“New business partner?” I ask, my breath catching.
“Definitely not,” Rush answers and I see the way his eyes go hard around the edges.
Relief makes me heavy as I sink into my chair, kissing Emma’s head. Behind me, Killian clears his throat.
“Want to see what I brought for you, Emma?” Killian asks, opening his jacket and pulling out two new doll outfits from their folds. They hang on little cardboard hangers, pressed and pretty. One is pink and the other purple. The very idea of Killian, all in black, covered in tattoos, entering the American Girl store, has my mouth open and then a small giggle falls from my lips.
“Yay,” Emma cries, climbing down from my lap again.
But watching Emma’s happiness only reminds me of how temporary our situation always was and continues to be. I let out a long breath of air. I should have known that anywhere in New York would be a short-term strategy, even here at Smith Brothers.
I might need a new plan, but at least it doesn’t seem like Vigo will be back to the building anytime soon.
I pick up my spoon and start eating again. For the moment, I can relax and plan.
But as I look at Rush through my lashes, I know this is temporary. He’s building a New York empire and New York is the last place I should be. Vigo proved that today.
Killian stays for another half hour and then says his goodbyes. He gives me a long look before he goes, but I can’t read his expression and have no idea what he’s thinking.
I give Emma a bath and get her ready for bed as Rush works on my couch. It’s peaceful and homey and I ache a little.
No man has ever made me feel this excited and safe at the same time, and I doubt another will.
The idea of confessing everything crosses my mind again. But if I tell him, and he doesn’t like what he hears, I’m at an even greater risk.
He could fire me. Kick me out of his life. And every person who knows the truth of who I am is one more person who might out me to Vigo.
But would Rush really do that?
My gut says no.
But my head…my head worries about what happens if my gut is wrong.
I put Emma to bed, settling next to Rush on the couch. I silently wait for him to finish whatever tasks he’s working on, not wanting to interrupt his flow.
But his hand leaves the keyboard, his fingers wrapping around my thigh as he pulls me closer. “I missed you today.”
And then he leans in and kisses me. I sigh into his mouth, so ready to have my skin on his, to be surrounded by all things…him. “I missed you too.”
He sets his laptop on one of the end tables and then grabs my hips, lifting me into his lap. I wind my arms around his neck.
He deepens the kiss, his tongue swiping against mine, his arms around me in a tight grip. It’s the best I’ve felt all day.
He finally breaks the kiss leaning back. “Gigi.”
There is some warning in his tone that has me stiffening. “Yes?”
“About Vigo…”
A wave of fear washes down me. “What about him?”
“I didn’t want to say too much in front of Emma, but I threw down today, and Vigo made some real threats. I know you don’t venture far, but could you and Emma stay in the building for a little while?”
I go limp. He doesn’t need to ask twice. “Not even a question. Of course.”
“Excellent.” He kisses me again. “I know you’ve never even met him, but you’re close enough to me…”
I don’t even hear the rest. The lie I’ve been telling sits heavy in my gut and for the first time I wonder if I’m putting Rush in danger either because I’m here or because I haven’t armed him with the proper information. “I’ll be careful. You be careful too, all right?”
