Page 74 of Betrayed

“He’d ask if I wanted ‘company’ to different events. I took him up on it once, but he kept calling it a date. It took weeks of me reminding him it wasn’t before he finally stopped.” I shrugged. “I never accepted again.”

“He’s a piece of work.”

AJ wasn’t entirely wrong. I tried to be a good friend to Danny, but he was selfish, which made it hard.

“Most of my other friends are really just acquaintances. People I know from school or friends of the family.” I thought about it. “Not even that anymore, Priscilla wants them all to herself.”

“She’s the epitome of the ‘wicked step-mother’ archetype.” AJ chuckled.

I laughed so I wouldn’t cry. He was right, and I wanted to hate him for saying it. For seeing it. Seeing me.

Instead, I felt drawn to him.

What would it be like to kiss him?

I released my legs and changed my position, so I was on my knees and sitting on my heels. I stared into AJ’s dark eyes, looking for answers.

His gaze flicked to my lips, my breasts, my hips, and then back up. His desire was unmistakable, but there was something else. Doubt. Hesitation. There were probably rules about getting involved with a client.

I leaned forward, balancing myself on my hands. Could I do this?Can I lean forward and kiss him?

Emotion warred in AJ’s unblinking eyes as he held his breath.

I’ll tell him it’s okay. I won’t let him get in trouble.

I put a hand on his shoulder and closed the last bit of distance between us.

Before our lips touched, AJ turned his head away and gently pushed me back on my heels.

Oh my fucking God. I totally misread the situation.I’m such an idiot. A guy like him would never be attracted to a woman like me.I bet he has a string of gym-going gun-toting women on speed dial.

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have,” I whispered as I inched away from him, shifting so I could hug my knees again.

“Blake-”

“No, I get it. You’re not attracted to me. It’s fine.”I will not cry.

“Hell no, that’s not it.”

What?

“Then why? Is it because you don’t like me?”

“I do.” AJ leaned forward and held one of my hands in both of his. “I don’t just like you, Blake. I love you. But I can’t let this happen.”

Wait, what?

He loves me? That makes zero sense.

Before I could voice my confusion, he continued, “I don’t want you to do something you’ll regret tomorrow.” I shook my headback and forth. “Blake, the only reason you want to kiss me right now is because you’re scared and overwhelmed.”

“Right. Whatever. Being scared doesn’t make you want to kiss someone.” It was hard to keep the hurt out of my voice.Butcould it be true?

“Actually, it can,” AJ said.

I barely heard his explanation because I was too busy thinking about what he’d just said.

My plan to ask him about his declaration in a calm, rational manner flew out the window when I blurted out, “Did you just say you love me?”

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