Page 38 of At His Wife's Behest

Connor’s chest grew tight, the ability to breathe undermined. He reached out, drawing Kellan into his embrace, even though his heart ached. Kellan curled into him and soon drifted off to sleep, leaving Connor to stare up at that ceiling and wish for the first time that he’d never come to Italy.

7

Kellan placed the last of his belongings into his suitcase and scanned the bedroom, searching for any forgotten items. His gaze landed on the bed they’d shared. The faint aroma of their shared pleasure lingered amongst the twisted bedding. He closed his eyes, replaying the events of the previous night before snapping back to attention.

He rolled his suitcases into the hallway and overheard the sounds of Connor packing, as well. Kellan’s flight left as soon as he arrived at the airport. Connor’s left later that night.

I should invite him to share the jet. Spend a few more hours with him before…

Kellan didn’t want to think about what happened after… when they returned to the real world and their places within it. Leaving his luggage in the hall, he strode down to Connor’s bedroom. Connor’s strong back was to him when he peeked in. Leaning against the frame, he watched for a few seconds, enjoying the fluid movement of Connor’s body. A body that had done wicked things to his only hours before.

He was caught staring. Connor spun, a stack of clothing in hand.

“Need something?”

“I…” Kellan inhaled, needing a bit of bravado. “I thought maybe… you might want to fly home with me on the jet? It would give us a few more hours.”

Connor held his gaze. “A few more hours before you go back to your old life and forget all about me?”

I could never forget you.

Never.

“I think it might be best we part now. It’ll give us the time to reconcile what happened here before we return.” Connor laid the stack of clothing in his suitcase, turning his back once more.

“What happened here?” Kellan murmured. He knew exactly what Connor meant, but it was easier to play dumb.

Connor spun to face him again. “Don’t act like you don’t know what I mean.”

I know. You were everything I’ve ever wanted.“Oh, come now. This was just a job for you. Right? You’ve done this a hundred times before.” As soon as the words were out of his mouth, he wanted to yank them back in. “I know you said the things you thought I wanted to hear, likely the same things you’ve said to others before me. But the week is over. You can stop the charade.”

“Just a job?” Connor growled. He scoffed, shaking his head, the smile on his lips not reaching his eyes. “Lie to yourself all you want, but I know what I felt… and I know you felt it, too.”

He asked for more. He wantsyou. “I don’t know what I think.”

Connor marched closer, invading Kellan’s personal space. “Stop thinking. What do youfeel?”

Kellan held his breath. Connor’s nearness overwhelmed his senses. His fingers itched to reach out and tug the man closer, to get lost in Connor’s embrace.

To remain in the man’s arms for the rest of his life.

“I’m… pleased with the time we spent together. I’ve enjoyed your company.”

Connor searched his face a moment. “Pleased? Nothing more?”

WhatcouldKellan say? No matter what, they couldn’t be together once they returned to Texas. Spilling his guts wouldn’t solve anything. “What more do you want?”

A forced smile spread over Connor’s lips. “I’m so very glad you’repleased.”He turned away, resuming his packing. “Have a nice flight.”

Come with me. Please. I…Kellan opened his mouth to say the last bit, but there was no point. He withdrew and headed toward the staircase. Urging his feet to move when they very much did not want to, Kellan descended, luggage in hand. After depositing his suitcases in the foyer, he stared at the front door, reluctant to walk through it and leave the villa—or the man lingering upstairs.

A horn sounded outside it. His ride to the airport. After one last glance at the stairs, he opened the door and walked out, his heart breaking as he moved.

From the upstairs window, Connor watched the departing taxi. His gut twisted into knots, leaving him ill. He struggled for air, gasping past the tightness in his chest.

Just another client. Let it go.

He already has.

---