I shook my head. “I didn’t know you could do that.”
“Oh, beautiful, you can do anything for a price. There really is no limit.”
“Like sabotaging the Sinclair-Wade merger?”
Van reached for my waist, his warm hold pulling me closer. “Don’t be upset.”
“I’m not. I want a chance to help Wade without losing it. That’s what a merger would do. Wade would lose its identity.” I looked up at him. “How much has this cost you?”
“That’s insignificant.”
“It’s not. The balloon payment and now an investment in Sinclair.”
Van shrugged. “Sinclair isn’t a bad investment. They’re farther in their trials for the PTSD drug than Wade is in their Alzheimer compound. I want to read more about Sinclair’s research.”
“Sinclair wasn’t a questionable investment, but Wade was,” I said, not asking.
His finger and thumb gently pinched my chin, bringing my gaze to his. “Yes, on paper. However, I have all the faith in the world in Wade’s up-and-coming CEO. I hear she’s a very quick learner.”
I pressed against him. “Who told you that?”
“I have to keep the identity of my sources secret.”
“No, Van. No secrets. I’ve told you more about me in a short time, things that even I didn’t know. That’s what you do to me. I feel open with you in a way I’ve never known. I want you open with me. I promise you won’t scare me away.”
His palm gently framed my cheek. “Time, Julia. This is new territory for me.”
“I’ll only give you until forever.”
Van stepped back and reached for my coat. “I know we just got here, but let’s get away while the crew is in the suite making the changes I’ve requested. We can get lunch and I have another idea.”
“What idea?”
He pulled his phone from his pocket and sent a text message.
“What idea?” I repeated.
“I’m taking this opportunity, Julia.” He offered me his hand. “Come with me?”
“Always.”