Page 17 of Hooked On Them

The dress from last night felt like it was judging me as I slipped it back on, the silky fabric catching on my skin like tiny accusatory fingers. I’d slept with Dominic. A player. On my team. The reality of what I’d done crashed over me with the subtlety of a cement truck. Apparently, when I decided to trash my career, I really committed to the cause.

My nose burned with the threat of tears, and I pressed my fingertips against my closed eyelids. How could I have been so careless? Years of hard work demolished in one champagne-soaked night of bad judgment.

Shaking my head at myself, I squared my shoulders and channeled my inner Joan of Arc, minus the whole burning-at-the-stake part. Time to put on my game face and pretend this hadn’t happened.

I crept back into the cabin and picked up my shoes. I decided it would be best to put them on in the hall because I did not want to deal with the awkward morning after with two men. I almost made it to the door when Dominic’s eyes popped open, and I nearly jumped out of my skin as we locked eyes in a silent standoff.

There were probably a million things we should say, but neither of us said a word as I slipped out into the hall. Freedom was within reach, and I steadied myself against the wall to slip on my shoes.

“Nora?”

I paused with my heel halfway on and looked up to find Libby coming out of one of the other rooms. I didn’t know her that well yet, but she was friends with Paige and was also one of the founders of the foundation the charity dinner had been for.

“Uh… hi.” I finished putting on my shoes and smoothed down my dress. “Just woke up and was heading out.”

I flinched as she looked at the door only a few feet away. She had to know that Carter had the key to it, seeing as how she was in a relationship with his best friend.

“We’re going to have breakfast in a bit if you and Carter want to join us.”

“Thank you for the invite, but I need to head out so I’m not late for morning skate.” I glanced at the door, hoping with every fiber of my being that neither man would open it. “Have you and Paige figured out when you’re going to start that book club?”

“We’re currently arguing over which book, but as soon as we decide, we’ll invite people to join.” She started walking with me down the hall, and I sighed in relief because the longer we stayed in front of the door, the more likely it was to open. “I’ll have Paige start a group text.”

“Sounds great.” I gave her a quick parting hug as we got to the doors leading out onto the deck. Any other day, I would have stayed for breakfast, but time and my pride were not on my side.

As soon as I was outside, I quickened my retreat, my heels clicking against the deck like a metronome counting down the seconds until I could escape this floating monument to my poor choices. But at least those poor choices had led to multiple orgasms and a delicious ache between my legs.

There were a few more steps to freedom. I could see the gangway, my gateway to pretending none of this had happened. Maybe if I walked fast enough, I could outrun my conscience.

“Nora! Wait up!”

Crap. Double crap with a side of more crap. The universe really had it out for me this morning, didn’t it?

For a split second, I considered pretending I hadn’t heard Carter’s voice calling after me. But unless I suddenly developed the ability to teleport, there was no graceful way to avoid this conversation.

I turned around, plastering on what I hoped was a casual smile rather than the grimace it felt like. My facial muscles strained with the effort. “Good morning.”

Carter jogged up to me, looking unfairly perfect for someone who’d gotten as little sleep as I had. His hair was mussed, he’d thrown on only his pants, and hadn’t bothered with shoes.

In the daylight and sober, he was even more attractive. There was a hint of ab muscles showing, and the light trail of dark hair leading into his pants almost made me forget about my carefully crafted hookup rules.

Almost.

“Hey.” He stopped just out of reach, and my traitorous body betrayed me by leaning forward slightly, like a sun-deprived leaf seeking sunlight. “I wanted to catch you before you left. You didn’t have to run off so quickly.”

“Oh?” I tried for nonchalant, but my voice came out squeakier than a mouse in a cheese factory. I cleared my throat, trying to hide the effect he had on me. “I have a tight schedule and didn’t want to wake you.”

He stepped closer, concern etching lines between his brows. “Are you okay? About everything that happened?”

The genuine worry in his voice made something twist in my chest. Why did he have to be so nice? It would be so much easier if he were an entitled prick I could dismiss without a second thought. But no, he had to go and be thoughtful and considerate on top of everything else.

“I’m fine.” I fiddled with the strap of my purse. “Really. Last night was...” Amazing? Mind-blowing? Career-ending? A lapse in judgment that felt way too good to regret? “...fun.”

A slow smile spread across his face, making his blue eyes crinkle at the corners. “That’s one way to put it.” He reached into his back pocket and pulled out his phone. “I realized I didn’t get your number. I’d love to take you to dinner sometime. I know this amazing little Italian place that serves the best garlic knots.”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea.” I felt like a complete asshole when his smile faltered.

He rubbed his jaw, looking confused. “Because of Dominic?”

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