Page 19 of Outspoken Hearts
When we finally break apart, we're both breathing harder. James rests his forehead against mine, his eyes still closed.
"We should probably finish the presentation," he murmurs, though he makes no move to release me.
"Probably," I agree, equally reluctant to step away.
After another moment, he sighs and loosens his hold. "To be continued?"
The promise in those words sends a pleasant shiver through me. "Definitely to be continued."
We turn back to our work, managing somehow to finish our preparations despite the charged atmosphere. As the evening grows later, I reluctantly gather my things.
"I should go. Big day tomorrow."
James walks me to the door. "I'll pick you up at 7:30 for the breakfast? It starts at 8:00, but we should be there early to set up."
"Sounds perfect." I hesitate at the threshold. "James? Thank you."
"For what?"
"For seeing me. The real me. And not running away."
His smile is tender as he leans down for one last kiss. "I'm not going anywhere, Eva. That's a promise."
Driving home with the cool night air, I can't stop smiling. I feel understood. Accepted. Wanted as I am.
Yet beneath the euphoria, caution whispers. I've thought someone truly saw me before, only to discover they loved a version of me that disappointed when reality hit.
What happens when James realizes my passion and intensity aren't just charming, but can be exhausting, overwhelming?
I push these doubts away. Tomorrow we present our vision to the Chamber. Tomorrow we step out publicly as a team.
After that? We'll see if what's between us survives reality.
I want to believe it will. That James means it when he says my too-muchness is exactly what he wants.
But even as I remember his kiss, his gaze that made me feel precious, doubt lingers.
Good things in my life tend to disappear when I start counting on them.
And James might be the best thing ever.
CHAPTER SEVEN
The Chamber breakfast presentation exceeded expectations. Eva was brilliant. Her design passion was obvious throughout. The business community enthusiastically embraced our vision, creating electric energy as we answered questions.
For three days since, Eva and I have been constant companions. Coffee stretches into lunch, late-night calls leave me grinning at my ceiling, and yesterday we had our first proper date: dinner at a small Italian place in the neighboring town for privacy.
I expect the novelty to fade, or my public image concerns to resurface. Instead, each moment with Eva makes me feel more authentic, more myself, more alive.
"Mr. Adams?" Diane's voice pulls me from my thoughts. She stands in the doorway of my office, holding a thick envelope. "This just arrived by courier. Marked urgent."
"Thanks." I take the envelope, noting the logo in the corner: Westcott Media Group, one of the largest communications firms on the East Coast.
Diane lingers, curiosity evident in her expression.
"Anything else?" I ask.
"Your three o'clock canceled. And Eva called while you were in your meeting. Said to tell you she finished the mock-ups for the website and can't wait to show you tonight."
