breath. She needed to leave.
She couldn’t believe she’d come across him in his wretched workout gear all over again. This time he hadn’t stripped, he still had a tee shirt on. But the arms on show? The skin? All those muscles? It was impossible not to stare even as she burned to a crisp, her brain overcooked and immediately unproductive. She’d been struggling all week—hyper-aware, absurdly impressed. And it was evident his staff were completely loyal—no wonder they’d all phoned Juno so desperately when that little post had gone awry. They would do anything for him and no wonder—with his patience in meetings, his insights, and those incredible catered lunches?
Yes. She had to get out of there. Now. Before she did something mortifying. Because now he was nearer, now there was an element in those amber eyes that expressed...care.
‘Are you okay?’ His voice was low and husky and soothing. ‘Juno?’
She closed her eyes. She hated hearing her sister’s name on his lips. She hated that she’d lied to anyone, but most of all him. And she hated how much his opinion of her mattered to her.
‘I’m not used to...’ Having a stunning man stand so close. She opened her eyes and sighed. ‘I’m just a bit tired.’
‘You’ve had a tough week.’ He was looking at her as if he were trying to solve a puzzle. ‘What do you do to unwind? If it’s not heading out for a drink and it’s not burning off stress in a gym...’
She froze. The only other thing she could think of was the one thing she’d never done with anyone. Why was that utterly inappropriate suggestion leaping into her mind now and flashing like an unavoidable neon sign?
‘What are you going to do?’ A frown intensified the amber depth of his warm eyes. ‘You’re obviously strung out.’
She’d thought she’d done a good job of holding herself together, and he was telling her everyone could see right through her?
‘You’re pale. When did you last eat?’
‘Actually, I had a protein bar for afternoon tea.’ And that was after a huge sandwich from that lunch he’d had delivered.
His mouth quirked but he shook his head slightly. ‘Not enough.’
‘A protein bar lasts a long time.’
‘Rot.’
‘Maybe my engine doesn’t need the same amount of fuel as yours.’
His gaze drilled into hers. ‘All engines need good fuel and good, regular service.’
She suppressed a shiver. She was misinterpreting what he was saying, reading something inappropriate into every word.
She tried to laugh. ‘You take this interest in all your staff?’
She felt his tension immediately treble.
‘You’ve had a difficult few days,’ he clipped. ‘Dealing with that stuff online can become overwhelming, even when mistakes haven’t been made. I want to make sure you’re okay.’
‘I’m okay.’ She forced a smile. ‘Thank you.’
‘Are you sure?’
This didn’t feel like a normal conversation between boss and employee, or colleagues, or even friends. This was heavier. Her heart thudded, bolting her in place right there before him. He didn’t move either. The world telescoped. They were inches apart and no one else was there and there was no threat of interruption...and the longing sweeping through her was crazy. Any rational capacity lapsed, leaving only the ache of temptation. Her limbs trembled as yearning flooded. It was almost a dream when he slowly lifted his hand and lifted a lock of her hair, then ran it through his fingers. She held her breath, not wanting to move, not wanting this mirage to end.
‘It’s so long,’ he muttered. ‘I can’t believe it isn’t real.’
She sucked in a breath as hurt whistled through her. He’d heard her lie and lie and lie and every one burned. She never should have thought this switch was a good idea. Yet, if she hadn’t, she never would have met Alvaro. She would never have had this moment. Suddenly the urge to lean into his light touch was unstoppable. ‘I...’
He blinked and jerked his hand away in a negating gesture and she knew he was about to step back. But she didn’t want anything to spoil this one, precious moment. She couldn’t.
‘It is real,’ she blurted, so lost in staring up at him that she lost control of her tongue, telling him things she shouldn’t. But she’d never been drawn to anyone the way she was to him. She needed him to see her—truly.
‘What?’ He stood like a hot granite statue.
‘My hair,’ she muttered helplessly, so stupidly. ‘It’s real. It’s mine.’
His eyebrows pleated. ‘But—’
‘I’m not Juno.’
His mouth opened.
‘I’m...’ She paused to swallow, horrified yet unable