Page 33 of Pressure

“We shouldn’t have kissed. I shouldn’t have come here. This was a terrible mistake. I worked hard to get over you and now it feels like all that work has just come undone.”

Lance pulled a chair from beneath the desk and flipped it around so he could straddle it.

“Look. If I thought you were open to it, I would say you don’t have to get over me. We’ve always been good together. I would definitely be open to exploring with you again even if it were just temporary.”

She shook her head. “No. Stop. Don’t. I’ve had enough temporary in my life.”

He held up his hands. “That’s why I started with ‘If I thought you were open to it.’ I completely get that you’re not.”

Marissa paced the room and he knew she was feeling like a caged lion. When they lived together, he knew exactly how to calm those feelings, but she was definitely not open to that anymore. He let his thoughts linger on the nights he would pin her down and make her beg for relief as he drove her crazy. Not a great place to linger right now.

“What did you need to talk to me about?”

He shook his head. Right. “It looks like Holly was able to work her PR magic and get the press to back off for now. Don’t ask me how because I didn’t get details, but we’ve got some time to figure this out.”

She didn’t respond. Just kept pacing back and forth.

“Marissa.”

No answer.

“Marissa. Sit your ass down.”

It was a dick move, using that tone on her. But it worked. She paused mid-stride and glared at him but dropped onto the edge of the bed.

“Sorry. I just. Being down there in that space did a number on me. I’m realizing I’ve missed it a lot more than I thought I did.”

“Chicago still has a thriving scene.”

“Yeah but you’re there.”

He laughed. “I’m usually here so not really.”

She shook her head. “I don’t know. What you and I had was the kind of thing you don’t find twice.”

He agreed. What he didn’t agree with was that you couldn’t get a second chance.

His knee bounced up and down as he watched her.

“How late do the parties go?”

“Two or so. If it’s a lively crowd, we might stretch it to three.”

She nodded. “I’m going to take a nap then. I heard someone say house subs are supposed to work shifts. I’ll come help with shut down, so it doesn’t look like I’m getting some kind of special treatment.”

Lance smiled. “That works for me. I’ll come get you at two.”

He stood and put the chair back under the desk.

Crossing the room, he stood in front of her and ducked a hand beneath her chin.

She tried to avert her gaze, but he didn’t let her.

“I’m sorry I kissed you.” He paused. “Actually, let me rephrase that. I’m sorry if my kiss upset you. I’m not sorry I did it though.”

A tear trailed down her cheek. “It’s OK. I’m not sorry either. I’m just sorry things are the way they are.”

“Me too, Riss,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “If you need to talk about it just let me know. And I’m not kidding about exploring with you again.”

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