Page 22 of Time Stops With You

It’s a common expectation, so it doesn’t faze me. “How many marriages start with love and end up in divorce? If love was such a great ingredient, it would be enough to keep those relationships together, wouldn’t it?”

She rolls her eyes. “Spoken like a true cynic.”

I don’t realize I’m smiling until I feel my cheek twitch. It’s been too long since I’ve exercised the muscles around my mouth.

Nardi waves her hands around quite a lot when she speaks and I wonder if it’s the Caribbean side of her or if it’s justher.

“Mr. Cullen, it’s clear as day that you don’t have a romantic bone in your body, and it doesn’t surprise me at all that you’d propose marriage to a complete stranger you just met an hour ago. Since it’s clear thatI’llhave to be the rational one here, I once again decline.”

“Because I’m not your type,” I clarify.

“That’s correct.”

“And you don’t love me,” I add.

“Bingo.”

“What if I told you this marriage would be a business contract only and you’d be free to pursue someone you love as long as they sign a pre-nup that the company and assets will remain Josiah’s after I’m gone?”

“Then I’d say… you’re insane.”

“I’m not insane. I’m sick. There’s a difference.”

“You want me to marry you and then date someone else?”

“If you so choose.”

She looks past me to the curtains framing her window. “Am I being pranked?”

“I’m completely serious, Ms. Davis. Please don’t mistake my marriage proposal as an attempt to keep you from any of the things you listed.”

“What about you?” She challenges. “What ifyoufind someone you love while you’re ‘married’ to me.”

“Impossible.”

“Why is it impossible?”

“Because I’m not interested in women.”

She eyes me curiously. “No?”

Her reaction is odd and I answer slowly. “No.”

“I see.” She clucks her tongue, gives me another once-over and nods slowly. “Actually, that makes sense.”

“I…” The truth dawns and I understandeverythingshe’s communicating with that look. Back ramrod straight, I clarify immediately. “That isnotwhat I meant.”

“Hey, it’s a free country.”

“I like women.”

“Mm-hm.” She taps a fingernail on the arm of her chair. “How many women have you dated?”

I rub the back of my neck. “That’s personal.”

“You want to marry me, but you can’t even answer that?”

I clear my throat. “I spent most of my life studying and building my company. I didn’t have time—” I release an exasperated breath because there is no way to win this fight. “Ms. Davis, let’s get back on track.”

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