Page 23 of Out of the Dark

Maybe I just need to go to the gym more and blow off steam that way.

My phone lights up, giving me a welcome distraction. Shane.

"Hello again," I say in greeting, feeling a little more lighthearted since our conversation earlier.

"Hey, sorry I had to cut our call short earlier. Dani needed my help with something."

"Is that code for sex? Because I really don’t need to know that."

He chuckles. "No. Not this time, anyway. But since we’re on the topic of women…"

Here we go.

"Seriously, what’s up with having this girl live with you? This goes against everything you stand for." He says it as a joke, but both of us know there’s a hint of truth to his words.

"I already told you what’s going on with her. I haven’t so much as touched her."

Shane chuckles. "I’m just surprised you’ve lasted this longliving with anyone, let alone a pretty stranger. It’s not like you."

"It’s platonic," I argue. "That’s why it works."

"So you’re telling me you’re not attracted to her at all?"

I sigh, and Shane’s laughter only grows. "That’s what I thought."

A smile pulls at the corners of my mouth. "Do you have a point, or are you just calling to be a pain in the ass?"

"I actually did call with a purpose. I have two invites for you. Number one, I’m inviting you and Claire to our New Year’s Eve party, and I’ve also already accepted the invitation on your behalf, because you have to be there."

"Naturally," I chuckle.

"I was also wondering if you’d want to take a trip to Hawaii at the end of March. Figured you could use a break from work, and Dani and I need to nail down some wedding details that we didn’t get to this time around. I’d pay, of course."

It doesn’t take much for me to consider the offer. "Yeah, that would be nice. Feels like we haven’t seen each other much lately." I might be a third wheel, but I’ll happily accept that awkward role if it allows me a free trip to Hawaii.

Shane’s tone softens. "You’re right. Sorry about that. Life’s been hectic. But hey, by the way, if you want to bring your not-girlfriend on the trip, you’re welcome to."

"That’s not a thing. So no." I’m careful with my words now, knowing from experience that Claire might overhear.

"Don’t say I didn’t offer."

We eventually wrap up the conversation after I catch Shane up on most of the details of what’s happened with Claire—even though he’s being annoying about it, he’s still my best friend. As I hang up, I lean back in my chair and take along, deep breath before slowly exhaling.

A vacation is exactly what I need. And Shane footing the bill doesn’t bother me much; the guy has more money than he knows what to do with. My income is more than comfortable, but it doesn’t come close to touching his.

For a brief moment, I allow myself to get lost in the fantasy of bringing Claire along for the vacation. I wonder if she’s ever been to the beach. Would it be a brand new experience for her, lighting up her expression the way filling out the college application did earlier? It was the first time since she’s been here that I’ve seen pure, unadulterated joy on her face, and it tugged at my heart. I wanted to wrap her up in my arms and celebrate with her.

No. I shake the thought away. She’s sweet, sure, but this isn’t the kind of risk I can afford to take. The last few days have already felt too dangerous, filled with stolen glances and moments that linger just a little too long. Claire doesn’t know what she needs from a relationship yet, and she’s likely latching onto me because I’m the first man to show her basic decency based on the little I know of her past.

This is just a stepping stone for her. She needs freedom, not a man like me. And I need to remember that my relationships have always been simple—no strings attached, no feelings—and I’m not about to complicate that. It’s my one rule, and breaking it for Claire would be a disaster for both of us.

I can’t afford to hurt her. But I can’t afford to hurt myself, either.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

CLAIRE

When Mark asked me to attend his best friend’s New Year’s Eve party, I had immediately fallen into a tailspin of panic. I don’t have any clothes suitable for a party, and I surely don’t have the social skills to impress Mark’s freakin’ billionaire best friend or his fiancée.

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