Page 27 of Dirty Intentions

CHAPTER TWELVE

Daniella

I woke up in bed wondering how the hell I’d gotten there. At least it was still on the early side. If the lack of clothing didn’t tip me off that my night with Shane had been real, then the fact I was sore pretty much everywhere confirmed it.

I got up, showered, and pulled myself together. I couldn’t help grinning at the way my night had turned out. But then reality set in. At least a week’s worth of work remained where I had to be around the man. Taking a deep breath, I resolved not to be weird or clingy. I’d had a night I’d never forget. In fact, I wondered if any other man would be able to measure up to the experience. But the time to dwell on that fear would be later, once I was out of Shane’s world and didn’t have to see him every day.

Since I was hoping there would be availability in the hotel next door, I called and was happy to snag an open room. So the first order of business was to pack my things and get my own space. As I lugged my suitcase out to the office, I felt lucky to find Max there, sipping coffee at his desk.

“Where ya going?”

“Next door to the hotel.”

He arched a brow. “Shane know?”

My face scrunched up, expressing my confusion as to why it would matter. “It was the plan all along.”

He relaxed some and got to his feet, giving me his trademark grin. “All right. Let me help you.”

“What in the hell is going on here?”

Shane’s tone and appearance had me at a loss for words.

Luckily, Max didn’t have the same trouble. “Daniella is moving next door to the hotel. Why don’t I go get you checked in and, uh, give you two some privacy?”

Shane simply stood there staring at me until Max disappeared into the elevator heading down. “Why are you moving out?”

“We agreed. The hotel had an opening today. And I thought to give you your room back.”

He moved closer, stopping only a breath away from me. “And it has nothing to do with last night?”

“No, why would it?” I hated the fact my voice went down to an involuntary whisper.

“Not very convincing.” His voice was husky, his eyes intense.

I took a deep breath, far too affected by his presence for my health. This only emphasized why I needed my own space. “It was the original plan, and after last night, I think it might be better to have a separation.”

He lifted a brow. “Are you still okay with working here?”

“Of course.”

My conviction must’ve rung true as he stepped back. “Okay. Good. How’s it going so far?”

I tried not to take it personally that he might be anxious to be rid of me. “All right. I plan on working every day until the New Year except for Sunday. I have a wedding to attend.”

The wedding was for my cousin, who happened to be marrying Eric’s former roommate. Although the last thing I wanted was to see Eric in a social setting, I’d already sent an RSVP and felt an obligation to go. Wasn’t like it was their fault my ex-fiancé was a douche bag.

Shane and I both turned when Heather came up the stairs, calling out. It was a simple reminder that we were never alone in this space.

“Hey, Shane. Oh, hi. You’re not alone. I can come back.”

He frowned. “No, it’s fine. You’ve met Daniella, right?”

She gave me a half-assed smile. Upon meeting me yesterday, she hadn’t been overly friendly. Obviously, that didn’t change even in her boss’s presence.

“Yep, we met. You have a minute?”

Damn. I was being dismissed. “Uh, I can come back.”

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