Page 18 of Kiss Me, Mr. Bridge

“At first glance? It’s a stranglehold on my business!” He loosens his tie, his large chest, and belly heaving.

“May I show you something?” I check the index before I flip to page thirty-seven and highlight a clause with my pencil. “This provision actually gives you more flexibility than you realize. See here? You might not keep total control over regional distribution, but you gain access to their nationwide network.”

His eyes narrow as he leans forward. “Go on.”

“Instead of viewing it as a limitation, consider it a foundation for expansion. Yes, they can tap into your area, but you have lost none of your existing channels, but you can tap into theirs. If youwant to get bigger.” I tap my finger over the clause. “This gives you it. Companies pay a fortune for that kind of information.” I shrug my shoulders. “Just how ambitious are you?”

The tension in his shoulders eases slightly. “I hadn’t considered that angle.”

“And there are other approaches you could explore if you’d like. If your interests include fostering company growth.”

“Such as?”

“Once your company is national and not regional, you’re opening up so many avenues to explore. Too many to discuss right now.”

Mr. Peterson sits back, a smile tugging at his lips. “This is why I come to you, Miss Simmons. You’re young and you see possibilities where older lawyers see roadblocks.”

I suspect it’s also because per hour I’m much cheaper than my peers. But I keep that to myself. I also keep to myself how much I want someone to take over my life, make choices so I don’t have to. But what does that mean?

“Are you happy for this contract to be finalized, or would you like me to make the amendments to omit the restrictions?” I have to ask. I don’t want him to change his mind, and telling me I never gave him the option.

“Please do.” He stands, extending his hand. “You’ve given me a lot to think about.”

I stand too, shake his hand, and only after showing him out do I slump in my chair and check my phone.

Nothing.

I’ve had four days of silence from Ronan.

My cheeks burn remembering how I kneeled before him, took him in my mouth, and watched his face as he came.

Did I do something wrong?

Was I not good enough for him?

I toss the phone in my drawer. I won’t obsess over this. Won’t let him get in my head. But my tongue runs over my bottom lip, remembering his taste, his groans, the way his fingers tangled in my hair.

God, I hate him.

I twirl the stem of my wineglass, watching Amelia and Violet laugh about something across our high-top table.

The crushing weight of my student debt has been lifted slightly. Because I know that even if Ronan never follows through with us, I still trust he’ll keep to our agreement. And that’s enough for now. It gives me room to breathe and have a night out with my friends.

I can’t help but wonder why he hasn’t called. I thought I’d be on my knees every night giving him something for his money.

Maybe he can’t come too often. Maybe I drained him of this week’s energy.

“Earth to Lucia!” Amelia waves her hand in front of my face. “Where’d you go?”

I shake my head. “Just thinking.”

“About what? You’re grinning?” Violet leans in.

“Nothing.” I bite back a laugh, picturing Ronan sprawled in his bed, icing his hips or popping vitamins.

Poor old man probably needs a week to recover.

“Oh, come on, share with the class.” Amelia pokes my arm.

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