Page 26 of Getting Down to Business

“So what did you think?” She was waiting for his answer.

“Think?” He hadn’t been thinking.

“About the lip ring.”

He glanced down at it, noticing her lips were pink and glossy from kissing him. He shook his head and laughed.

“To be honest, I didn’t even feel it. I was busy feeling so many other things.”

She bit her lip and he wanted to lean over and do the same thing. But he’d already gotten more than he ever expected possible.

They stared at each other for a long moment. Just when he opened his mouth to say something—not that he knew what would come out—the chime on the machine behind the bar went off.

“I’m free to go,” she announced.

“I’ll walk you out,” he offered. He didn’t like the idea of her being alone. It was the reason he’d stayed so late. He waited while she grabbed her bag and locked up.

Out on the street, he hailed her a cab. When it pulled over to the curb, he opened the door and smiled as she slid inside and moved to the far side.

“You coming?” she asked, her head tilting to the side.

“With you?” She wanted to share a cab? He didn’t think he’d be able to keep his hands off her in the small space.

“Yeah.”

“I live in Queens.”

“That’s nice, but I was thinking you would come to my place.”

“Oh.” His brain only took a fraction of a second to put it together, despite it being the most improbable calculation he’d ever encountered. “Oh! Yes,” he answered and got in the cab before she had the chance to change her mind.

* * * *

It was almost two in the morning and Grayson was exhausted, but happier than he knew possible. After the pizza, he and Liss had moved on to rounds two, three, and four.

“Will you stay tonight?” he asked.

“Do you mind?”

“I want you to stay,” he said honestly.

“I want to stay too. Thanks.” She snuggled up against him.

“What are you doing tomorrow?”

She let out a big sigh, and for a moment he wasn’t sure if she was going to answer. Maybe she was going to bolt. He never knew with her.

“I guess I’ll be working on my résumé so I can start sending it out.”

“You’re changing jobs? You don’t like working at the same company as me?” he joked.

“Actually, I need to find a job in Albany. I’m moving back in with my mother.” She let her head fall to the side in defeat.

“Why?” Grayson propped himself up on his elbow so he could look at her. He didn’t want her moving away.

“Because I’m ready to go back home.” This was a lie. She didn’t even try to convince him. “It’s just temporary,” she added.

“Do you believe that?”