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The photographer moved us closer to Jeff, who was standing with Miley.
Kir asked, “Want to move the trip next weekend to Bora Bora? It’s more hours to get there, but if you have the time?—“
I hugged his arms. “Stop. Mexico is fine. It’s a weekend trip, and I have work on Monday.”
We smiled for the photographer, though I was sure no one would ever see us as the pictures were centered on the bride, groom, and their son. Kir asked, “Are you still worried about getting the promotion?”
I paused, tense. I needed to tell the absolute truth. “Kind of. I want to earn my way. I never wanted to be the girl who sleeps her way to the top.”
He pressed his cheek to mine, and we continued to stare at the camera as he said, “Technically, you’re sleeping with me, and I’m not buying the company.”
“Let’s not talk.” I smiled. My arms grew goose bumps at his description of us.
He probably didn’t have the same feelings I did, and what happened next mattered because it truly could affect my job. My heart thundered. We finished with the photographer. As we walked back to the small party, the music caught my ear.
I tugged Kir’s hand. “Let’s dance.”
“Of course.”
As we stepped back out on the dance floor, and I wrapped my arms around him. “And after… we’ll go back to the room just as we planned.”
“We could?—“
I stopped him and shook my head. “I need to figure out my life and talk to my sister when we get back home.”
He pressed his hand to my waist. “I won’t pressure you for anything ever, Avril.”
I followed his lead. “Because you’re sweet. That’s why I’m here with you.”
“It’s a start.”
That wasn’t quite true. It was all we’d ever be. I knew it, and soon, he would agree that it was all we had. I doubted I’d ever be able to replace him in my life.
Chapter Eighteen
Kir
* * *
I’d never been happier as we left the Sunday-morning brunch and headed out in the limo with Avril’s friends and my brothers. Holding my tongue was hard. I needed to confess how Avril had my heart, but all morning, we’d been busy with the wedding.
As we reached the airport, I waved goodbye, and she hugged everyone but stayed close. As she walked next to me, she asked, “Why aren’t we riding in the plane with the others?”
I let her walk up the stairs of the airplane first. “I thought you’d want to go to New Jersey to see your sister.”
She stepped inside. “This is all so extravagant.”
I kissed her cheek. “Let me spoil you.”
She settled into a leather couch. “I don’t want you to ever think I’m using you.”
I took a deep breath and joined her. Now was the time. I hoped we would drop all pretense and be happy. I met her gaze. “I never would. The truth is, I wanted to talk to you.”
“Got it.” The doors closed, and the pilots locked the cabin door. Once the engine started, she asked, “What’s going on? I think everyone believes us, and everything is going well.”
As we started speeding down the runway, I said, “It is. Avril, the thing is, everything changed for me.”
Her eyes widened, and she placed a hand on my cheek as we ascended into the sky. “Oh no. You’re not happy we bent the rules this weekend?”
