Page 45 of Privileged (Adrenalin)

“It’s not ideal foryou. For him it’s inconsequential.” He shakes his head like he’s daring me to object.

“We talked about it and agreed that whatever happens between us will have no impact on our work. Besides, weren’t you the one whosaid a guy doesn’t look at a man the way he looks at me unless he wants him?” I cross my arms in front of my chest, so I don’t flail them around and draw attention to us.

“I did say that, but that wasn’t an endorsement, just an observation. Look,” he sighs, “there’s obviously some serious chemistry between you, and all kidding aside you seem like you might like him, so I’m happy for you. I just want you to be careful. Sleeping with the boss is dangerous, no matter how much you want to believe it isn’t.”

“Even when it isn’t just sex?” I hold my breath.

“Is it more than that?” he asks after a prolonged pause.

“Yes.” I let my arms fall to my lap. “I don’t know what yet, but yes. Neither of us would go down this path otherwise.”

“If that’s true, why keep things a secret?” Lennon doesn’t take his watchful eyes off me even as he sips his coffee.

“Because I don’t want to give anyone the impression I’m sleeping my way to the job I want.”

“The secrecy is your idea?” Lennon’s mouth drops open.

“It’s mutual, but I’m more sensitive to how it looks than he is, especially since Finn works for him too. I guess in a way that makes it my idea.”

Lennon offers me a weak smile. “I know you’ve only been here a year, but that’s long enough for most people to realize you wouldn’t use sex to get a job.”

“Maybe not, but that doesn’t mean people won’t talk.”

“You picked the wrong town if you’re worried about that,” he chuckles without any humor. “Seriously though, anytime someone says,‘Oh wow, Sloan and Carter,’ it will quickly be followed by, ‘What a cute couple.”’

“I think it’s more likely people will say, ‘Is he out of his mind?’Especially my sister andher husband.”

“Maybe that would change if you can get Carter to share his plans for the resort with the rest of us.” Lennon’s tone suggests he’s trying to be supportive, though there’s more than a little truth behind his statement. Everyone is wondering what the plans are since the resort is so critical to the town.

I could tell him that Carter and Finn have talked, but that would only open a door that I’m not in any position to walk him through. Not when the things I know were said to me in confidence. “I’m sure when he’s got something to share, he will,” I say, diplomatically.

He holds my gaze for a minute, almost like there’s something else he wants to say. Instead, he offers another weak smile. “Your secret is safe with me until you’re ready to share it.”

“Thank you,” I sigh just as Beck bounds over to the table with a couple of iced teas.

“Carter, huh?” He bumps my hip as he slides into the booth next to me, eyes sparkling as he reaches past me for the sugar.

“Nothing to see here,” Lennon says wryly. “I’ve already given him the third degree.”

“Oh.” His face falls. “I was wondering if he was Mr. Tent Pole.”

Lennon chokes on his coffee. “Please don’t say that in front of me. I don’t want to know who you’re fantasizing about.”

“Who said anything about fantasizing? The man’s hot but he’s too old for me. I’m speculating on Sloan’s behalf.”

I shake my head, carefully avoiding Lennon’s eyes. “I just found a Spiderman substitute for Blake. Besides, he’s technically my boss.”

“Pity.” Beck shrugs. “I bet that guy can pitch one hell of a tent.” Fortunately, he’s too busy adding sugar to his tea to notice the look Lennon and I exchange.

Chapter sixteen

Carter

The quiet I used to love in the morning suddenly feels depressing.

Last week, it represented a moment of peace. A calm before the trials of the resort officially landed in my lap for the day. Today, it represents isolation.Loneliness. Odd how that happened so quickly.

It only took one time, waking up to the sound of Sloan breathing quietly next to me, to get hooked. Now, I’m craving the sweet echo of the shower down the hall as I cook breakfast. The soft padding of his footsteps as he makes his way to the kitchen. The gratefulmmmas the scent of bacon and eggs hits his nose. Instead, all I hear is the sizzle of the pan in front of me.

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