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“Yeah, but you can’t just up and leave a ranch whenever the mood strikes.”
“You’re planning on being there more often. That will help.”
He released a long breath. “The way things are going, it might not matter anyway.”
“Don’t think that way.”
Stone rested his rear on the glass edge of my desk. “You ever bought any property?” I shook my head. “Neither have I.”
“I don’t think my name should be associated with it.” I looked down at my lap.
“Why not?”
I lifted my eyes to his. “A paper trail could lead to a photo of me. It’s something I can’t risk.”
He looked past me out the window. “Doesn’t Daniel have all of that taken care of?”
“Yes, but I’ve always kept a low profile. Just in case.” I stopped twirling the pen.
“What would happen if you’re found?” His gaze was hard as he focused on the outside world.
“I prefer not to think about it. Hopefully, we’ve planned well. If not…” I shuddered, returning to the photos of the apartment to ward off the chill. “Can Mr. Zegas help us with this endeavor?” With a shaky motion, I gestured toward the computer, desperate to change the subject.
Stone pulled his phone from his shirt pocket. “I’m paying for the apartment, but I’d like us to do it together.”
“Do you view that as a way to keep us attached?” I asked wryly.
His stare penetrated right through me. “I don’t need gimmicks. We already are.”
I swallowed hard, well aware just how correct he was. “What if we put it in everyone’s name?”
He paused with his thumb just over the touchscreen. A broad grin lit his features. “Mama would love having a place in Paris.”
“Vivian would too.” She’d drag Daniel all over the city in her typical fashion. And he’d like a home to stay in versus a hotel.
The more I thought about it, the more I warmed to the idea.
“Of all the things I pictured myself doing, buying an apartment in Paris wasn’t one of them.” Stone pressed the call button on his phone. “What about you, partner?”
I liked the way that sounded. I needed a partner. Someone there for me when the kids at school made my day. To talk to about Father Jude’s message at mass. To hold me when the nightmares came. Although I had my friends for that, with Stone it was different. He satisfied the restless part of my soul.
My fears and doubts had continually separated us. I didn’t know how to obliterate them, only that I wanted to keep trying.
I launched myself at him before I could think. He ended the call without a word and tossed the phone on my desk before he caught me.
I kissed him, inhaled lungfuls of his scent, and locked my arms around him. Fervently, he kissed me back. There was no hesitation on either of our parts. We acted on instinct and desire.
A part of me unlocked as he slipped his tongue into my mouth. Unfiltered need like I’d never known consumed me.
I wanted.
I burned.
The world as I knew it exploded into a million tiny pieces. No longer did I hold back. I tore at the snap buttons of his shirt until it gaped, exposing the taut muscle of his chest.
“Muriella...we should—”
“Don’t talk.” Feel. That’s what I needed. More of this feeling.
