She glanced longingly at a slice of chocolate birthday cake for breakfast, but poured herself some coffee instead. “Things all ready for the press conference?”
Today’s public announcement of him as the new owner of Crestone was, in his words,a big deal.Executives from the dozens of stations he now owned would attend along with the regional press.
She leaned a hip against the table.
His scowl deepened. “Yeah.”
“Everything okay?” She tapped his shin with her toe. “You’re kind of lost over there.”
“Another problem with Colorado Springs. Think I’ll need to leave tonight for a day or so. How do you feel about a trip over the mountain?” He glanced up. His concerned expression thawed when he caught her gaze.
No, a clean break. That’s what this had to be.
“I have to work tomorrow.” Besides, she had already found a replacement for her morning show today, so she could help out at the press conference. Two days would be pushing it.
He tugged her to his lap, a small intimacy she appreciated.
She traced her fingers along the curve of his cheek and stopped at the dimple.
Anticipation flashed in his eyes when she leaned her mouth to his. Hey, she could enjoy what they had for the moment. That was within her rights as his temporary girlfriend.
“You taste well-caffeinated.” He jerked at the tie on her robe and ran a hand along her waist. She smiled against his lips as he trailed his fingertips up under herKeep Calm and Rub Some Bacon on ItT-shirt.
“You’re trying to distract me so I’ll agree to come on your trip, aren’t you?” She adjusted her position on his thighs.
“I happen to know your boss won’t mind if you take the day off.” He winked and ran his hand around her back to bring her closer.
His declaration tossed a bucket of ice water on her desire.
“I can’t.” She scooted away from him. “It’s also inappropriate for us to discuss work when your hand is up my shirt.”
He chuckled. “This is the best time to discuss anything. Your temperament is so much sweeter when my hands are on you.”
She couldn’t argue with that. Still, this was important. He got the message because he slipped his hand away.
He tucked a hunk of hair behind her ear. “Now who’s the one that isn’t fun?”
“I’ve got to stay here tomorrow, do my job. All that.” She stood.
He waited a beat. “I don’t want to be so far away from you.”
They would both have to get used to it.
Will tapped out a message on his phone. “I’m also visiting our friend Max so he’ll understand I don’t need those little blue pills he gave me. Not looking forward to that one.”
“Why?” she asked.
“My attorney’s idea. I’m seeing him at his office as a patient. I’ll explain why we were really at Twin Lakes. If that doesn’t work, at least I’ll officially be on record as a patient. Then he can’t legally say anything about my health. One quick, uncomfortable visit, and that’s done.”
Hell. What would a visit like that entail?
“I’m so sorry. I totally screwed up with that whole mess.”
He tossed his phone on the table and stood, stretching his arms over his head. “It’s working out. Don’t be sorry anymore.”
“I can totally vouch there are no problems in that department.” Her cheeks heated.
He kissed her forehead. A tug at her heart ached. She was going to miss the kisses, the touches…
