“Doesn’t matter. It works.” The woman smiled lov
ingly at her husband, and I had a moment of envy that Kellie wouldn’t look at me like that. No one would. But that’s how I wanted it, I reminded myself.
“I’m getting tired,” Kellie said, handing me the coin back.
“It’s been a long day,” I felt compelled to explain to the couple.
“Enjoy your honeymoon,” the woman said.
“You too. Congratulations.” I put my hand on Kellie’s lower back to escort her to where we said we’d meet our driver. Her back was warm, and my fingers itched to touch her again.
“It’s only about a mile walk back to our apartment,” I said. “Would you like to walk? Or are you too tired?”
“A walk would be nice,” she agreed.
For a long time, we walked in silence as the busy Roman city filled with tourists and locals alike buzzed around us.
“I’m sorry,” I finally managed.
“For what?”
I glanced over at her. “For last night.”
Her jaw tightened. “I know you regret that. It was painfully obvious.”
“It’s not that I regret it…” Well, I guess did, but it wasn’t about her. “I’m your boss—”
“Yes, I know.” She picked up the pace a bit.
“I felt guilty.”
She stopped short. “Guilty?”
I ran my hand through my hair. “I shouldn’t have taken advantage.”
She rolled her eyes and started walking again. “I knew what I was doing. Look, if it makes you feel better, I’ll accept your apology.”
“Now I’ve offended you.”
She let out an exasperated breath.
I reached out and took her arm, urging her to stop. When she did, she was right in front of me. I could feel her warmth and inhale her sweet scent. God help me I wanted to kiss her right then and there.
Unable to help myself, I brushed a tendril of her hair back behind her ear. Her eyes flashed with surprise and then closed as she seemed to savor my touch and her hand pressed on my chest. Desire filled me again. But to be with her like this was so dangerous.
“I enjoyed last night. A lot. But it can’t happen again. I respect you—”
Her hand dropped and she stepped back. “All you care about is your job.” Her tone was accusatory.
“I’m not going to apologize for that. And you knew that already.” Now I wondered if maybe she had been angling for something more from me.
“You’re right. I just thought since you weren’t actually working right now, you might allow yourself to have some fun. At least I know one thing, if Andi ever asks.” She started to walk down the street again.
“What’s that?”
“I know the last time you got laid.”
Jesus. “You’d tell her?”