Page 59 of One Bossy Date
“Yeah.” It stung a little to think that our time together was limited, even though it wasn’t exactly clear when he would leave. “So when do you move back to South America? In a few weeks? Months? Or,” I laughed, “the day after the presentation?”
“I still plan on leaving before the end of the year, yes.”
“Oh.” I’d been hoping we’d have much more time than that.
“I’m sorry I can’t pinpoint an exact date—yet. It all depends on the outcome of the pitch. But, as I’ve told you before, you can stay as long as you want until then.”
I nodded. Frankly, I had no problems living my new life full of luxuries in his penthouse and indulging in all of it for as long as I had the opportunity to. Eventually, I’d have to move out and return to my old life.
Granted, the prospect of that seemed to be getting harder by the second.
“But now I’m seeing everything and everyone I’m leaving behind.” His voice was low and placid, but solemn.
It was the first time I’d witnessed Anders reveal something close to sadness.
“I guess you’ll need to weigh it up.” There was not much for me to say here. It was a choice he had to make for himself.
“Right.”
“Honestly,” I set the ice cream down and placed my hand on his arm—his strong,manlyarm I loved touching, “your family will be okay, regardless of whether you stay or not. They just want your love over anything else.”
“I guess it just comes down to two things: freedom or family.”
“Way to weigh it up.” I chuckled, finally noticing the hint of a smile tilting the corner of Anders’s mouth.
He put his spoon in the tub and shifted to lean against the counter on his elbows. His biceps flexed as he leaned onto his arms.Oh, my gosh, this man is so appealing, and I’m just sitting here. My angsty teenage self would not be proud. As if hearing my thoughts, Anders stood again and rested his hip against my knee.
Tenderly, he rested his hand on my thigh.
“Look, Zoe. Thanks. I appreciate having you here to talk to. Normally, I’d just keep it bottled up with no one to ‘weigh it up’ with me.”
“You’re the one housing me, Anders. I should be thanking you,” I told him sincerely.
His grip on my leg tightened, and a lopsided smile formed on his handsome face. “Perhaps we should work out a payment plan.”
Startled, I frowned. “What? I couldn’t pay for anything right now.”
“I’ve got an idea.”
“What? A kiss?” I asked, because that was what he’d suggested the last time. Men weren’t really creative when it came to things like that.
“Ha. Not what I was thinking, but since you’ve brought it up…”
“Wait, no. What did you want to suggest?” Phew, I needed a fan. I was really digging myself in deep here.Zoe, just shut up and let the man speak. For heaven’s sake. You’re giving him ideas.Naughty ideas that I’d dreamt about, but that was beside the point.
“You doing the dishes.”
And just like that, the metaphorical hole disappeared. Okay, okay, I could deal with this. I wondered if the sound of my heart just thwacking against my ribcage was audible. It was certainly hammering away in my ears like a chorus of pounding drums. Oh, right. I needed to respond. Geez, I was a mess and a half. But seriously, who wouldn’t be in my situation?
“You want me to do the dishes every day I’m here?”
“Not really.” He appeared to ponder it for a moment. “How about a kiss each day you’re here?”
Inside, I died (the good kind, not “forreal” died) ateensybit, but outside, I laughed. “Anders. We said no kissing. There has to be boundaries.” What the hell was I saying? I wanted every. Single. Kiss possible. It was official: I was a goner. A lust-crazed goner. Damn those books Jim had given me. Yeah, it was definitely the books causing my sexual cravings to go through the roof. It had been far too long since— I cut that thought off right then and there.
“Ah, you’re right. And I fully agree. But this ispayment. Not romantic. Just business.”
“Just business, huh?” I teased, arching an amused brow.