paul regret he ever let you go.

Figure out our history: when we met, how long your legs really are, pet peeves, etc.

Make Horrible Heather see you differently.

Win your co-workers over by being fucking awesome.

Convince everyone we are madly in love and meant to be.

Get the promotion.

Find the real Blakely again.

Fall hopelessly in love.

“I think we did pretty damn good, don’t you?” he asks as my eyes slide down and stumble over the last line item. Taking it in my hand, I keep my gaze focused on it as I try to shove down my feelings that are tumbling out of control.

The last thing I want him to see swimming in my eyes is that I somehow forgot that last task was a joke.

It takes me a second to feel in enough control of my emotions before I can meet that blue-gray gaze of his. “We did, didn’t we?”

“We make a good team, you and me.” He reaches out to link his fingers with mine as I lean my back against my car. “There’s more to be done though.”

“Oh?” I say, forgetting the promotion line item and letting my hopes get the better of me.

“Yep. I do believe we have a bet we can’t determine the winner of yet. Apparently, satisfaction is measured in terms of a promotion when it comes to you.” He winks. “And since that’s yet to be determined, should we say that we’re in a holding pattern?”

“Yes. Agreed.” I swallow over the relief that I’ll get to see him again. “To be determined.”

He knocks his knuckles on the top of my car. “I’m sorry we had to take two cars up here, but I’m sure you’re probably sick of me and can’t wait to have some peace and quiet.”

“Don’t be ridiculous.” They’re the only words I trust myself to say as another pang of sadness hits me.

“You sure you’re okay to make the drive?”

“Yes. Of course.” I bite my cheek and laugh nervously. How silly was I not to heed Prisha’s advice not to fall for him? How ridiculous was I to allow myself to think that last item on the list was a real thing?

“You sure?”

My smile is forced as I set my purse and the napkin inside my car. “So, what dastardly deed should I commit to break us up?” It’s stupid, and I shouldn’t have said it, but being nervous and keeping my mouth shut don’t work well together.

“Nah. Blame it on me.” His smile is soft, voice quiet. “Say my residency was too much and I couldn’t commit to giving you everything you deserve.”

“That isn’t something I’d say—”