Page 64 of The Relationship Clause

“And, uh, what about the contract?” I breathe. “The relationship clause? We’re probably already on thin ice with that as it is.”

“Also true.” He’s so close now, his words tickle my ear. Every cell in my body is attuned to him now. Every touch, every sound, every breath. I’m living for him.

I swallow hard. “So, um, yeah, kissing is definitely not a good idea. D-definitely not. I didn’t even mention the fact that you’re my boss. And Kiera. We should think about Kiera. This would be weird for her too. And, um—”

“Juniper.”

My lips zip closed at the sound of my full name coming from his fuller lips.

“You’ve listed some legitimate reasons why I shouldn’t kiss you right now, or at all this weekend. So, I won’t.”

The fluttering in my stomach dies a little when he says this, even though I tell myself it’s a good thing.

“But…”

The fluttering roars back to life. “But what?”

His gaze pierces mine, and when he speaks, his words go straight through my heart.“But what if I didn’t want this to be a fake relationship? What if I tore up the contract? What if we found some way to work around the fact that I am your boss?”

My mouth falls open in what I know to be an unattractive impersonation of a fish.

That is not what I was expecting him to say at all. And now he’s caught me so much by surprise that I don’t know what to say. I can’t form words. My brain keeps getting stuck.

He wants those things? I mean, I know he’s hinted at it before, but to hear him actually say it is like having them written in stone. He’s serious. And I’m seriously in trouble.

“Don’t worry, Juniper,” he murmurs, pulling away from me slightly to hold my face in his hands again. “You don’t have to answer any of those questions right now. I wanted you to know where I stand. I have my own fears, I think you do too, but I’m open to the possibility of more with you. And I think that possibility of more is worth the risk of staring down my fears.”

He leans forward and seals his words with a soft kiss to the top of my head. It may be the first time in my life I ever wished I was bald.

“So, after all that,” he says, “how hungry are you? Do we need to find you some food, or do you want to rest a bit before we go skiing?”

“I think I’d like to rest.” Translation: I need to hide in my room and maybe call Kiera so I can confess I kissed her brother and hope she has some sage words for me. “But, um…”

“But you’re still hungry.” Mr. Ferguson—er, Owen?—smiles like he already expected this. “I’ll order us some room service. You rest, and we’ll meet up for skiing in an hour.”

When I’m safely alone in my own room, I stand against my closed door, hand against my chest. I stand like this for a few minutes until I realize I’m smiling too. I think, maybe, I might try to be brave enough to open myself up to this.

CHAPTER 20

OWEN

“Okay, I’m ready,” Junie calls from the bedroom.

I jump from my seat on the couch where I’ve been sweating for the last fifteen minutes in my snow gear, waiting for her to get ready. Her clomping, boot-shod feet announce her entrance, and I turn to see something akin to the Pink Panther lumbering into the living room.

I can’t help it—I burst out laughing.

Junie’s smile lights up, and she looks down at herself proudly. “Do you like it?”

“Do I like it?” I circle her so I can take in every angle. “It’s hot pink.” And I do mean, hot. How can this woman make even a baggy snowsuit look attractive?

“I know!” She squeals and strikes a pose. “The guy at the rental place told me I was crazy. It probably clashes with my hair, but I don’t care. I love it.”

I shake my head firmly and, without thinking, tug gently on her ponytail. “It doesn’t clash. It’s perfect.”

A blush creeps up her cheeks along with a faint smile. “Thanks. Shall we, as they say, ‘hit the slopes?’”

“I’ll grab our gear.”

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