“I don’t know. I think you’re doing pretty well.”
Her heart slammed into her rib cage, and she glanced up at him through her lashes.
“Are we in a relationship, James Watson?”
His smile was gentle, his thumb on her cheek even more so.
“I hope we are, because there’s no one else I want. And the idea of you seeing anyone else—”
“There’s no one.” She tilted her head up and brushed her lips across his.
Once, twice, until their lips parted and tongues began a slow exploration.
When they parted, it wasn’t with the heady need to take things to the bedroom this time. It was to just breathe each other’s breath. To hold each other and be in the moment.
“If you’re sure about this,” she said softly, “I’ll disclose our relationship to HR tomorrow.”
“I’m sure. It’ll be easier on us both, not having to worry about keeping us a secret.”
“Ryan will flip.”
Something clouded in James’s eyes, but he just gave a small shrug. “I can handle him.”
“Good, because I don’t want any part of that train wreck.”
His chest bounced from his laugh and she pressed a palm to it, feeling his heart thumping.
“You know, all this stuff I just told you?” She hesitated. “It’s a lot to unpack. And I’m going to be honest, I actually see a therapist now who’s helped me sort through a lot of my emotional baggage.”
“Good. I’m really glad to hear that.”
There was no judgment in his eyes—just a solemn sincerity and warmth that made her heart swell.
“Now I have an important thing to ask you.” He caught her hand in his, brushing his lips across her knuckles. “Do you want to watch the first episode of the new Marvel series before bed? It dropped tonight.”
“Um, yeah. And I’m kind of mad it took you this long to remind me,” she teased and nudged him in the ribs.
He grabbed the remote and surfed for the show.
“About that letter.” He nodded to the paper beside her. “When you call that number Monday, keep me in the loop. Remember, I’m working with trust and estate now if any conflict arises.”
That reminder gave her more relief than he would ever realize.
“Thank you. Any regrets on leaving litigation?”
“No, not at all. It’s a much better fit for me.” He grimaced. “Not to mention I get along better with the people there.”
“Poor Ryan, so misunderstood.” She made no attempt to hide her sarcasm.
“That man doesn’t deserve anyone’s sympathy.”
Something about his tone had her glancing up at him, but for once, his expression was a bit tough to read.
Maybe they weren’t on the best terms since James had switched departments?
“Here it is.” James hit play and set down the remote.
She thought about asking him to elaborate, but the show had already started with the opening scene.