This again.
“Do you want me to formally add it?” I offer, and she shakes her head.
“You know what I mean. You broke me once, Blake, I won’t let you do it again.”
Shit.
“I know, and I’m sorry. Look, why don’t we agree that we do this together, but also admit we’re attracted to one another?”
Danielle lifts her eyes to mine, and I notice a man passing by checking her out.
Fucker.
“You can do this without emotion, without feelings?” Danielle sips her champagne again, but pauses, downing it in one as I stare at her in surprise.
“Uh, no, not entirely without emotion, I’m not a robot.” I refill her champagne, and Danielle nods.
“Is there a chance you could fall in love with me?” Danielle asks, her eyes locking onto mine.
I can’t lie. Not to her. “Yes.”
She almost chokes on her champagne, and I can’t help but grin.
“You’re the only woman I’ve ever loved, Danni. It’s entirely possible that I will fall for you again.”
“But we’ve got a fake marriage!” Danielle’s eyes are like saucers, her head bent down to whisper at me across the table.
“I know that.”
“So, we have to remember that. We can’t fall for one another again.”
“Are you falling for me, Danni?” I inquire, lacing my fingers with hers. “Because it’s okay if you are. I’ve never stopped loving you.”
Danielle looks like she’s going to cry, and a lump forms in my own throat.
“You and Issac…it killed me,” I admit, watching as she tries not to blink her tears away. “And I know I can’t promise you anything, because of who I am.”
“Why?” Danielle whispers, finally releasing the tears that roll down her cheeks slowly. “Who are you?”
“I’m a heartbreaker, Danielle. I did it to you once, and I never want to do it again.”
Danielle sucks in a breath, sitting back as our meals arrive.
The rich aroma of delicious food fills my nostrils, but all I can see is Danielle crying silently.
“I’ll give you whatever you want, but only for five years. I can’t promise anything after that,” I confide, knowing it’s true.
The company means too much for me to lose it, and I’ve already hurt Danielle once.
Committing to one woman for the rest of my life, no matter how spectacular she is, isn’t something I can do.
“So, you want me, but only for five years?” Danielle clarifies bitterly, poking at her food with her fork.
“I can’t promise anything else,” I explain again, knowing my words are harsh. “But I’ll fucking try.”
That's all I can do.
CHAPTER 22
