Page 27 of Succumbed

She gives me a sideways glare. “Off the record, you’re my favorite client. For this moment.”

My eyebrows rise and I puff out my chest. “That’s a pretty long list of people, isn’t it? You sure I can’t tell Dec? He’d be so proud.”

Lex snorts, then bursts out laughing at herself, her eyes wide with surprise.

“The venerable Lex Livingston snorts?! I did not have that on my Bingo card, ladies and gentlemen. That is truly unexpected.”

She’s laughing so hard I worry she’ll topple right off her stool. As I dash around the island to catch her, she grabs onto the counter and rights herself. Her shocked expression sends me doubling over with laughter, which makes her giggles start right back up. By the time I come up for air, I have no idea where the night is headed. But I am here for this ride, wherever it goes.

“So, did you tell me the whole story earlier? Or are there sordid details about Anne-Marie you left out?”

Her expression is teasing, but I feel a twinge of guilt over the one thing I haven’t divulged.

“Uh oh,” she says, reading my expression. “Oh, don’t tell me you were together?” She makes a face like she’s tasting something sour.

“Oh god, no. One night, years ago, right when we met.” I wave it off. “Once I introduced her to the guys, it was all business between us.”

She narrows her eyes playfully as she eats her first rangoon. “Likely story.”

I put my left hand up and place my right over my heart. “I swear.”

Her indulgent little smile soothes my worry over the confession.

“And how about now…any relationships or situationships?” Her voice is light, but I see a flash of vulnerability in her eyes as she glances up from her plate.

“No, none. Well, other than the one I’m hoping you’re about to propose with your list of rules.”

“I see.” She takes another rangoon. “None for me, either. If you were curious.”

“I was. I am. Curious.”

She takes a long sip, then sets the wine glass down and slides off her stool. As she walks around the island toward me, my whole body tightens, my fingers flexing with want. She stops a few steps away from me, just out of reach.

“I don’t do strings.”

Thank god. Her fingers drop to the hem of her shirt, playing with the material. It takes physical effort to drag my eyes back to her face.

“I don’t either.” This can totally be just a physical thing. Two consenting adults, right?

“Good,” she murmurs. “What happens between us stays between us.”

Ehhhh. “I’m not a good liar, Lex, especially not with the guys. If they ask, I won’t stand a chance.”

Her mouth curves in one corner, and I want to lick the expression right off her face. “I can live with that. No broadcasting, but no lying.”

“Deal. That it?”

“Keep it professional. I won’t risk anything happening at Athena or on company time.”

My eyes brighten. “So we’re talking more than just tonight.”

She flushes and looks away, her lips twitching up. “Maybe. We’ll see.”

She wants me. I fight back the desire to pound my chest and crow at the sky. The fact this incredible woman chose me is worth celebrating, but I don’t need to be a Neanderthal about it.

“You done?” My voice is all gravel.

She inclines her head, fingers still toying with the hem of her shirt.

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