“Don’t do that.”
I peered up at him. “Do what?”
“Minimize or make excuses for my behavior.” He lifted one of the sleeves, studying the markings. “This was too much. I…” His nostrils flared as his gaze came back to mine. “You are precious, delicate, and special. I went too far, desperate for your trust.”
“You have it, Van. I’m not complaining. I didn’t hate it.”
He scoffed. “That’s a rousing review.”
My hands went to his shoulders as I stood on my tiptoes and brushed my lips against his. “I liked it. I’ve never—”
“Another first.”
He reached for my hand and gently ran his fingers over my lower arms. When his gaze met mine, his words were laced with his remorse. “I’m sorry. The hickey, I meant those. I like you wearing my mark, but not like this.”
“We can try satin,” I said with a grin. “The idea isn’t a no-go for me.”
His forehead met mine. “Julia, you’re so strong. I can’t believe I found you.”
“I’m glad you did.” As I spoke, I noticed the daylight out the window, realizing the time. “Why did you say you were home early?”
“I realized I’d rather be here with you.”
My smile grew. “I’m glad you’re here.” We both looked at all the bags. “Now I’d like to see what you chose for me. Margaret says you have good taste.”
“She’s giving me undue credit. Let’s see what she purchased or maybe you could give me a fashion show, model each item.”
“I saw the lace panties. If I model item by item, we’ll be at this until late at night.”
Van reached for my hand. “Before we get lost in the sexiness of you, with or without clothes, I wanted to let you know that I spoke with my banker and your father. I’m paying Wade Pharmaceutical’s balloon payment first thing tomorrow morning when the banks open. I’m also going to need to travel to Chicago for some logistical PR. I figured you could come with me and gather some of your things to bring back here.”
I shook my head. “You’re making the balloon payment and you want to go to Chicago? I-I don’t want to go back until after the date of my wedding, my not wedding… you know?”
“I’m afraid the business at hand won’t wait.”
I took a step back as a twinge of unease prickled my skin. “I don’t feel right about any of this. How much was the payment? Are you writing up something so that it will be repaid? Did your legal team? What about Wade’s legal team?”
“I have the documents on the computer. I’ll be happy to share them with you later.”
“How much?” I asked again.
“I want to tell you not to worry about it.”
“But you won’t because you’ve encouraged me to be active in the running and operations of Wade.”
Van took a deep breath. “Three quarters of a million. An equal payment will come due in another sixty days if the lending institution isn’t satisfied with the profit-and-loss figures between now and then.”
I pulled away and paced to the windows and back. “No. First, I think we should stay here in our globe. And second, I was wrong to ask you to make that payment. My dad can find—”
Van seized my hand and brought me to a stop. “I’ve spoken with him. This is what’s best. My interest in Wade and pharmaceuticals in general has stirred up a few unexpected consequences. Right now, the main goal is to increase spending on the research for the new medication. Approvals take time, but first the CDC needs the data. Without trials there won’t be approval.”
My forehead fell to his chest. “I spent the day learning about you, working on things for your memoir, and I should be doing what I can for Wade.”
“Hey,” he said, lifting my chin, “you researched safe bondage techniques. That alone is worth what I’m spending on that payment.”
“How can I ever thank you or repay you?”
“We’re partners, Julia. Once we’re married, your parents’ shares will divert to you. Come with me to Chicago and address the board of directors. Take your rightful place.”