Page 108 of Playing the Field

“You,” I say simply.

She doesn’t look away.

She doesn’t pull back.

And then, finally, she whispers, “Yeah.”

A slow, satisfied warmth spreads through my chest.

Because I know what this means.

This isn’t just a moment.

This is us, stepping forward.

I keep my fingers threaded through hers, my thumb tracing absent circles against her palm, as something warm and unfamiliar settles in my chest. It’s not just the relief of having her here—it’s the weight of knowing that she’s choosing to stay. That after everything, she’s willing to give us a real shot.

I tighten my grip slightly. “You sure you’re okay with this?”

Her brow furrows slightly. “With what?”

“With us,” I clarify. “With working for the team while we figure this out.”

She exhales, shifting slightly against the couch. “I mean, we don’t exactly have a handbook for this kind of thing.”

I smirk. “No, we don’t.”

Her lips press together like she’s carefully choosing her words. “It’s new. And it’s not just about us. People are watching you, Graham. Every move you make. And now that our relationship is out in the open, people are going to watch me too.”

I nod. “I know.”

She looks at me, steady. “So promise me something.”

I tilt my head. “Anything.”

She arches a brow. “Keep things professional at work.”

I stare at her for a beat, then smirk. “So no pulling you into my office for midday make-out sessions?”

Her eyes narrow, but there’s a flicker of amusement behind them. “No.”

I exhale dramatically. “Well, there goes that plan.”

She rolls her eyes. “I mean it, Graham. We need boundaries.”

I nod, my smirk softening. “I get it. I’ll be professional.” I squeeze her hand. “Even if you’ll be a constant distraction.”

She laughs under her breath, shaking her head, and I can’t help myself—I shift closer, my free hand trailing along the back of her arm. “Or we could just make things easier and have you move in with me.”

Her eyes widen slightly. “Oh, that’s definitely too soon.”

I chuckle. “Just saying—it’d be efficient. We could go to work together, come home together… I could wake up next to you every morning.”

She tilts her chin, giving me a pointed look. “Efficient, huh?”

I grin. “Very.”

She shakes her head, amused. “I think I’ll keep my apartment, thanks.”