Page 18 of Obsessed with my Guardian

He strokes my cheek, and a delicious smile spreads across his handsome face. I bask in his beauty and take a dangerous dive into the pool of his eyes. This shared glance is like healthy food for my soul, energizing me. I know some people might judge us, but I can’t.

“You know… we have to be careful from now on,” he says, breaking the silence.

I lift an eyebrow. “What do you mean, careful?”

“Well, at the gym and stuff… I don’t want anyone to think we slept together. You’re the heiress, and that wouldn’t be a good look.”

I swallow and remind myself he’s being protective. I agree. I don’t need my employees and managers thinking I’m sleeping with my former guardian and coworker. It’s hard enough to be a woman in a position of power in the workplace, especially one I inherited. That’s all he means, right? Unless…

My heart shrinks. Unless he doesn’t want to make himself look bad. Or perhaps he’s ensuring I don’t get my hopes up by thinking this is permanent.

Of course.

I sit on the bed, crossing one leg over the other, and pull the sheet over me. I still want him, but maybe I should leave? After all, I’m in his bedroom. I don’t want to come across as clingy. I may not know much about relationships, but I imagine a non-committal man wouldn’t want someone sleeping in his bed the first time they have sex.

Though is he truly against commitment? Or just a potential commitment with me?Jeez, slow down, girl.A small voice inside me pleas. I should listen.

“What’s wrong?” he asks, peering up at me.

“Nothing.” I shake my hand, clapping my hands. “Well, this has been amazing, but I should probably go back to my room to give you some space.”

He grabs my wrist to keep me from moving. “Hold on. Space?”

I nod nervously. “I’m assuming you want me gone?”

He frowns. “Why would you think that?”

“I don’t know… my friend also said that guys don’t like clingy girls.”Sorry, but you’re taking the fall for this one, Tori.

He loosens his hold on my wrist, making an invisible circular pattern that sends delicious thrills up my arm. “Your friend has all kinds of advice, doesn’t she?”

“Tori is watching out for me.” I shrug.

He kisses my wrist, and delicious little thrills shoot up my arm. “Why don’t we talk to each other? So no stone is left unturned?”

“Total honesty? Like when you told Linda to break things to me, so I’d understand?” I say before I think twice about my words. I guess a part of me is still holding onto that grudge, but now is the wrong time to bring it up. Embarrassment spreads through me. Shit. Now he wants me gone, and I can’t blame him.

He props himself on his elbows and sits next to me. “You’re right. That was a bad move.”

A wave of relief washes over me. “Thanks.”

“What I meant to say is we should tread carefully around others. I don’t know what’s happening between us, but I don’t want it to end. Not yet. I’d like to explore it without having to deal with people’s opinions and snarky remarks.”

My heart slams against my ribcage.I don’t want it to end. Not yet. His words echo in my ears. Hell, I don’t want it to end either. Ever. But for now, hisnot yethas to suffice. “I agree.”

“Good.” He picks a loose strand of my hair and tucks it behind my ear. “Because our version of Twister is far from over.”

12

Eloise

“More champagne?”asked the gloved server as he lifted the bottle of Veuve Clicquot.

“Please.” I tilt my glass as he pours in the bubbly, then quietly scurries away. I take it to my mouth, my lips hovering over the edge as I scan the room.

I shouldn’t be drinking alcohol, but I don’t think anyone in this massive, elegant three-story home is paying attention. The scent of freshly cooked hors d'oeuvres and expensive perfume linger in the air. There’s a mix of attractive men in their forties and fifties and women of different ages and backgrounds. All of them are dressed to the nines, with small groups in several areas of the living room. The guests talk, laugh, and exchange pleasantries.

When Reed invited me to come with him for a business dinner, I expected it to be at a restaurant with only a few people. But we’ve been here for a couple of hours, and to his credit, until he got called away a few minutes ago, he’s stayed by my side, ensuring I’m comfortable most of the time.

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