Page 20 of Triplet Babies
He edges his hands to the end of the towel without being pushy or demanding. The just rest there like a question. The touch sends electricity through me, and for an instant, I consider letting this go wherever it wants to go.
Then reality crashes back in.
I put my hands on his chest and push gently but firmly. “Stop. We have to stop.”
He pulls back immediately, his breathing unsteady. “Sarah?—”
“You’re getting married.” I stand up quickly, clutching the towel around myself. “This can’t happen.”
“The engagement isn’t?—”
“Isn’t what? Real? Binding? It doesn’t matter what kind of arrangement it is. You’re committed to someone else, and I won’t be the other woman.”
He shoves the hair off his forehead that got disheveled during our exchange, looking as shaken as I feel. “You’re right. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have?—”
“We both shouldn’t have.” I grab my clothes from where I left them and head toward the changing area. “I need to go.”
“Sarah, wait.”
I turn back to look at him, noting the regret and something else in his expression. “This was a mistake, Yarik. It can’t happen again.”
“I know.”
I make my tone even firmer. “I mean it. I need this job, and I can’t afford to complicate things.”
He sounds regretful but doesn’t hesitate. “I understand.”
“Good.” With that, I rush back to the changing area, slipping off the suit and my own clothes as quickly as I can, planning to shower at home, and leave the pool house without looking back. I can feel him watching me go, and it’s both reassuring and unsettling.
The drive home passes in a blur of conflicting emotions and second-guessing, and by the time I reach my apartment, I’ve convinced myself what just happened was a momentary lapse in judgment brought on by stress and proximity.
Nina is either out or having a really early night, so I slip into my room quietly in case she’s sleeping and try to process what just happened. I kissed my boss. Myengagedboss. Despite knowing it was wrong and understanding all the reasons it can’t happen again, part of me is already hoping it will.
Which makes me either very stupid or very much in trouble.
Possibly both.
6
Yarik
Iarrive at the office early the next morning determined to approach the day with the same focus I’ve maintained for years. Last night’s encounter with Sarah was a lapse in judgment and nothing more. I won’t let one moment of weakness undermine everything I’ve worked to establish.
The morning routine helps restore my equilibrium. By eight o’clock, I’ve almost convinced myself the kiss in the pool house was an aberration that won’t be repeated.
Then Sarah arrives.
I watch her through my office window as she walks across the courtyard, moving with that same quiet grace that caught my attention from the beginning. She’s wearing a navy blue dress today, simple and professional, but it looks incredible on her. Or I’m just besotted.
She doesn’t glance toward my office or give any indication that anything significant happened between us. Her composure isperfect, and I’m both impressed and frustrated by her ability to compartmentalize.
Valentin appears in my doorway with coffee and the morning’s agenda. “Mrs. Nykova sent the tray with me.” He sets it down on my desk, leaving me to pour for both of us, before continuing. “Your nine o’clock meeting with Mr. Sokolov has been confirmed. He’ll meet you at the Harbor Club as requested.”
I hand him a mug and add a splash of cream to mine before taking a sip. “Good. What do we know about his background?”
He studies his tablet for a moment. “He’s a mid-level operations manager for a transportation company based in New York. He has no direct ties to any major organizations, but he’s been making inquiries about shipping routes through Connecticut. I’ve flagged him as someone worth watching.”
I scan the basic information, noting the professional photo that shows a man in his early thirties with sharp features and an expensive suit. Something about his expression suggests he’s used to getting what he wants, which immediately puts me on alert. “Has he explained why he’s interested in our territory?”
