Page 84 of One Midnight Kiss

I felt a strange twist in my chest. I had seen flashes of Fox’s generosity before, but he always downplayed it, acted like it wasn’t a big deal. He didn’t even realize how kind he was, how deeply he cared about the people who worked for him.

Fox caught my eye from across the room, his lips quirking up into a smile when he saw me watching him.

“Just remember what I said,” Jerrod said. “He’s strong but he’s not unbreakable.”

Jerrod walked away, leaving me alone to watch Fox. I sipped my champagne, mulling over Jerrod’s words. Fox looked at me again before he excused himself from the group and made his way over, his presence commanding even in the crowded bar.

“You enjoying yourself?” he asked, stopping just a few inches away from me. His gaze was warm, almost tender, and it made my pulse race.

“I am,” I said softly. “You?”

“I am now,” he said, his voice low enough that only I could hear it.

I felt a blush rise to my cheeks, and I couldn’t help but smile. “Will you come home with me tonight?” The question was out before I could second-guess it. It felt bold, reckless, but I couldn’t stop myself.

Fox’s eyes darkened, a flicker of surprise crossing his features. “I will, if you give me your number.”

I laughed, rolling my eyes. “We’re really still doing this?”

“You’re the one who started this game,” he reminded me, leaning in closer. “But I’m happy to play it as long as it takes.”

I hesitated, spinning the ring on my finger—a constant reminder of the lie we’d built together. I knew I should just give him my number, let this thing between us become real. But I was afraid. Afraid that once I did, I would lose whatever fragile thing we had. It would crumble under the weight of reality. The fantasy world was a lot easier to live in.

“What if I make you a deal instead?” I said, meeting his gaze head on. “Be my date to my company’s Christmas party tomorrow night. And then I’ll consider it.”

Fox’s smile was slow, almost lazy, like he was savoring the moment. “Deal.”

He surprised me then by brushing a soft kiss to my forehead, a simple gesture that felt far more intimate than any kiss on the lips. My heart squeezed, the ache of something I couldn’t name spreading through my chest.

I should just give him my number. This game has gone on for too long, hasn’t it?

But I felt like once I did, I might lose whatever this was between us, the thing I’d been trying not to acknowledge.

That I was falling in love with him.

I just didn’t know how to be like I was before Andrew. I was terrified to fully trust him, to let him in. I really didn’t want to go through that kind of hell again.