Page 89 of Married to My Grumpy Minotaur Boss

“We can be exclusive if you’d like that. I’m not interested in seeing anyone else and if that’s important to you, that’s one thing I can offer.”

Despite everything else, that warms me. Surely this is progress. “But...?” There has to be a but. A sting in the tail. He wouldn’t have prefaced this as carefully as he has if there weren’t.

Ronan sighs. “But I’m not the marrying kind. You already know I don’t want children—can’t have children. And it wouldn’t be fair of me to let you believe that I’ll change my mind on that.”

The light breezy atmosphere of the Paris afternoon has shifted into evening. Outside, a woman tucks her coat more tightly around herself as the wind picks up.

The waitress comes to take away our empty glasses while I’m still processing Ronan’s words.

“Will there be anything else, monsieur? Madame?”

Ronan looks at me, the unspoken question hangs in the air between us ironically. The waitress gives us a strange look when neither one of us answers for another long moment. “Excuse moi—”

“Non. Rien d’autre. Merci.”

She nods and moves away, tidying the table beside us before retreating behind the counter.

“Can you live with that, Justine?” Ronan asks, his eyes imploring.

I think about everything he’s been through. The loss of his father and the walls he clearly still has up. Of course, it will take him some time to see things differently. It’s not just wishful thinking on my part. Look how much his attitude changed in the space of a couple months.

I squeeze his hand across the table. “Of course. Let’s just take things one day at a time.” I give him my brightest smile so he knows I’m OK. And I am.

People change. They grow.

I just need to give him time.

Courtney is full of excitement when I get home. She leaps up from the couch the moment I get through the door. I’m carrying about five times as much luggage as I left with. I don’t even know how all the new things Ronan bought me will fit into my room!

“Ohmigod! How was it? Tell meeverything!” She grabs my hands and tugs me over to the sofa until I’m forced to sit. I giggle. “It was amazing. Paris, Courts! And shopping and galleries and fine dining and the Ritz!”

She squeals. “It sounds so romantic! Please tell me it was romantic.”

I flush. “So romantic.”

Courtney pulls me into a huge hug. “Oh, Justine. That is just the best. I’m so glad he’s changed his mind. When do I get to meet him?”

I pull back. “Well, that’s the thing...”

Courtney frowns. “What is?”

“I’m not exactly sure he’s up for meeting.”

“What do you mean?” She pouts. “Oh no! Is he a snob?”

“No! It’s not that, it’s just...” I trail off, finding it hard to put into words without making Ronan seem callous.

“Just?” Courtney prompts.

I sigh. “We’re not exactly dating. More like friends with benefits. Do you meet the friends of your friend with benefits?”

Courtney’s mouth drops open. “Excuse me? You guys were married! That should count for something! I think I’m back on the hating stern minotaur daddy train.”

“Don’t be like that.” I want to defend him, but the truth is I’m still a little hurt by the way that conversation went. “I think he just needs time. There are reasons why he can’t commit yet.”

“Really?”

I know why she’s skeptical. I sound like I’m making excuses.

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