Page 58 of The Sinner's Sanctuary

Christian nods like he’s with me so far. With the sun behind his head, the blonde halo around him reminds of an eclipse. I can’t entirely make out his features, and that makes this conversation somewhat easier, but I feel paper-thin. Transparent. Myneed written all over me. “That being said, I’d absolutely want to be the one to do it.”

“How would that work?”

“I guess we’d need to compartmentalize.”

“Well, we have the work schedule figured out,” he says.

“True, and we’re getting to know each other better now, if I’m not misreading the situation.”

“Is it better to schedule scenes or let them happen organically?” Christian asks.

I can’t help my smile. “In our case? I think scheduling would work best.”

“That seems wise.”

I run a hand through my hair. “None of this seems wise.”

“Doable, then?”

I let out a short laugh. “Until it isn’t.”

“Why you?” he asks.

Because I know exactly what you need.

I press my lips together and pick up my champagne, wishing it were something stronger. “Would you prefer I choose someone else for you?”

“That’s a bossy suggestion.”

I drain my glass. “See? I’ve started already. Might as well let me finish the job.”

“Tonight?”

“Jesus, no. You need to think about this.Ineed to think about this. It’s one thing when I’m sitting here staring at you, but it might be another when I wake up tomorrow and come to my senses. You’re a flirt.”

“I am not,” he says, surprised.

“You don’twantsomeone else. Do you?”

He shakes his head.

“It’s all right. I only feel slightly manipulated.”

The sun has moved enough by now that I see his smile. “We should probably eat.”

“I’m not sure I can,” he says.

“Are you feeling okay?”

“I’m a little on edge.”

“By all means.” I wave at the champagne bottle. “Have another drink.”

“It’s out.”

“Ah.”

“I have some tequila in my apartment,” he says. “You probably want to go to the club.”

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