I bit my lip cautiously. “Why?”
“So he doesn’t make you want to change your mind… For now, it’ll just be between us.”
“I… Okay,” I said softly.
“I’ll send you all of the details of the date, time, and location soon.”
“What will I have to wear?” I asked, and he chuckled, the dark, almost teasing undertone making my thighs clench once more.
Dark amusement laced every syllable of his words when he finally responded.
“Dress comfortably, my little flower…It’s not like it’ll matter too much anyway.”
The line went dead. I pulled the phone from my ear, staring at the screen. My lungs squeezed, my pulse was erratic.
Was I really going to do this?
Leaning back in my chair, I breathed in deeply as my heart raced in my chest, my thoughts attempting to calm me.
You could always decline. It’s not like he’s forcing you or anything. He simply persuaded you to accept the offer, just like you would any of your clients. You can still back out.
This is strictly business.
I’d arrived home about two hours ago and found myself cooking dinner as I gave Myrtle the night off. Hearing the front door close, I listened as Gavin entered the kitchen slowly. I decided not to say anything as I just wanted to eat dinner and go to bed, however, I felt his hands slowly rest on my hips.
“Rosenna... I’m sorry.”
I continued mixing the batter.
“For?” I asked, because I wanted to hear him say it.
He sighed reluctantly. “Making you feel less than and undermining your accomplishments.”
I nodded, somewhat pleased with his answer and knowing it was the best I was going to get.
“Am I forgiven?” he murmured.
I sighed as he placed his chin on my shoulder. “Possibly.”
He placed a soft kiss on my cheek, somewhat satisfied with my answer too. And now, we were back to normal. Like nothing had happened. Like he hadn’t spent days tearing me down. Like I hadn’t those same days crying and peeling myself off the floor.
It was a perfect cycle.
“What are you making?” he asked.
“Fettuccine alfredo with homemade garlic bread.”
Gavin rubbed his hand over my waist while he hummed in approval. Rocking me in his hold for a few moments, he paused for a moment and I waited to hear what was on his mind.
“I want you to consider something, but don’t think I’m saying it’s what you absolutely should do.” I could already feel my shoulders tensing. “What do you think about selling your museums?”
I stared at the sauce, slowly thickening, bubbling, my fingers tightening against the spoon. I didn’t want to go back to fighting this early.
“I don’t know, Gavin. I worked really hard for them, you know.”
He nodded as he gradually turned me around and placed his hand on the side of my face.
“I know. That’s why it’s only a suggestion. Nothing final. I…just don’t want this to keep coming between us.” He placed a kiss on my forehead.
