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“Have you ever had a long-term relationship? You’ve never mentioned one.” I manage to pull free. Touching him messes with me. I want to jump into his lap. Kiss him. Drag him to my bedroom and pull out my vibe so we can recreate my reverse harem book.
“No. you already know this. I’ve never been married or engaged. But, I’ve certainly dated many women over the years. All you have to do is fucking Google me.” Joar’s slightly offended. “For fuck’s sake, Clover. I’m nearly forty-eight years old. I’ve been a little busy building my company.”
“Yeah. You’re also a confirmed bachelor. I’m almost thirty-three and was married for a decade. Don’t you see? We’re in different places in our lives.” I shake my head.
He’s stricken. “Why does any of that matter?”
“Because you’ll want everything I have to give.” My true fears spill out unwittingly. “And I’ll give it. That’s who I am. But, you won’t. I’m not an idiot. Your wealth and influence rivals Jeff Bezos… Or the Murdochs. I’m just another deal to close. What happens when you succeed?”
“Wow. Okay. Good to know. Glad you have such a high opinion of me.” He stands. Jaw set. Glares at me.
I know I’ve gone too far. At the same time, the man has essentially had a tail on me since we met—no, even beforehand. When he still thought I was involved in Harrison’s shady business dealings. He showed up at every location I had a date. Then he tricked me into going on a date with him.
This man’s been pursuing me in one way or another for almost six months. We’ve fucked. A million times at this point. But what does he want now? Marriage? Babies?
No. I’m sure that’s not remotely on his mind.
“This morning I overheard you on your call. You’re leaving for a month. You should go. Acquire your media whatever.” I shake my head sadly.
Because whatever this is, it’s over.
It has to be.
I’m not going down this same, sorry road again.
Chapter twenty-two
Joar
The Same Night
I stare at her in disbelief.
So far, I’ve held my anger at bay.
Mostly.
When I got off my call this morning after finalizing my London schedule, I’d been looking forward to spending the entire day with Clover. I didn’t realize she overheard my travel plans before I had the chance to tell her myself tonight.
Shit. I understand why she’s confused by my intentions.
Of course I want her to know she’s more to me than just sex. Of course I want us to take our relationship to the next level.
A committed, secure, officially exclusive level.
I’m perceptive enough to know that if I say it now, it will seem disingenuous. We need more time together so I can gain her trust and show her who I really am. Clover needs to realize I’m not even remotely like her ex.
So no, this is not ending. She doesn’t get to run away because she’s scared.
“You’re not pushing me out of your life,” I state simply.
She curls into herself. “I think I should, though.”
“No. We’re just getting started. This isn’t ending. Not until we see where it takes us.” I take a step toward her.
“Joar. Listen to yourself. I don’t want to be in the kind of relationship where it’s you controlling me. Telling me how it is.” Clover starts to cry. “This year was supposed to be about figuring out who I am. How to survive on my own. Instead I’m getting caught up in this…whatever it is with you. If I don’t set up boundaries—like the other day with Isis…”
For fuck’s sake. Isis Management and Talent Agency is one the many companies in my portfolio. I casually mentioned it to Clover as a potential option when she mentioned she wants to change her agent. “Seriously? That’s why you bolted? Because I suggested you sign with my agency?”
