Page 45 of Playing With Secrets
“Because you are.” I move her hair aside and nuzzle her earlobe. “There’s not another woman that even comes close, but that’s not the only reason Ifind you so attractive.”
“Is that so?” She pats the top of my hands.
“Yes. You see, you make me want to be a better man because you expect more from me. You’re also smart and driven at work. It’s admirable.”
“You’re very sweet.”
“Just being honest.”
We hold each other for a moment as I take the time to appreciate her being in my arms.
She sighs heavily. “I know these last couple of months have been difficult for you. I want you to know how appreciative I am that you’ve stuck by me. It makes me grateful for you.”
“I wouldn’t want it any other way.” I plant a peck on her cheek.
She turns to face me, wrapping her arms around my neck.
I slide my hands over her ass and pull her closer to me. “You’re worth it. As far as the past, we’ve both made mistakes. Big ones at that, but those are all behind us now.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Our problems are almost all ironed out.” I lean in for a kiss.
She steps out of my arms. “How are they almost ironed out?”
She’s going to kill me if she keeps this up.
“We agree about not having kids and we’re close to an agreement around your work clause. Once we decide how you want to handle it, we can go public and the world will see how in love I am with you.” I take her hand and lead us to the couch.
She sits, staring at her lap. “Those are only two of our issues. You’re forgetting the biggest one and that’s Jami. He’s not going anywhere, and I hope to make amends with him once the final launch is complete. How are you going to handle that?”
Internally, I roll my eyes. Externally, I show her anunderstanding smile. “I know you want that, but you might not get it. Why don’t we wait until we need to cross that bridge?”
She pushes into the corner of the couch, hugging her knees. “What did you two talk about after I left today?”
“That’s a loaded question, beauty. And I’d rather not talk about him on our first official date in a very long time.”
“We can drop the subject once you answer me.” She gives me a suspicious stare.
My stomach churns as I resign myself to her request. She knows I can’t say no to her.
I face her, resting my arm over the back of the couch. “We came to an amicable agreement. I’ve even offered to help him land more contracts when he’s ready to move on.”
She shifts to sit cross-legged on the couch. “That’s generous of you, but what’s in it for you?”
I consider lying to her, but I want to get this relationship back to where it started. We were so happy then because lies weren’t smothering us. Sure, we hid our relationship, but we’ll need to continue that until we come clean to the board.
“Jamison has agreed to stay away from you on a personal level. But before you get upset with me, he didn’t resist it. In fact, he seemed to welcome it. From what I’m getting from him, he doesn’t want anything to do with you after he completes his contract.”
Her expression sobers. “He said that?”
“Not in so many words, but he wasn’t upset. Nor did he give me any pushback when I approached him with the offer.” I find her gaze. “He and I used to be friends. I hope we can repair some of that and become business allies.”
“That would be great for you.”
“Then why do I get the feeling you’re bothered by this?”
She deflates. “He’s really upset with me, but I hope to fix our issues.”
