Page 28 of Ready to Snap
I skim the scene—it’s about a feisty woman who falls for a growly hockey player. Swap the sport, and it could’ve been lifted from conversations I’ve had with Will. I’m not sure when he finished it, and can’t help but smile at how he was thinking of me while he read it. Closing the book, I slide it back onto the shelf, and search for my missing underwear. I spot them on the floor near the couch, and my entire core clenches at the thought of what we did—or rather, what he did to me. I debate putting them on, but there’s something fun about going without.
Once I’m back upstairs, I put them in my purse and startle at Will wrapping his arms around me from behind. “You really shouldn’t sneak up on people like that.”
“Are you ready to go?” He presses a soft kiss on my neck, and I melt into a fucking puddle.
“Yeah,” I breathe, shutting my eyes to savor this moment—I hate that there’s a small chance this could be the last time I’m in his arms. “You?”
“Just need to grab my lunch out of the fridge for later. Are you sure we can’t just stay here?” He groans, and the vibration against my back sends shivers down my arms. “I want you all to myself today.”
“How will I get any work done if I spend the day with you?”
“I can think of a few ways,” Will purrs, peppering kisses on my neck and shoulder, making my nipples peak. “So… what are we going to tell them?”
“The truth,” I sigh. “Lying will only get us into trouble.”
“Can we omit a few things? We could admit that we both had blind dates last night and didn’t know it was with eachother until we got to the restaurant. We agreed to have dinner as colleagues. And now I want to have dinner with you as…”
I turn to face him. “As what?”
Will’s trademark grin appears, along with my favorite little crinkles at the corner of his eyes. “I’m not dating anyone else, gorgeous.”
“Okay…”
“And you’re not dating anyone else, right?”
“Correct,” I confess carefully.
He nips at my skin and I shiver. “What do most people call that?”
“A situationship,” I tease, earning me a laugh.
“Call it whatever you want, I’m yours, Elle. I meant what I said earlier—I’m falling for you. I’ve fought it for years. I won’t do it anymore.”
Will Darling is actually falling in love with… me? What alternate reality am I in?
I chew on my lip. “Don’t you think it’ll be suspicious if we tell them we’re together?”
“So you admit it—we’re together? You’re my…”
“I’m not saying it.” I roll my eyes but fail to hide my smile.
“Why not?” Will pulls me flush with him by the small of my back. “Are you embarrassed to be my girlfriend?”
“I’m more worried about how if I’m your girlfriend I won’t be able to die alone with my cats.”
“Good point,” he hums thoughtfully. “Guess I’ll just have to make you my wife instead.”
Eyes wide, I gasp, “Will!”
“Come on, gorgeous. Let’s go piss off Denise and the team’s lawyers, and worry about planning the wedding later.” There’s no hint of sarcasm as he winks and heads to the fridge, grabbing two containers. My brows knit as he tucks each one in a separate insulated bag. “You thought I wouldn’t make sure my girlfriend has lunch today?”
“I can get my own lunch.”
“Well, now you don’t have to.” He shrugs, slings his duffle bag over his shoulder, then offers his free hand. “Shall we?”
The drive to my apartment is quiet, but Will never lets go of my hand. Unlike other men I’ve dated, he has to be touching me in some small way—holding my hand, gripping my thigh… How am I supposed to think clearly when he’s like this? Falling for him is inevitable, even if this blows up in our faces.
When we arrive, I run upstairs to quickly change into my favorite black blazer, royal blue blouse, and black skirt, then grab my makeup bag. The drive to headquarters will give me enough time to freshen up. After a quick brush of my hair, I’m out the door, and we’re on our way to possibly destroy one of our careers. While Will’s agent assured him my job is safe, I'll believe it when I hear it directly from Denise.
