Page 103 of Can't Get Enough

I’m in a relationship.

“Just somewhere together before you’re gone for six weeks,” he says, interrupting my internal meltdown.

“All right.”

“This,” he says, waving a hand between us, “is very new. I want a little time before you have to lock in at your mom’s. I know that’s going to carry some stress. I’d love for you to have some time to relax before that happens.”

He cups my face and drops a kiss to my lips. “Before you have to take care of her, let me take care of you a little.”

This is what most women dream of. A handsome billionaire to sweep them off their feet and whisk them away. I’m equal parts thrilled… and slightly terrified. I went from not even sure I’d give him a real chance last night to us spending the next week together? This is fast. Not just our plans, but what this feels like. How solid and anchored things seem between us already. My heart pulls me forward, racing ahead with a recklessness that kind of scares me. My head says slow things down.

Manage expectations. Measure the risk. Weigh the consequences of giving him so much so fast.

“Can I think about it?” I ask.

He smooths over his disappointment quickly, but not before I catch it in the way he hoods his eyes and tightens his mouth. “Of course. I just thought if we—”

“It’s a good thought,” I rush to say. “But I want to make sure it’s the right thing to do right now. For me. Is that okay?”

His expression softens with what I hope is understanding. “Yeah. I don’t mean to rush you. We found each other at a weird time. I was barely out of my relationship with Zere when we met.”

“Yeah.”

“I know in some ways it feels like bad timing, but it’s the best.” He lifts my chin with one finger so our eyes meet. “I can’t imagine meeting you when I was still with her. Nowthatwould have been messy because I’ve felt drawn to you from the moment we met. I would nothave cheated on Zee, but I don’t think I could have ignored what’s between us.”

I’ve never been one to cheat, to steal another woman’s partner, but the temptation would have been so strong. I’m glad we weren’t tested that way. The test that still lies ahead of us is bad enough.

“You think about it.” He stands. “And I’ll go get breakfast started.”

He heads downstairs, and for a few seconds after he leaves, I just sit there. Thinking of going to his house for a week, I’m so conflicted.

“What should I do?” I ask the unhelpful, empty room.

I’m supposed to be showering, but I grab my phone from the nightstand and fire off a text.

Me:Hey, bitches. I need some advice.

Soledad:This is my specialty.

Yasmen:Sol, you don’t even know what she needs yet! LOL! What’s up, Hen? And how was the party?

Me:Can we video chat?

Soledad:Oh, this is gonna be good!

Yasmen:I have 15 minutes before I need to go. We have this Black business brunch thing.

Me:We’ll be quick.

As soon as the three of us are on, I dive in.

“Hey,” I say. “Like I said, I need your advice.”

“Aren’t you still in New York?” Soledad asks.

“No, I’m home.” I make my eyes as wide as they’ve ever been in my life. “And Maverick is here. At my place.”

“Um… Maverick Bell?” Yasmen’s brows furrow. “Did I miss something?”

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