TEN

“SO, THAT WAS weird.” David sat at a table with his feet propped up.

“Really?” I shook my head. “That was pretty tame.”

“All of those people with the billion questions and pictures were a tame version of what you normally deal with?” David raised an eyebrow before scratching his chin. “I’ve faced down a brown bear and didn’t sweat as much as I did today.”

Chadwick snorted. “It’s a totally different beast.”

“Nice.” I lifted my water bottle to toast his pun.

“I am learning that.” David let out a rush of air. “I’m still surprised Sam asked me to do this. I might know birds, but you need to know even more about people, and that is a knowledge I seriously lack.”

“Are you kidding? You did great.” I smiled at him. “They thought you were charming.”

“Apparently, they weren’t the only ones.” Chadwick faked a cough. “Sorry, something caught in my throat.”

“Yeah, right.” I rolled my eyes, but David grinned at me. “You should get that checked out.”

“I did. It’s hereditary. Apparently my father is a smart-ass too.”

David choked on his soda and started coughing. I slapped him on the back and tried not to laugh.

“Catherine, are you about ready?” Selene asked. As much as I loved Selene, there were times when I wished I had someone younger working with me, like Chadwick. Someone who made me laugh and eased some of the serious strain on my everyday life. Naturally, trading her loyalty and dedication wasn’t an option.

“Of course.” When I got up, Chadwick and David both stood, which made me shake my head. “Sit down, you two. It’s not like I’m so frail I can’t walk to the door by myself.”

“It has nothing to do with being frail and everything to do with respect.” David moved so that he was standing next to me. “You handled those reporters with ease.”

“You didn’t do too shabby yourself.” I smiled up at him. “You think Sam chose the wrong person, but she got it right.”

“We’ll see.” He opened the door to the break room. “I think Chadwick is working with Selene to find us some free time.”

“Good.” It was so natural it happened without thought. I stood on my tiptoes and pressed a soft kiss to his cheek. When the realization of what I had done hit me, I froze. He turned to look me in the eyes, my hand still on his chest, and I wondered if he was going to kiss me back. It was so easy, that sense of normal he gave me, but at the same time, electric and hot. It was real and unforced. Not like being with a boy in school because you traveled in the same circles or could understand each other’s lifestyles.

This was something else; this was honest-to-God attraction.

The moment probably lasted no more than just that—a moment—but it felt like an eternity as we stared into each other’s eyes. Somehow, this moment was even more intimate than having his head pressed between my legs. Of course, that thought sent shivers over my skin and blood rushing to my cheeks.

Clearing my throat, I stepped back. “See you soon.”

He didn’t say anything, just nodded his head with a small smile.

“I’ve called and rescheduled the afternoon tea with Duke Challins.” Selene looked at me from the corner of her eye as we walked to the car.

“We’re running late?” I looked down at my ever-present watch and frowned. “We’re an hour behind.” I waved at the people outside as we walked down the steps.

“I didn’t want to interrupt while you were enjoying yourself.” She smiled as we slid into our waiting car.

“You?” I looked at her questioningly. “You thought I should skip an official event?”

“I did.” Selene shot me a look that only a mother should be able to give. “I thought you should be happy.”

“I’m happy.” I frowned briefly before schooling my features back into something content.

“No, you’ve been existing. You do what is expected of you, what should make you happy, and always put everyone else first.” She set her clipboard down and brushed at her skirt. “It’s time to focus on you, Cathy.”

“I’m in school for something I love. I’m reading a book!” I snorted. “I go shopping!”

“You’re going to school where there are expectations of your grades, assignments, and even what you’ll do with your degree.” Selene frowned. “You go shopping for clothes to wear to formal functions, to do charity work. You buy clothes that you won’t wear because you don’t go to clubs or parties anymore—not that I’m saying you should.” She sighed. “I’m saying you should have some fun, make some mistakes, live a little more.”

“You’re saying I should be reckless?” I almost threw my hands in the air. Hadn’t David just accused me of that, and now Selene—the Prim and Proper Fan Club president—was telling me to go be crazy. Okay, not crazy. But to cut loose.

“Absolutely not.” She shook her head. “No drugs, or craziness. Nothing that could hurt you. And by all means don’t get pregnant.” She looked at me over her glasses and I felt my eyes widen. I sputtered but she held up her hand. “While I have a feeling that David is a gentleman, it’s easy to forget yourselves when involved in certain things—”