Page 88 of The Plus One Contract

“Shake my hand.”

He does, his grip firm.

I close my eyes, steadying myself. “My part of the bargain is done,” I tell him. “Now it’s time for yours.”

I see something in his eyes shift away from the heated stare and more to the professional businessman.

He dips his chin in understanding and shakes my hand before I drop it.

“Goodnight, Sienna,” he says abruptly, breaking the loaded silence.

I swallow past the lump in my throat. “Goodnight, Calloway.”

∞∞∞

Harper:Why are you awake?

Me:I could ask you the same thing. It’s even later in New York.

Harper:Eli took me for dinner, then he had me for dessert, and he went back for seconds.

Me:I’m not sure whether to be grossed out or jealous.

Harper:That answers my other question. I guess you didn’t accidentally trip and fall into his bed?

Me:No. The only bed I’ve fallen into is my own.

Harper:Suspicious. What happened?

Me:Nothing.

Harper:Sienna.

Me:Fine. But first, promise not to freak out.

Harper:Absolutely not. Spill.

Me:Nathan kissed me.

Harper:…

Me:Hello??

Harper:I needed a moment of silence for this information to fully sink in.

Me:Can you be normal for five seconds?

Harper:Okay, I am slightly freaking out, but I mean, he railed you six ways to Sunday not so long ago. What’s the big deal with a kiss?

Me:We have a contract. This is simply a business deal. Kissing, sex… it complicates things.

Harper:Ah, yes. Business. The most professional of relationships always involve torrid sexual history.

Me:Harper!

Harper:He kissed you, and you’re texting me instead of, I don’t know, straddling him in the back of his car?

Me:Seriously, I tried. My mother interrupted.

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