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“Of course you’re going to make me say it…”
“I am.” Mostly because I can’t tell what’s running through his head.
He scans me up and down, taking in my figure-hugging, forest-green dress, black blazer, and matching wraparound heels. Then he lets out a ragged breath. “Because if we work together, I can’t guarantee how much work I’ll actually get done. And from everything I understand, Reservoir desperately needs all hands on deck. Congratulations on assuming the CEO role, by the way. I have no doubt it suits you.”
So he’s been paying attention. And he still wants me. Both good signs. “Thank you.”
He nods and glances around awkwardly, flashing a stilted smile at a passing maid with her cart. “And, um…thank you for the text last week.”
“It seemed only fair to let you know I’m not pregnant.”
“I appreciate that.” But his eyes dim before he drops his gaze, and I can tell he’s disappointed. “I’m sorry to hear about Mr. Rawson’s passing, too.”
“Thanks. The flowers you sent were lovely.” I take a chance and touch his arm. “Come in. Please. For a few minutes?”
His reluctance squeezes my heart like a fist, but he finally sighs and steps inside the suite. I shut the door with relief.
“This is a great view,” he says, his voice carefully neutral. “Are you here for business?”
“Something like that.” I gesture to the suite’s living room, situated next to the floor-to-ceiling accordion doors that lead to a massive lanai and the unobstructed vistas of the shimmering water. “Have a seat.”
He slides into the first chair he comes to. I ease onto one that’s catty-corner and lean forward. “Sebastian—”
“I don’t think I can do this.” He stands again, fidgeting and clenching his fists. “I can’t work for you. I’m guessing you need a CFO, but—”
I jump to my feet. “I do, but I have another job I think you’re even more qualified for.”
“What is it?”
He sounds cautious, and I don’t blame him. He’s told me he loves me so many times. I didn’t trust him. Hell, I didn’t trust my own heart. But he’s given up everything to prove he loves me. Now I have to find the courage to show him how I feel in return.
“The role of husband.” Swallowing against my raging heartbeat, I reach for his hand. “I love you.”
He leans into my personal space, shock twisting his expression as he abandons my hand to cup my face. “What did you say?”
“I love you, and I want you to be my husband—and not just in name. I want to live with you, have children with you, grow old with you…” Tears spring to my eyes. “I want to spend my life with you.”
I see all those things so clearly, and I want them more than I’ve ever wanted anything—even Reservoir and my father’s love. But it means nothing if he doesn’t want that, too.
Fingers tightening on me, he scans my face. “You’re serious?”
“Yes. Completely.” I take my wedding ring from the pocket of my blazer and present it to him, palm up. “Interested in the job?”
Finally, a big smile breaks across his face. He plucks the ring up and curls it in his fist. “Maybe. What are the benefits?”
I grin in return. “I’m glad you asked. Tell me what you’re seeking? I’m sure we can come to some agreement…” I stand on my tiptoes and press kisses along the line of his jaw before stopping at the corner of his mouth.
He pulls back with a shuddering breath. “I expect to be well paid, but there’s only one currency I’m interested in.” He slides his lips across my neck, making me shiver before he whispers in my ear. “Your body.”
“That’s definitely part of the compensation package.”
“Good to know. I expect you to sleep beside me every night.”
“Naturally.”
“I expect you to love me.”
“That needs to be a reciprocal agreement, Mr. Shaw.”
