“Thank you. You both look amazing. Andnothingis happening tonight,” I insist, flushing.
I’m saying it as much for me as I am for them.
I might have considered what Wyatt would think of me in this dress, but a little space from him today has bolstered my resolve. It’d just be way too messy if we started something.
I should’ve been strong enough last night to not go down that path, but it’s a new day.
Holly and April leave their packed suitcases near the door to pick up after dinner, and we walk out the door.
The elevator dings on our way down and then Wyatt, Sutton, and Callum step on with us. Wyatt zeroes in on me, his eyes sweeping leisurely down my body before coming back to meet my gaze.
“Ladies,” he says, voice scratchy.
He swallows hard and steps into my space, facing me as we ride the rest of the way down. He’s so close, smells divine, and his slightly scruffy face and messier-than-usual hair with his button-down shirt and dress pants are doing a number on me. His intense focus sends flickers of heat through me, and I’m unable to look away. When the door opens, he steps aside and motions for me to exit first.
Holly walks out next to me. “That was almost as good as an orgasm,” she whispers.
I snort. “You obviously need to have more orgasms,” I whisper back.
“You’re not lying.”
The couples are in the lobby and we walk to the sushi restaurant, Wyatt keeping his distance.
I wanted this, I remind myself.
But somehow, we end up side by side in the restaurant, and the jittery excitement in my chest tells the truth about what I really want.
The rest of the table is interacting, talking about the day, and Wyatt and I sit quietly on our end of the table.
“You look beautiful,” he says.
“Thank you. You look pretty great too.”
“Thank you.” He clears his throat. “Are you enjoying your trip to Vegas?”
I glance at him and he gives me a forced smile, eventually lifting a shoulder.
“I realized I came on a little strong this morning. Trying to tone it down a bit tonight,” he says.
I laugh, my nerves easing somewhat. “I didn’t make it easy to know how to be this morning,” I say quietly. “I’m sorry about that.”
“You don’t need to be sorry about anything.”
I smile and take a sip of my cocktail. “I’ve enjoyedeverythingabout my trip to Vegas.”
His lips part and he leans in. “Tell me more.”
I set my glass down and stare at it instead of him. “I don’t want you to think I didn’t…like…what happened between us.” I glance at him then and my heart thuds in my chest, but I want to get this out. “I did. Very much.”
He nods slightly, his tongue darting out to lick his lips. I stare at his mouth, remembering how it felt to kiss him, to feel his mouth, his tongue exploring my body.
“I just really love Landmark and this family,yourfamily. I feel like I’m finally making a home there with Dakota.” It comes out in a rush. “My job is great. My divorce is final, and I’m getting on my own two feet, gaining momentum.” I bite my lower lip and take a deep breath, and his eyes flit from my eyes to my mouth, down to my chest and up again. “It’d be crazy to risk all of that for something we can’t possibly know would work.”
I’m quiet for a second and he studies me. When I don’t say anything else, he gives me a tentative nod.
“Okay,” he says.
“Okay?” I repeat.