Page 75 of Conquering Oz

He raised his brows. “Would you rather be indebted to me or him?”

Fuck!

She pushed off the desk, pacing in the small space in front of the chairs.

“Neither!”

“That’s not an option.” He paused. “It’s a loan.”

Where have I heard that before?Elodie groaned, driving her hands through her hair in pure frustration. Elodie recognized the circumstances were different with Oz versus Julian.Hell, I’m already sleeping with him.Still, she had her reservations. And even more importantly, her pride.

“I wanted to do it on my own,” she muttered, grasping her hips and looking down at the floor.

“And someday you will.”

She peeked up to find Oz staring back at her.

“Until then, you’ll take the loan. I’ll have the papers drawn up that protectyou.”

He made it sound so simple. And easy. She hadn’t had that in a long time. Elodie folded her arms, biting her bottom lip and contemplating the offer. It would solve all her major problems.I won’t lose the boutique.She’d worked so hard, put all her energy, heart, and soul into her shop. How could she not accept this?

“So you just have fifty thousand dollars lying around to loan to anyone?”

His stare went right through her and his next words shot straight to her heart.

“You’re not just anyone.” His voice was deep and smooth as always but softer.

It wasn’tI love you,but it was something. Elodie felt a weight lift from her shoulders and a deep sense of contentment settle in.

The corner of her mouth curled. “No interest?”

Oz’s lips twitched, and he cocked his brow. “No interest.”

“How much does the lawyer cost? ’Cause she was good.”

“It’s covered.”

“Oz.” She sighed heavily.

“I’ll include that in the loan.”

“Fine.” She peeked up through her lashes. “I’ll take it.”

Elodie rounded his desk, and he watched her every move. She stopped at his chair, and he turned to face her. She didn’t even hesitate. Elodie slipped between his legs and sat, wrapping her arm around his shoulder. Oz slid his hand over her thigh and up to her waist.

“Thank you,” she whispered.

“It’s a loan.”

It was so much more than that. Her eyes welled, staring back at him as she leaned closer.

“It’s a lifeline.” Her voice shook.

Oz cupped her jaw, pulling her in for a kiss. His fingers dug into her waist, and she spread her palm over his heart. She wasn’t sure how long they kissed, but it was not long enough when his phone pinged, and he ended it.

“I have a meeting.” Oz tapped her ass lightly, and she stood. He rested his hand on her lower back and walked her to the door.

When he opened it, Nash was waiting.

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