Page 34 of Privileged (Adrenalin)

Sloan inhales sharply, suddenly becoming very interested in a speck of lint on his pants. “Secret is such a loaded term…”

“It’s okay,” I cut him off before he can defend himself. “You’re not sure you want people to know about this. Us. And I know that’s because you’re sensitive to the perception that you’re getting special treatment. Believe it or not I’m sensitive to that as well, but not for the same reason.”

“What’s yours?” Sloan seems to hold his breath.

“My father and the rest of the board wouldn’t approve of me sleeping with an employee.”

“Employees are beneath you,” he surmises.

“Sexual harassment lawsuits can be very damaging,” I correct.

One of the first things my dad taught me was not to mix business with pleasure, and that’s a lesson I’ve followed to the letter for years. I thought I’d follow it forever, until Sloan came into the picture. Now, the mere thought of putting myself in a position where someone could claim sexual harassment should have me running in the opposite direction—that’s what my father would advise—and if he gets wind of this thing between us there’s no telling how he’ll react. Yet, that only makes me want to be cautious, not call things off.

Ironic that the first person I want to claim publicly is the one I have to hide, but for now that really is the only way to go forward. I only hope we can stop hiding sooner rather than later.

“So, what is this then?” Sloan’s eyes seem to narrow with skepticism. “Why are we here if it’s a bad idea for both of us? Should we stop… whatever this is?”

“I didn’t say that. I’m just curious what will happen if I accept your invitation.”

Sloan gnaws on his lip before answering. “You’ll get to meet my friends, maybe make some friends, and have a good time. Your presence doesn’t have to be anything more than me being nice to my boss, who I’ve bumped into at the resort a few times.”

“Do you think we can do thejust friendsthing in public?” I brush a stray lock of hair away from his forehead so I can see his confused green eyes.

“I think you need to start venturing out of your office, and this is as good a time as any. As for us, we’ll just have to be extra careful to be polite and not friendly. Right?”

“Is it that important to you that I interact with the people in town?”

“It should be that important toyou. One meeting with Finn and you’ve already made headway on your plans for the resort. Think about how much goodwill you could create in the town by showing people you want to be part of it.”

He makes a solid point, and I can’t help but smile at his logic. “I’ll do it on one condition.”

His body stiffens, like he’s bracing for bad news. “What?”

I go a little tense myself but push forward anyway. “You come home with me afterward. For the night.”

Sloan’s posture relaxes as he gives me a timid smile. “The secret will really be out then.”

“No one but your sister and Finn would know, and I bet you could come up with an explanation beforehand if you don’t want to let them in on it.”

A tiny crease forms between his brows as he considers my proposition. Maybe I’m pushing too hard, taking too many risks with both our careers. Yet I can’t bring myself to take back my words.

His chest rises and falls with a deep breath. “Okay.” Those green eyes meet mine with a mixture of worry and excitement.

“Okay.” With a relieved smile, I pull him to me and seal our arrangement with a kiss that very nearly drives us up to my apartment.

Chapter thirteen

Sloan

I’m in a bit of a daze when I get back from lunch, going through the motions of stocking the supply room based off memory instead of conscious thought.I think I agreed to spend the night with Carter.What the actual fuck?

I could probably say I’m staying with Blake, and Ally and Finn probably wouldn’t look into that too closely because they’d love to have the place to themselves for a night. Lennon would back me up if I needed him to, leaving Blake himself as the only wild card, but after we sort of bonded over the whole massaging the clients thing, I’m betting he’d do me a solid.

What am I doing?

I’m plotting my escape like some teenage boy trying to sneak out after curfew, all to keep things with Carter a secret. Is he worth that? Is any guy?

Much as I want to say no, the only answer that comes to mind is yes. Our situation may not be ideal, but it feels right in a way none of my former relationships have. Ironic considering the efforts we’re going through to hide it, but I feel like our little bubble is full of honesty and admiration. That has to count for something, I think.

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