“Not even peace of mind?”
“Definitely not. I’d go through it all again if I knew this was waiting for me at the end.”
“Making love with you has been special to me, too, but if things go sideways, you stand to lose me as a friend. But I stand to lose you… and your entire family.”
Since this was the second time she’d mentioned it, she must believe it was a possibility. He couldn’t believe that his loving family would turn on her just because of a problem the two of them had.
But she was right that they were coming at this from different places. He took a deep breath. “Given what you just said, you’ll be safest if we keep the contract the way it is.”
“I agree.”
“Okay, I’ll take the laptop back to the desk.” Ignoring the hollow feeling in his chest, he started to get up.
She caught his arm. “Please don’t.”
“But—”
“I’ve evaluated the risk, and although it’s high, so is the reward.”
Warmth spilled over him. Giddy with relief, he smiled. “You’re the only woman I know who would use those words to describe a decision to have sex.”
“What can I say? I’m a nerd.”
“A sexy nerd.” He leaned toward her, hoping to steal a kiss.
She put a hand over his mouth. “Escape clause first, kissing later.”
“You drive a hard bargain, lady.” Not really. She’d just agreed to take a chance on blowing up her life so they could share more precious hours in each other’s arms.
He’d make damn sure she didn’t suffer because of that decision. He’d do whatever it took, even if it meant shouldering all the responsibility.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Tracy could write contract clauses in her sleep. That was fortunate, because coming up with the correct wording while Adam’s warm thigh rested against hers was a challenge.
But she got ’er done. “I’m happy with that.” She hit the Save button. “I suppose it’s crazy to be so precise when it’s a contract no one but you and I will ever see.”
“It would be crazy if you haphazardly threw something together. You’re incapable of that.”
“Guess so.” She tapped the Print command. Nothing happened.
“I need to turn on the printer.”
“We could print it in the morning.”
“We could.” He left the bed and walked over to his desk. “But I’m guessing you’d rather do it now so we can sign the new version.”
“You do know me well.”
“We all do. We’re grateful to you, Trace. There’s a reason my folks couldn’t wait for you to pass the bar. They finally had a detail-oriented lawyer.”
“I’m glad I was there for them.” And in the nick of time. She’d cleaned up their wonky trust months before Spence died.
The printer came online. Moments later Adam returned with the clipboards they’d used earlier and handed them over along with a pen. “Give me the laptop.”
She laughed. “You’re suddenly quite efficient, Mr. Mayor.”
“I can be when I’m clear about the goal.”
