If there was ever a moment to say no, this would be it.
The smart moment. The self-preserving moment. The moment where I retreat to the safety of separate rooms and intact life choices.
"I think—" I pause, looking around at the catamaran, at the stars, at the man in front of me who just walked away from everything for his own dignity. "I think staying sounds perfect."
"You're sure? It's not exactly the Bellagio."
"It's better. It's quiet. It's just us." I smile slightly. "Well, us and James."
"James doesn't count."
"I heard that, sir," James calls from the wheelhouse.
Victor almost smiles. "Tell the captain we'll stay. And James?"
"Yes, sir?"
"Give us some privacy."
"Already done, sir."
James disappears below deck, and suddenly it's just Victor and me and the ocean and the stars.
"So," I say. "We're staying on a boat."
"Apparently."
"This is very spontaneous of you."
"I'm feeling spontaneous." He pulls me closer, his hands settling on my waist. "Or possibly insane. It's hard to tell the difference right now."
"I vote spontaneous."
"You would."
We stand there for a moment, swaying slightly with the gentle movement of the boat.
"Harper," Victor says quietly. "I need to ask you something."
"Okay."
"And I need you to take me seriously, even though I'm about to sound ridiculous."
"You have my attention."
He takes a breath, and I can see him the wheels turning in that handsome head of his. "I want you to be my girlfriend."
I blink. "I'm sorry, what?"
"I want you to be my girlfriend. Officially. Not fake. Not for the cameras. Not for Rachel's strategic look-good-to-the-press plan." His hands tighten on my waist. “I mean, for real."
I stare at him. Then I start laughing.
"What?" His dark brows pull together. "What's funny?"
"Victor—" I'm trying to catch my breath. "We're married. You're asking your wife to be your girlfriend."
He pauses. "When you put it like that, it does sound absurd."
