I bite my lip, trying not to smile.
“It’s not funny.”
“It’s a little funny.”I laugh.“Why didn’t you call me?”
She gasps.“Because you’re not a real plumber!”
“Fair call.”I’m still smiling.“Did it cause damage?
“Hard to know.There are three toys still missing, so I suppose in a few days we’ll find out.”Gemma sighs.
I squeeze her thigh.“That was a close call.We need to be more careful.”
“I agree.”
We stop outside Zander’s building, and I tell Patrick and Jeeves to give us a couple of minutes of privacy.
“What’s wrong?”Gemma turns, a worried look on her face.
“Nothing.”I study her face.“What I said, about being more careful...you didn’t say no.”
“Of course I didn’t.We do...oh.”
I watch the lightbulb go off and take this moment to push forward.
“You haven’t dated since Anthony died.You said I’m the first man you’ve slept with.”
“Yes.”
“Are you eager to marry again?”
“Where are you going with this?”Gemma asks, her expression wary.
“I like this.I like us.Sexually.Having dinner.Taking you to events.Afternoon tea with Zoe.”
Gemma swallows.
“I realize you’ll have boundaries around your daughter, and I respect that.I expect it.”I adjust my collar.“You’ve said you want the buyout, and I will take care of that, including the ten percent which I’ve averaged out on the previous year’s turnover of Open Leaf.”
If she opens her bank balance, she’ll see it’s already been deposited.
“Drew, no.That’s not necessary.”
I cup her face.“There’s no obligation.But officially, we are no longer business partners.”
Her lips press closed.
“Gemma, I want to keep seeing you.”
“Oh.”She nods, glances away, frowns, then looks me right in the eye.“Like as a couple?”
Fuck.
“No.Yes.I don’t...no.”I glance away, triggered by the word and seeking one that fits what I’m asking.“Like...Gemma, I want you to be my lover.”
Her face drops.
“Exclusively.I won’t sleep with any other women,” I rush out.
