Page 26 of False Start, Real Passion

He covers my hand with his, his skin hot against mine. “We already have. And don’t say it’s because this is fake. We both know it stopped being pretend weeks ago.”

“It’s a bad idea. We work together. It’ll get messy.”

“Messy can be fun.” His thumb strokes my hip, igniting sparks beneath my skin. “Come on, Michaels. Take a risk. Gamble on me.”

“Tori,” he says again, my name a dare, a plea, a lifeline.

He wants me.

He wants us.

And damn it, I do too.

He tells me to take a chance, to take it now, and all I can think about is the way his mouth would feel on mine, the way I let myself imagine it, the way it’s already a part of me.

I don’t say yes. I don’t need to.

I let my actions speak, let my body answer for the weak, unraveling parts of me that should have given in a long time ago.

This man, this infuriating, incredible man, could destroy me. But as his lips hover over mine, as his body molds to me in the dark, I find myself thinking that maybe, just maybe, he might be worth the fall.

Chapter seven

The Kiss that Changes Everything

Mylaptopscreenfillswith photo after photo of Jaxon’s lips sealed over mine in a kiss.

God, that retreat certainly lived up to the hype.

I scroll faster through the endless headlines: Touchdown for True Love? Jaxon Scores Off-Field! Quarterback Sacks Rumors with Passionate PDA.

I had to remind myself that it was all just smoke and mirrors. Strategic PR, nothing more. Just as I click to the next tabloid story, a familiar chuckle rumbles through my office.

“Admiring our handiwork, Michaels?” Jaxon strolls in like he owns the place, signature smirk firmly in place as he perches on the edge of my desk. Too close. I can smell his cologne, fresh and woodsy.

“It was quite the performance,” I counter, leaning back in my chair to put some much-needed distance between us. “The media is eating it up.”

“Performance, huh? It didn’t feel like acting to me. In fact, I’d say we nailed that kiss at the retreat. Lots of...chemistry.”

“It was PR practice, Jaxon. Don’t let it go to your head.” I try to remain professional but damn it, my cheeks flush hot under his gaze.

“And what about the cabin?” He leans forward and his fingers graze my knee. “Practice makes perfect, right? Maybe we should rehearse more often.”

I swat his hand away, ignoring the electric tingle his touch leaves behind. “In your dreams, Reid.”

“Oh, you have no idea.”

Standing abruptly, I smooth my pencil skirt and reach for a stack of papers. “If you’ll excuse me, I have real work to do. Like making sure your image stays squeaky clean for the rest of the season.”

“Whatever you say. Just remember...” He leans in close and his hot breath tickles my ear. “That consummation was only the beginning.”

Consummation? CONSUMMATION?! I feel my heart race in my chest. “This is pure business. Remember that.”

Maybe I need to remember that.

I move onto the next business at hand. “Here.” I slide a glossy invitation across my desk in his direction.

“What is it?”

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