"Avi’s not the only one," he said quietly, lowering his gaze to the ring box.
"Don't do this," she said.
He looked back up at her.“Do you want it, Claire?Is this job really what you want?”
She dragged both hands through her hair and scratched lightly at her scalp, as though she could loosen the pressure building there.
"I don't know what I want."
Calvin leaned in, his tone low and soft."I know whatIwant."
His fingertips brushed her cheek.There'd been a time when he could silence her doubts with the smallest touch.A time when his tenderness could make her ignore the disappointment.The feelings were still there somewhere, buried beneath months of distance, frustration, and things left unsaid.
"You know you don't have to work,” he added.
"Iwantto work," she said firmly.
"Claire, I make more money than we could ever spend in this or any other lifetime.And if you?—"
"You think this is about money?”She stared at him.“This has nothing to do with money.I work because I need to work.It's who I am and what I’m most proud of.You, of all people, should understand."
For a moment, he said nothing.Then his entire demeanor changed, as though he’d decided the problem was simply one of logistics.
"Okay, then let's check the flight schedules between here and Heathrow,” he leaned forward with renewed confidence.“I’ll have Liz get you a set of keys to my place in London.”
He reached for her closed laptop.Claire caught his hand before he could touch it.
“Calvin,” She squeezed his hand tightly.“I don't want a relationship that exists between airports."
His expressions softened."We can make it work, Claire.I know we can."
She shook her head, an unmistakable sadness in her eyes."I don't want something I have tomakework."
He lived on coffee and takeout, his days spent on sets and in closed-door meetings with Hollywood’s monied elite.Claire spent her hours behind the lens or in front of a screen, her keen artistic eye shaping images to evoke emotion and connection.His loud world moved fast, while hers demanded patience and stillness.
Claire knew Calvin had love in his heart, but sadly, very few hours to give it.
"You are one amazing woman, Claire Jordan,” he said.“You give the answer before I’ve had a chance to ask the question.Of course, it's not the right answer…”
"Please don't make this any harder," she begged.
"Would you at least do me the honor of trying it on?I want to see how it looks on that scrumptious finger of yours."
"Cally…” She shook her head.
"Please?For me?"He batted his eyelashes in theatrical fashion.
"You don't give up, do you?"
"Can I let you in on a little secret?”He lowered his voice.“The reason platinum is so valuable is because it has magical powers."
"Magical powers?"she repeated, one eyebrow cocked.
"I guarantee, if you putthisring onthatfinger, you’ll change your mind.It's happened before.No woman can resist," he said with a smile.
"Is it possible for you to be serious with me?Ever?"
"I've never been more serious.I’m the bubbly in your life, darling.The fizz that makes it so refreshing.”His mouth turned up into a sincere smile.
