The question hung between us in the twenty-eighth-floor corridor.
"Would you like me to stay?"
My first instinct screamed yes.
My second instinct, which occasionally possessed common sense, reminded me we'd kissed exactly twice.
We weren't officially dating. Augustus was still my boss. And although I'd known him nearly my entire life, inviting him into my bedroom felt like crossing a border neither of us had mapped.
"I think," I began, clutching my key card, "I'd rather be alone tonight."
"Of course." He stepped back, giving me room to enter. "Thank you for telling me."
"It's not that I don't enjoy your company."
"I know." His smile was gentle. "Goodnight, Juliette."
"Goodnight."
I closed the door and immediately leaned against it.
Well, that went well.
I'd negotiated with Meridian's regional executives that afternoon without breaking a sweat. Apparently, declining one handsome man required every functioning nerve in my body.
Had I actually wanted to be alone?
