His gaze didn’t waver, but she felt like the idea of kids hadn’t occurred to him.But maybe it would now.Dang it.She almost felt she could hear him pondering kids, and her tummy knotted up.
“I hadn’t factored children in my life ever,” he said slowly.“What I knew about my family made that seem…” He spread his hands, while she gaped.
He was rich.Smart.Beautiful.Connected.Having sons should be part of his life plan.
Just not with me.
“If we marry,” she pressed on, to leave the unborn children far from their conversation, “both of us need to be faithful to each other in spirit and body.”
“Of course,” he said, not missing a beat.“And sex doesn’t have to be a part of the marriage, although I anticipate that it would be pleasurable for both of us.”
She nearly shivered at the thought of having this man skin to skin.Her few liaisons had been casual flirting or a quick hookup on a day or night off during her work for the cruise line.She’d never had a relationship.No time.Too scary.
So now you’re contemplating marriage.
“How much money?”
He smiled and Ayana felt like she’d just agreed to dance with the devil.Anticipation lit every nerve ending, and she ignored the voice urging caution.
He tapped a number out on his iPad that nearly had her spilling her coffee.
“I can wire a third of that to your account today.Or introduce you to an investment broker.This would be your retainer.”
She did her best not to blink or let her mouth drop open.She’d seen gamblers on the river cruises.Some good, some drunk goofy.Ayana had trained herself to observe to survive.
“We’ll keep it like a job.Monthly salary.Six-month raise and a re-up signing bonus if that is agreeable to us both to continue the contract.Also, I will be paying your living expenses.”
It should have been laughable—not so damn tempting.
“So, it’s a job.You’re my boss,” she clarified, keeping her voice steady.
“You’ve had bosses before.”
“Some good.Some lousy.”
“I intend to be the best.”
The hint of arrogance suited him.
“So, Wildflower.In or out?”He held out his hand to shake as if it were a done deal.
And really, why should she say no?She’d have a legally binding contract and a huge payout and six months to plan her next move without having to worry about where to live or if she could pay all her bills without draining her savings.
Marriage.Ugh.She could just imagine Vesna laughing at her.
She put her hand in his.“In.”
Instead of shaking her hand, he raised it to his lips.“Let’s order dinner in and talk strategy.”
“Yes, boss,” she tried out the words.
“I’ll be your husband—Telford sounds better.”
“Telford,” she said softly, not able to utter the other word that she swore she’d never say.
Never say never, right?
Chapter Seven
