That makes much more sense than a desire to engage romantically with my client. I can work with that…and fix it. Del always says the best way to defuse worry is to identify the problem and make a plan. And the wave of relief I’m feeling confirms I’m on the right track. Next time I see Del, I’m going to thank her for those words of wisdom, even at the risk of watching her gloat.
“Thanks.” I actually initiate the hug with Sophie this time. And Mia, well, I just pat her foot since she’s already snoring.
The girls and I—wow, does that sound weird in my head—wound up on the same floor as the team but on different ends because the hotel was almost full. And Payton made sure I got a room with a single king-sized bed so I wouldn’t have to play his wife round the clock.
First, I head to my room, texting Del for any updates while I walk down the hall. When I texted her earlier, she said she’d put a tail on Jennings. I know it’s been less than two hours, but I’m still anxious to know if she’s found anything out.
Lily: Anything yet?
Del: Anxious?
Lily: More like impatient. Payton’s not doing well with this.
Del: Interesting that you used the principal’s name…
I stop in my tracks. She’s right. Normally, it’s either ‘principal’ or ‘client.’ We don’t normally use names in our messages. I need to cool down and think.
Lily: The principal is agitated and on the move.
Del: I’m still on the outside. No movement here, so hemust be inside.
I give her message a thumbs-up and pocket my phone. When I turn down the hall to my room, I stop.
Payton’s sitting on the floor, leaning against my door, head slumped to the side as if he’s fallen asleep. I soften my steps until I reach him, then crouch down in front of him.
His right cheek is red and puffy and has a small scrape on it, probably from his scuffle with Jennings. A crease sits between his brows as though he’s worried even while sleeping. Before I think about what I’m doing, I smooth my thumb over the indent.
His head jerks up. Sleepy eyes blink at me, then crinkle with a slow smile that makes every cell in my body vibrate as my heart misses a beat.
“What are you doing here, Payton? You should be asleep in your bed.”
He rubs a hand down his face. “I couldn’t sleep. Figured getting an update from you might help.”
I rise with him as he gets to his feet. “Nothing yet. Del has a tail on Jennings.”
“Sounds so mysterious.” His door doze made his voice all husky and rumbly.
Along with a shrug, I pop my brows up in a casual manner for his benefit, although every cell in my body is vibrating. I learned early on that clients often take their cues from us when gauging the seriousness of a situation. “Just routine.”
“In your world, maybe.” One side of his mouth slants up in a sleepy yet sexy smile.
But he nailed it. Our worlds are so very different. And I don’t see any way for them to possibly merge. Another reason to note what’s growing between us as nothing more than simple attraction and my need for friends who aren’t Del.
He waits as I unlock the door, then shuts it behind us. “Would you mind terribly if I stayed here tonight?” He points to the king-sized bed. “It’s not like we haven’t done this before.”
I drag my gaze from the bed back to him while warring with myself. Part of me wants him to stay—that part needs to go someplace far, far away. “Won’t you get in trouble?”
“I honestly don’t care at the moment. But I’ll set an alarm to return to my room before the rest of the blokes wake up.”
We lock eyes as the air between us thickens with unspoken desire. I grab on to a hefty sense of reality—this isn’t real. And it never can be.
Holding my phone up, I tilt my head toward the bed. “Go ahead and lie down. I need to discuss some things with Del.”
That’s not really true, although I do plan to send her a vague message telling her Payton is okay and settled for the night. I just won’t mention where he’s sleeping. And I’m guessing he’ll fall asleep before his head hits the pillow, thus avoiding any potential awkwardness.
He crawls under the covers, looking more like a sleepy child than a full-grown, deliciously muscled hockey player. I corral my thoughts back to a safe place and duck into the bathroom so as not to disturb him with the glow of my phone.
Lily: The principal is secure and settled for the night.
