Page 70 of Mr. Wilde

He steps fully into the room. “You have no idea how much it means to me.” I’m about to interrupt, telling him he doesn’t need to thank me for working on this project. It’s an honor to have the opportunity. To gain this experience. But before I can put my thoughts into words, he adds, “Having you here with me.”

Wait. What?

“You mind knocking off for the night?”

My face falls. Is he taking me back home? I knew this night would have to end eventually. But even if I’ve had my head buried in data streams, I’ve enjoyed this night far more than I should.

He reaches out for my hand, and I take it without giving it a second thought. It feels far too good, my fingers laced with his. Max leads me down the hall and up a flight of stairs. As we turn the corner at the end of the hallway, my mouth falls open at the sight. He has a theater room that would rival a small-town theater.

The walls are upholstered in floor-to-ceiling deep crimson velvet. It looks as if it were designed to evoke the golden age of cinema on a modern, billionaire budget. Instead of standard rows, the room features three tiers of oversized, motorized recliners upholstered in the same supple red velvet.

A fiber-optic ceiling mimics a clear night sky, while antique-gold leaf sconces provide a dim, warm amber glow along the periphery. A massive movie screen dominates the front wall. It’s framed by heavy motorized red velvet curtains that retract as the show begins.

Just behind the back row of seating is a custom-built mahogany bar that serves as a high-end concession stand. The centerpiece is a commercial-grade, vintage-style popcorn machine. It sits atop a marble counter, churning out movie-theater-style popcorn that fills the room with a rich, buttery aroma.

We settle into seats before Max pops up to work his magic in the back of the room on a digital display. The screen comes alive with Penelope Garcia and Derek Morgan, and my face splits in two. I turn to look at him and find him heading my way with a bucket of popcorn and two bottles of water. Had he been setting all of this up while I was working in his office?

“You’re a Criminal Minds fan too? Or is this all for me?”

“I like Criminal Minds. If you weren’t here, I’d probably be watching a rerun of War Games or Sneakers. But I like 24, The Bourne Identity, and Mr. Robot. Oh, and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.”

This makes me smile. This incredibly hot, genius, billionaire is so normal. At least from everything I’ve seen.

We share a bowl of popcorn, our shoulders brushing as we sink into the oversized velvet seats. As much as I love Penelope and Derek, I’m not watching the screen. I’m aware of every inch of space between us. The electrical pull between us is now so strong it’s a physical ache.

We’re getting way too close. The off-limits signs are flashing bright red in my mind, and for the first time, I don’t want to look for an exit.

“Thank you, Max.”

“For what?”

“This has been one of the best nights I’ve ever had.”

“That’s sad.”

“No, really. Dinner, and this…” I point to the screen and then the popcorn between us. “A girl could fall hard for a guy like you.”

“Don’t.”

28

MAX

I wince. The four-letter word slips out before I can stop it. But it’s true. She shouldn’t fall for me. I’m not right for anyone, much less this sweet girl. And she’s not one you use for a hot night of release. I just hope she has a better chance at saving herself than I do. Because I’ve tried everything to stay away from Cassidy.

And it’s gotten me nowhere.

I sink deeper into the velvet seat of the theater room, the only light in the room coming from the flickering shadows of the screen. Part of me wants to apologize for what I’ve said. For potentially ruining what was otherwise a great night. But I can’t back down from this. I won’t allow this beautiful woman to be harmed by me. Not if there’s a way to protect her.

We’re both reaching for the popcorn at the same time, our fingers brushing, tangling for a second too long in the buttery depths of the bowl. This is ridiculous. I wanted her near me. Being around her calms my chaos. But I’m only human. I should pull away.

But I don’t move. This feels too good. I’m never as calm as when I’m with her. Not even after a vigorous night of no-strings sex. It’s the truth. Usually, my mind is a frantic hive of noise. But tonight, the static has gone quiet.

Yet as I look at her, the guilt starts to fray the edges of my peace. “I have to come clean,” I mutter, turning toward her. The popcorn bowl is a reminder to keep a barrier between us. “I feel like I tricked you, bringing you here under the guise of work. I’ve wanted to ask you out on an actual date. But I chickened out.”

She blinks, her mouth falling open slightly. “You did? But… you just said…”

“I know. I know. I’m terrified, Cass.” I reach out, my thumb grazing the back of her hand. “I don’t want you to be in danger. Associating with me puts a target on you that you didn’t ask for. And that’s the lesser of two evils.”