Page 119 of One Big Little Secret

“We’ll get into the real meat tomorrow, but remember, it’s more about networking than anything else.” He shrugs. “Next stop: Antelope Canyon. We have just enough daylight.”

Back in our room, I change into capris and a cardigan. It’s cool enough here, but a far cry from the winters back home.

“So, I know this might sound strange, but being hit on isn’t the huge compliment you think it is.”

His mouth curls into a smile. “I’ve never seen anyone fight so hard to run away from being the most interesting person in the room.”

“…I don’t know if you mean I’m interesting because of my appearance or because I’m with you. Neither of them are that appealing. I’d like to have a few more in-depth conversations if possible. I came here to learn, remember?”

“You will,” he promises. His tone is good-natured, and when he flashes me another grin—not one of those awful forced smiles—I can’t help smiling back.

That is, until I remember how it felt to wake up in his arms this morning.

God, I’m so confused.

This place may look like heaven, but surviving the rest of this long weekend promises pure hell. Especially at night.

How do I keep my distance when he’s close enough to breathe? When I can’t help accidentally rolling into his arms?

“So, Antelope Canyon? The couple who mentioned it this morning made it sound like a big deal.”

“It’s worth the drive,” he says. “If you’ve ever wanted to visit another planet, this place is the closest thing.”

“Sold. I don’t get out enough. I can still count the national parks I’ve visited on one hand.” My throat pinches.

I really don’t want to explain why, how crappy my parents could be growing up, alternating between controlling tendencies and barely checking in on my life.

I also regret not bringing Arlo along for the ride. But that’s why I came, isn’t it? Not for sightseeing or to act out dumb roles with my boss, but so I can arm myself with a few more tools to give us a financial leg up.

Someday, when the money comes, I’ll bring my son wherever I please. And if Patton Rory’s knowledge and reputation helps me get closer to that, I can make peace with leaning on Lucifer later.

It’s weird.

Being in a car with him for the hour-plus drive somehow feels more intimate than sharing a bed. I know that makes no sense. Maybe it’s because we’re wide awake and we should be making conversation.

His rental car has all kinds of advanced cruise control features, this hybrid SUV that drips expensive, and it lets him safely drive it down the highway with one hand.

His other hand sits between us the entire way, close enough to touch.

Close enough so I can see every detail.

Freckles, scars, blemishes.

The masculine bulge of his forearm, the path of his veins. I don’t usually find veins interesting, but his are like a map I could study all day.

Ugh.

I’ve never felt this before.

I don’t like it.

This man radiates an unsettling magnetism that flips my heart like a pancake. The way I could stare at every part of him and feel like I’m still finding something new every time…

Insane.

It defies all logic, and a twisted little part of me loves that it does.

The fact that he’s calling me Lady Bug on top of everything else doesn’t help, pulling me back to a time when life and love were endless possibilities.

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