Page 117 of When Morning Comes Around

He narrowed his eyes at her. “I think you should tell me what you think.”

She laughed. “I’m not asking you to tell me what to do.”

“I know, you’re only asking for my help, but I think we should use your thoughts as the starting point – not mine.”

“I think I want to do what he asked. Not because he asked – and certainly not because of his threats.”

His face remained neutral as he asked, “What’s your reasoning, then?”

“For starters, it’ll be the quickest and easiest way to get rid of him. If we come up with a settlement that we both agree on,the proceedings will be straightforward and it’ll all be over in a couple of months – well, three months.”

He nodded. “And?”

“And it’d be a shame for the business to just fold, and I’m fairly certain that’s what will happen. If we drag out the divorce, the business will fail in the meantime. If I somehow manage to get the house while Dale gets the business, again, it will fail. And the thing is, if it fails, it’s not just me losing money. Some of those guys have worked there since the very beginning. They’re not just employees, Dom. They’re friends – we’re as close as family. I’m going to talk to them – see if they’d still be interested in buying it.”

“Okay.”

She laughed. “You’re doing a great job of staying neutral, but I’d love to hear what you think.”

“I think you should do what you feel is right.”

She frowned. “Do you think I’m wrong?”

He pressed a soft kiss to her lips. “No. I’ll be honest, part of me wants you to fight him just for the hell of it – just because he’s such an asshole. But you’re right, that would only drag it out. I hate that he’ll get what he wants, but that’s not as important as you feeling good about your decision.”

“Thank you.” She tightened her arms around his neck. “You don’t think I’m being stupid?”

He rested his forehead against hers, and she could feel the way his eyebrows drew together in a frown.

“I don’t. I never will. Whatever choices you make, you’ll have your reasons for them. Even if I disagree – and there will be times when I do – I’ll never use that word; I’ll never think it.”

“Thanks, Dom.”

“There’s nothing to thank me for – it’s just how things are for us.”

“Take me to bed, then?”

He chuckled. “Be happy to.” He held her close to his chest as he got to his feet, making her laugh.

“I love the way you carry me off to your bed.”

He kissed the tip of her nose. “Me too, except for one thing.”

“What’s that?” she asked, her heart starting to pound.

“Relax, I was just going to say that the only thing I don’t love about it is you calling itmybed – it’sourbed, if you want it to be.”

“You know I do.”

He smiled as he closed the kitchen door behind them. “I like to think so, but I like to hear you say it, too.”

She laughed and pointed toward the stairs. “Then take me to our bed, big man!”

Chapter Twenty-Five

“How’s everything going?” Damon asked.

“So far so good,” said Dom.

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