Page 30 of Charming Deception

He seems to consider that for a moment. “Well, that’s shitty.”

“Is it?”

He sips his champagne. He’s barely drunk a single glass.

I’m on at least my third.

“Does he love her back?”

“Yes. He falls in love with her, too. He knows when he takes her virginity that he’s basically signed his own death warrant. Even if he delivers her, if her new husband finds out…” I shrug. “But he takes the risk for her.”

“How does it happen?”

Oh, sweet Jesus.

I’m pretty sure I won’t be able to look away from Jameson’s suddenly half-lidded eyes if my brother walks right into the middle of this. Or live monkeys fall from the sky.

The words spill right out of my mouth.

“On a cold night, in a cave by a fire, wrapped in animal fur. She’s very curious. Like I said, she was sheltered. And Wolf opens up the world for her without meaning to. He’s her guide on this dangerous journey, and she grows to trust him. And she drills him with questions about sex. He tries to resist her, but it’s sort of futile. She’s pretty charming.”

Jameson doesn’t even blink as he drinks that in. “So, it’s a romance?”

I shrug uneasily.

“It’s part fantasy and part steampunk and part epic journey of survival. It’s a mash-up of genres, which I find really fun to write. Romance, though…” I stare at my champagne, avoiding those light-blue eyes. “I don’t know. I haven’t decided yet if it has a happy ending.”

* * *

“I’ll walk you inside.”

It’s getting late, and as we head into the house, Jameson unnecessarily moves a chair out of my way.

I’m warm from all the liquor and good food, and his attention. He falls into step behind me, and I’m hyperaware of his presence, even though I can’t see him.

Why do I feel, again, like I’m on some bizarre first date?

He’s so quiet as we walk across the living room. I can’t hear my brother. The house is silent.

“Well, thank you for everything.” I don’t know what else to say. I need sleep. I’ll be thinking more clearly in the morning.

Maybe he isn’t even that hot.

I glance at him.

Fuck. He’s beautiful.

Does he routinely go shirtless in his house?

Am I gonna get fired for licking him without meaning to?

“Last chance, okay? If you’re uncomfortable with me taking the gardening job, or regretting the offer?—”

“The job is yours.” His firm tone tells me there’ll be no swaying that decision.

“Okay. I can’t really tell you how much it means to me. It’s been a long day. Maybe I’ll find the words tomorrow.”

“You don’t have to say anything. It’s for Cole. He asked, I’m happy to say yes.”

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