Just One Scandal (The Kingston Family #2) -Carly Phillips Page 0,40

his hand and comfort him strong, but she waited.

“Whitney had this … let’s call it a bucket list of things she wanted to do when she recovered … and turned eighteen, because let’s face it. For ideas like sky jumping, hot air ballooning, and seeing the northern lights, she needed my parents’ permission. Or to be an adult.” A muscle ticked in his jaw but he continued. “When it became obvious she wasn’t going to get better, she made me promise I’d do all the things on her list.”

He placed his glass on the table, and unable to help herself, she reached over and put her hand over his. He shot her a grateful look.

She couldn’t believe how insightful his sister had been, so young. But then looking at a potentially terminal illness would make anyone grow up fast. Chloe was so sad, both for the girl who’d never had the chance to live out her dreams and for Beck, who was obviously so destroyed by losing her.

“Anyway,” he said, picking up the thread of conversation. “I promised I’d do all those things myself if we couldn’t do them together, and I did. Mostly. Except for the northern lights and the last thing on her list.”

“Which is?” Chloe asked, curious and with a lump in her throat thanks to his story.

He met her gaze. “Fall in love and get married.” He slid his hand from beneath hers.

She opened and closed her mouth again but had no idea what to say.

“Thing is, I’d already promised myself I wouldn’t add anyone to the list of people I care about so deeply that losing them would break me.” His entire body looked taut, his muscles tense, and he appeared suddenly ready to bolt.

But she’d gotten the message and both understood and accepted the reason behind it. “So no relationships,” she said. “And no messy falling in love or getting married.” Why did her stomach hurt with those words?

He inclined his head. “Last night was … intense and I had a freak-out moment. But I’ve given it a lot of thought and it’s all on me. You said you weren’t looking for anything serious, either, so I had no reason to go cold on you.”

She took a longer sip of champagne, considering her options, gathering her thoughts. “I meant it. I’m not interested in a relationship either.” And she really shouldn’t be given she was just getting back on her feet.

He studied her face, as if assessing whether or not she was telling him the truth. Obviously he believed her because he visibly relaxed.

“Which means there’s no reason we can’t continue to have fun while you’re staying with me. If that’s what you want.” He lifted one eyebrow and waited, his words hanging between them.

By suggesting they continue to sleep together and by putting a time limit on things, he’d taken her off guard. Again.

Did she want to hook up with Beck until she moved out? Yes, she did. Even if she had to be very careful with her emotions because she already felt something for this man who’d obviously lost a piece of himself when his sister died and was too afraid to rebuild by letting other people in.

“Is that what this is all about?” She waved a hand around the room. “The exclusive club, the private room, piped-in music, fancy clothes … are you wining and dining me in the hopes of convincing me to sleep with you again, Mr. Daniels?” Because she had to admit, if so, he was trying pretty hard.

A sexy grin lifted his lips. “Actually, no. I’m doing this because you deserve it. You took a big step, and you ought to have it acknowledged and celebrated.” He slid his fingers through hers and kissed the back of her hand. “And no matter what you decide about us, we are going to do just that.”

She blinked. He continually managed to surprise her and she sighed. How was she supposed to keep her feelings casual when he did sweet things, like caring about what she needed and believed she deserved?

There was no way she could turn down his suggestion. She’d take whatever time she could have with him and enjoy it while she could. “You have yourself a deal,” she murmured. “Until I move out.”

His gorgeous green eyes stared into hers. “Which you plan to do soon? Because you left a list of rental units in the conference room, and I want you to know there’s no rush to