Page 44 of Playing With Secrets
He comes back to his desk and sits. “She’s been sick with a UTI for that long? Are you sure it’s nothing more serious?”
I shift to get comfortable. “Yes. From what she’s told me, but she’s private about her medical issues.”
A concerned expression floats across his face. He may want nothing to do with her anymore, but his feelings for her still glow from beneath the surface of his skin. He still loves her and I can’t have him focusing on that.
I get us back to the topic I came down here to discuss. “Do you agree to stay away from Dorothy personally? After she and I are hitched, you and I work together to become business allies. Everything else will go into a vault, never to be opened again.”
“The only problem with your proposal is she’ll never agree to marry you. I don’t have control over that, so your plan is flawed.”
He’ll never learn these are the kinds of comments that make me want to break him in half.
My jaw tightens. “What makes you think she’ll never marry me?”
“I know she wants kids and you don’t. She loves her job and won’t quit. Those two issues are the most important things to her. I have nothing to do with that, so how does your plan work knowing that?”
“It seems you don’t know her anymore.” I beam at this revelation.
His brows bunch together. “What makes you say that?”
“She told me she no longer wants children and we’ve been discussing different ways to get her clause removed. I suggested we take it to the board based on some advice I was given.”
“What was that?”
“If we’re upfront about it and she signs some documents, they’ll take it out of her contract. She’s hesitant because we have to disclose it before they agree to take it out. It’s risky.”
He remains quiet for a minute, staring at me like he doesn’t believe me. “What happens if she refuses to take it to the board?”
“Then we’ll get married before we take it to them. It’s a loophole my attorney found. Her clause states she can’t date anyone at Efron Worldwide. It says nothing about being married to someone here.”
“Jesus Christ, you’re serious about this.”
I nod. “As you see, Jamison, my new proposal is legitimate. Just give me the space and time so she and I can figure it out, and I’ll connect you with as many contacts as your heart desires.”
“You don’t need to worry about your girlfriend and me rekindling our relationship. She’s made her choice very clear.”
“It’s your choice I’m worried about. You have a way of swaying her and getting her to doubt me.” I study him.
He pauses for a few seconds. “I’m done getting involved with her. Every time I do, she… Trust me, I’m done.”
“Wonderful. We have a new agreement with new terms that align more with the man I want to be for her. You think about the contacts you want me to connect you with, and I’ll do the rest.” I rise to my feet.
“You’ve got yourself a deal.” He stands and puts out his hand.
We shake on it, and I leave feeling much better than I did when I went in. I just hope it lasts.
Maybe tonight’s the night Dorthy and I officially get back together. I sure hope so because waiting for her is going to put me in the ground.
She’s standing at the window in my luxurious apartment, gazing out over the city.
I’d like to say she’s only focused on our first official date night since I gave her the ultimatum to take off her locket, but her fight with Jamison today keeps getting brought up.
I slide my arms around her waist and kiss her neck. “Have I told you how beautiful I think you are?”
She leans against my chest and places her arms over mine.
This feels so good.
“You tell me that all the time, Hunter.”
