Page 76 of David's Proposal

He studies my face.

“We’re going to the wedding rehearsal tomorrow. And then to the wedding. It will be impossible to stay away from each other,” he says.

A flush of excitement courses through my veins.

“Are you talking about us or you and Pam?”

He laughs.

“Us. You are funny,” he says.

“So I’ve been told. It’s because of what happened tonight…” I murmur, studying his eyes like they’re collectible art.

“Yes,” he says, a stern expression on his face.

His fingers thread through his hair while his regrets seem genuine.

There were too many people in that hotel.

And what if James or Alexander or even Edward walked into that hotel tonight.

The woman had no clue who I was when she approached him, and I surely could walk away from him like he was nothing to me.

But things would’ve been different if one of his business partners had walked in there.

It’s hard to keep a secret in this town.

Now, thinking about what he just said, things will not be easy at those parties.

It’s not like I expect to spend time with him, but him having that woman there with him is a bitter pill to swallow.

We could always call our deal off.

Then he wouldn’t need some fake company at a wedding, and I wouldn’t have to hide from everybody else.

Nah.

The alternative wouldn’t work.

Meeting in the shadows makes this possible.

He knows it. I know it. There is no pressure. No pestering expectations. No headaches other that the occasional Pam.

Or logistics that suck.

Maybe we should role play something simpler with humbler surroundings, and obviously fewer people.

Hooking up under everybody’s eyes threatens to kill our joy. Making so many people part of our story will eventually backfire.

I never thought things would be so complicated.

“Okay. We can do that,” I say.

His eyes glint with relief.

“Seriously?”

“Yes. You will bring Pam. And I will bring Vale,” I say seriously, although I’m joking, of course.

---