Page 20 of Unbound Boxset

“Oops, sorry!”

Grant turned toward the door as a tall man with sandy-colored hair stood before them. He looked caught off guard, then instantly curious. Grant knew immediately they’d been lovers. When his gaze swung to hers, a wall slammed between them, as if she was afraid Grant would guess and judge her for it.

Or as if she was hiding something.

He pushed the thought away and concentrated on being polite as she introduced him.

“So, you’re the yoga guy,” Tim said. Grant almost winced at the awful term but managed to nod. “I thought so. Maybe all that deep breathing was worth it after all. Some promotion, huh?”

Ariel winced, then seemed to force a smile. “I didn’t tell him yet, Tim.”

“Crap. Sorry, again. Didn’t mean to interrupt, just wanted to see if you were pulling in Cindy to work with us tonight.”

“Sure, I’m up for some brainstorming.”

“Done.” He gave a polite nod. “Nice to meet you.”

Grant watched the man stride out in his perfectly tailored suit and decided he didn’t like him. He studied Ariel, who looked way too interested in finding the perfect black olive, and suspected something was wrong.

“Promotion?”

Her laugh seemed forced. “Yes, I didn’t get to tell you. Seems the Rosebud account got me the recognition I wanted. They’re moving me up the ranks.”

He pondered her statement and made sure he spoke mildly. “You don’t seem too excited about it.”

Her gaze swung up and locked on his. His gut clenched with anticipation for something she would say, something disturbing, something that might change his life. But she only smiled, soft and slightly sad. “I am excited. I just found out a few hours ago so I think I’m in shock.”

“It’s a big deal, isn’t it?”

Ariel nodded. “I get to head the account. I’ll be working on a Super Bowl ad, so yes, it’s a big deal.”

“Then we’re going to celebrate. I’m taking you out tomorrow night, if you’re free of course.”

“I’m not.”

“Hot date?”

“Yoga class,” she said.

He moved in and pulled her onto his lap. She expected a kiss, but he managed to tickle her tummy and made her squeal out in surprise. “Cancel it,” he ordered. “Come out with me instead.”

She agreed and his mouth came down on hers.

Ariel expected dark passion and received sweetness. His lips sipped at hers, then dipped inside to play. His tongue stroked her with a heavy languor that made her limbs melt. He explored the satiny wetness of every inch of her mouth before he slowly broke away. She let a sigh of satisfaction slip from her lips. “Okay, we’ll compromise. Class first, then dinner,” she said.

“You drive a hard bargain.”

Her hand slipped from his neck to between his legs to find him pulsing and ready. She squeezed and gave him a wicked smile. “No, but you certainly do.”

He threw back his head and laughed. “You’re a hell of a woman, Ariel.”

For one brief moment, the energy shifted in the room. An unanswered statement; a question, hung heavily in the air. She felt as if she was drowning in the dark inkiness of his eyes, pulling her downward, urging her to tell him the truth.

She was in love with him.

She was moving to Chicago.

Ariel swallowed the words and deliberately slid back a few inches, letting her hand drop from his body. Grant seemed to sense her decision and allowed his gaze to cool; allowed her to separate from him. For now.

But she knew it was a warning.

The truth would be coming soon. She only wanted to enjoy being with him a little longer without complications. Without decisions or regret straining the connection that burned so hot and bright. Maybe they’d be able to figure out a way to stay together.

She just needed more time.

“I better go. You have work to do.” Grant rose and packed up the basket, kissed her goodbye and left. Ariel stared at the closed door for a long time before forcing herself back to work.