Page 45 of Fierce-Hyde

Where he’d get drawn into a friend’s texts or conversations and then be late.

Sometimes he had to grow up and just prioritize things and people.

He was trying damn hard to do that.

Her smile widened. “I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to give it one more try. Just going in open-minded. Whatever happens does, and at the end, if it’s not working, then we just agree and be friends?” she asked, putting her hand out to shake.

He didn’t like that she was almost turning this into a business agreement, but he’d have to take what he could.

His hand went into hers, the heat filling his palm and then riding up his arm. “Do you feel that?” he asked. Might as well put it out there.

“I won’t lie and say no,” she said.

But that also meant she didn’t want to admit it and say yes.

“That’s why I want to give it another try.”

“Heat means nothing more than what we agreed to,” she said. “The attraction part.”

“It means more than that if it’s done right and felt strong enough,” he said.

She held his stare. He wasn’t sure what was going through her head and knew it might be best not to ask.

“Then I guess we’ll see what tonight brings,” she said.

“Are you open to me picking the place or would you rather?”

“You can,” she said. “Since this was your idea.”

“I’ll text you soon,” he said, standing up and releasing her hand. He’d bet she had no idea they were still touching each other, but he knew.

When her hand was free she dropped it down fast and flushed.

“I’ll see you later,” she said.

They walked back into the building and he held the door for her. He wanted her to walk ahead of him so he could get a better look at her without her knowing he was doing it.

She was wearing brown fitted pants today that were tight around her ankles and a pair of brown and black printed heels. Her white sweater was close to her body and resting at her waist.

The other day, he’d seen her walking down the hall and her clothing was more flowing as she moved. He liked that she changed up her style but always looked so beautiful and put together to him.

Classic and not as if she was trying hard.

He needed that in his life. Something that felt natural.

“You’re not going to change your mind, are you?”

“Never,” she said, turning her head to look at him. “But that still doesn’t mean it will work.”

“Guess we’ll just have to find out.”

15

FULL OF YOURSELF

She was an idiot for agreeing to this date.

But there was no way she was canceling. Not after he threw it out there as a challenge.

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