Thomas smirked. “You’ve been talking to Marks, haven’t you?”

“I’m also trying to spare us the squad-room theatrics that we both know will come if this doesn’t work out.”

“Are you saying I’m dramatic?”

“Temperamental,” I clarified. “And I can’t follow through. We were doomed from the start.”

“You stayed with Jackson for how many years after you had known you didn’t want to marry him?”

“Too many,” I said, ashamed.

Thomas watched me for a moment, analyzing me. I hated that feeling. The power and control that came with being on the other side was much more preferable.

“You’re scared,” he said. His words were gentle, understanding.

“Aren’t you?” I asked, looking up, straight into his beautiful hazel eyes.

He bent down and kissed the corner of my mouth, lingering there for a while, savoring it. “What are you scared of?” he whispered, cupping my elbows.

“The truth?”

He nodded, his eyes closed, his nose tracing my jaw.

“In a few days, you’re going to see Camille, and you’ll be heartbroken. I won’t like it, and neither will the office.”

“You think I’m going to get hurt and start being an angry asshole again?”

“Yes.”

“You’re wrong. I’m not going to lie. It won’t be fun. I’m not going to enjoy it. But…I don’t know. Things don’t seem as hopeless as they did before.” He intertwined his fingers with mine and squeezed. He looked so relieved, so happy to be saying these things out loud. He didn’t seem to be nervous or afraid at all. “And you’re right. We need to focus and finish this assignment to ensure that Trav gets out of trouble. By then, maybe you can let go of this ridiculous notion that you can’t be successful at both your career and a relationship, and once we’ve both got a clear conscience, you can decide if we’re going on that date or not.”

I frowned.

He chuckled, touching his thumb to my chin. “What now?”

“I’m not sure. Something’s not right. You’re too okay about this.”

“Talk to Val. Ask her if I’m lying.”

“She doesn’t work like that.”

“Yes, she does. Ask her.” I opened my mouth to speak, but he pressed my lips closed with his thumb. “Ask her.”

I leaned away. “Fine. Have a good day, sir.”

“Don’t call me sir. I want you out of the habit before we go to the ceremony.”

“Agent Maddox,” I said before walking quickly from his office.

“I don’t like that either,” he called after me.

A wide grin spread across my face. I looked over at Constance as I passed, and she was smiling, too.

Chapter Thirteen