Raw and unguarded gratitude flickers on his face for a second, so out of place that it almost hurts to see. He’s not someone whodoesthankful, not naturally. Which only means that this has been eating at him. Everyone else must be tearing him apart, and for once, Daniel Williams has no fight left in him.
“I’m not doing this for you.”
“I know.”
“I’m doing this for me … and the money.”
“I understand.”
“Good. So we’re clear this is business.”
“Completely clear.”
“No mixing work and personal.”
“Agreed.”
“No expectations beyond what we’ve outlined.”
“None.”
“And nothing physical. At all.”
His mouth curves into a half-smile. “You’ve mentioned that three times now.”
Heat floods my face. “Because I want to be clear.”
“You’re very clear. Though I have to say, the lady doth protest too much.”
“I’m not protesting. I’m establishing boundaries.”
“Boundaries I’ve already agreed to.” He leans forward slightly. “Unless you’re worried about your own restraint?”
My pulse jumps. “I will have you know that I have excellent restraint.”
“I’m sure you do. It’s just interesting that you keep bringing up the physical aspect.”
“Because it’s important to establish parameters.”
“We’ve established them. Several times now.”
“Good.”
“Though if you’d like to practice maintaining those boundaries while spending weekends in proximity, I’m happy to oblige.”
I glare at him. “You’re enjoying this.”
“I’m clarifying expectations. You want distance while living in my space two days a week. I’m simply noting the inherent contradiction.”
“It’s not living in your space. It’s maintaining appearances.”
“By sleeping under my roof, wearing my guest bathroom robe, and possibly raiding my kitchen at midnight.”
The image he’s painting makes my stomach flip for reasons I refuse to examine.
“I won’t raid your kitchen.”
“Shame. I have excellent snacks.”
