“He’s early.”
She shrugs. “That shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. The man has always been a fan of punctuality.”
“I suppose avoiding him for another hour won’t make this process any more pleasant.”
“Probably not.”
“Then, by all means, lead the way.”
We walk for a while in silence, our footfalls synced with that natural rhythm you find after many cumulative hours spent side by side.
In my head, I replay the scene with Riggs. She can deny it all she wants, but anyone who looks at the two of them together can see their chemistry. It’s undeniable. The way his eyes seem to track her every infinitesimal movement, the way she looks everywhere but at him whenever he’s in her proximity…
I wonder what people see when Carter and I orbit in the same space.
Two hearts in sync?
Two souls in tune?
Not that it matters anymore.
We’re nearly to the West Wing when I finally allow my gaze to slide over to her.
“Galizia.”
“My Queen?”
“Can I ask you something?”
“You canask. Whether I’ll answer…”
“I know I promised not to tease you about this anymore. But I’m not teasing — I’m genuinely curious.”
“I don’t like the sound of this.” She blows out a resigned breath. “But go on.”
“Remind me againwhyyou aren’t with Riggs when you’re both clearly so into each other?”
The look she shoots me is particularly pointed. “Just because you want to tear someone’s clothes off doesn’t mean you should. Sometimes there are obstacles in the way. Conflicts of interest that make crossing that line… inadvisable.” She pauses. “I’d think you of all people might understand a little something about that.”
My mouth gapes, but I quickly recover. “Maybe I do understand. Maybe I understand a little too well. Maybe that’s why it kills me to see you denying yourself a chance at love.”
“You think, because you’re a queen, that gives you a monopoly on forbidden relationships? On heartache? There may not be a crown on my head, there may be no kingdoms at stake… but that doesn’t mean I’m willing to compromise my professional integrity for a man.”
“I’m sorry. I never meant to imply that was the case.” I swallow hard. “I just want you to be happy.”
“Iamhappy. Thisjobmakes me happy. It’s everything to me.”
“But is it enough?”
She stiffens a little at my question. “If things went wrong, as they usually do when it comes to workplace romance, I could lose everything I’ve worked so hard for.”
“But if they wentright, you might gain more than you ever imagined.”
“Even so, there’s no way of knowing how it will play out.”
“Is there ever, in life?”
“Maybe not. But there’s a difference between taking a calculated risk and trusting on blind faith that things will work out for the best.”