Page 46 of High Water

“Be serious, Bishop.”

“I’m serious.”

“You think you’re going to be able to go without sex for years?”

“I don’t think it’s gonna take you that long to remember how much you liked riding me, honey.”

“You are—this is… So far off track from the point of what we’re supposed to be discussing here.” She stumbles over her words and starts talking faster. “I need us to focus on the point at hand.”

“No sex with anyone else. I got the general gist of how those vows we’re supposed to be taking work. I’m just making sure we’re both clear on them.”

“Fine.”

“Are you agreeing to my rule then?”

“Yes. I think it’s a little unfair, given you’ve been fucking god knows who, god knows where, and I’m freshly divorced and was excited about the possibilities, but I guess we’re all making sacrifices in this deal,” she grumbles.

“I can help with any possibilities you’re interested in.”

“You can be a hot, single twenty-something guy I meet on some random beach on vacation?”

“Not exactly. But I can throw down a beach towel and fuck you like one anytime you want. And you don’t have to worry about the sand or his shortcomings. Win-win for you as far as I can see.”

“Good lord. We were having a serious conversation, and now you’re just being incorrigible.”

“You used to like incorrigible.”

“Then I grew up.”

“Then you grew cynical. Not that I blame you.” I hold up my hands when her eyes narrow. “But I think you need to let yourself have some fun.”

“I don’t have time for fun. I have a career to salvage and a daughter to raise and a family I’m trying to save from a world of hurt. Fun is an optional bonus when I have time, and I don’t.”

“Somewhere in there, someone’s got to take care of you. That’s what I’m here for, Jones.”

Her next protest dies on her lips, and her eyes search me for a minute before she folds the paper she brought with her.

“Do you have any rules or an addendum you’d like to add?” She tucks the paper back into her purse and looks at me again.

“Once a month, you let me take you out on a date. Just the two of us. No expectations and all your rules apply. You let me know when you have time in your schedule at the beginning of the month, and I’ll plan everything.”

“Spring is practically here. Summer is just around the corner. If you and Ramsey are really planning on bringing the cattle back onto the ranch, you’re going to be busy. I’ve got long days, too, overseeing field school and conferences coming up.”

“Then we’ll go somewhere they don’t mind a little dirt on my boots, and we’ll get a few more stares than usual with folks wondering what a woman like you is doing out with me.” I smirk. “I don’t mind, given the conclusion they usually come to.”

“Incorrigible.” She narrows her eyes.

“Is that a yes?”

“Once a month. Okay.” She nods. “Anything else?”

“No. That’s it.”

“Okay, well then…” She sits up a little straighter and then holds out her hand like we’re at a business meeting. “Deal?” she asks.

I take her hand, turning it palm side down, and press a kiss to her knuckles.

“Deal.”