Page 36 of Embracing the Change

“If you’re about to suggest we get along, don’t waste your breath. I believe the Art of War states the enemy of your enemy is your enemy.”

Jamie chuckled. “Not exactly.”

She took another sip and stated, “We’ll have dinner, and it will be pleasant, because we’ll be discussing the varied acts of revenge we’ll engage in against our former loved ones the moment we return to the city. Once those plans are set, in the morning, all bets are off.”

“They think they’re looking after us,” he said quietly.

Her head tilted. “Are you no longer angry?”

He locked eyes with her. “Oh, sweetheart, I’m angry.”

She studied him, and as she did, the tip of her pink tongue appeared in order to travel along her full lower lip.

He watched.

Avidly.

Oh, yes.

He was angry.

“However, when I referred to ground rules, I meant we should try to make the most of what could be a relaxing week and start by agreeing we’re not going to dress for dinner,” he clarified.

She gasped in horror, and since she was Nora Ellington, it was genuine.

She didn’t hesitate to explain her reaction. “I packed an entire bag with evening wear.”

Jamie sunk deeper into the couch and sighed.

Then he murmured into his drink, “Fine.”

She aimed a smug smile into her glass before she took another sip, making him wonder what other ways he could coax her to feel that smugness.

Mm-hmm.

Definitely angry.

“And take this time that’s been forced on us to come to an understanding,” he continued.

Her bearing grew stiff. “I believe we already have that.”

“Nora—”

She turned to him. “Jamie, no. It’s been a trying day. I don’t want to fight. I haven’t had near enough time to wrap my head around what’s befallen us. Let’s enjoy our drinks, enjoy our dinner, get some sleep, and face whatever tomorrow brings…tomorrow.”

He had a week to wear her down, therefore, he could give her that.

He lifted his glass her way.

She pulled in a visibly relieved breath and exhaled before she did the same with her glass.

However, Jamie wasn’t going to leave it at that.

So he didn’t.

Even if it was barely above a whisper when he said, “Just know, you mean the world to me.”

“Jamie,” she warned, her voice husky.

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