“What are you doing?”
“I don’t want to fight, sir.”
“We’re not fighting.”
“You’re angry with me,” she pressed without looking up.
There was another long stretch of silence, and then his heavy sigh. “I’m not angry with you, kitten. Look at me.”
Tears sprang to her eyes when she lifted her head and found him watching her with the same well of understanding in his eyes she’d always found there. “Yes, sir?”
“I’m not angry with you. I’m pissed about being laid up, and I’m man enough to admit I’m a little fucking scared on top of it.”
That wasn't exactly news to her, but it was the first time he'd actually said it out loud, so she took the opening. “What are you scared of?”
“Baseball is all I’ve ever done. What if I’m no good at anything else? What if nothing comes next?”
“Then you can be my houseboy,” she said, offering up a cheeky grin in the hopes it would make him laugh. “Make me coffee in the morning, rub my feet when I get home.”
Giving her the laugh she’d been after, he cocked an eyebrow at her. “Orgasms on demand?”
“I’m not sure you really understand what a houseboy does, but I’m not going to turn that down.”
“And how are we supposed to afford me just hanging around the house all day?”
It clicked then, that he honestly had no idea how good she was at her job. “Are you forgetting that I not only know exactly how much you’re worth, but I know how to make that money work for you instead of the other way around? Even if you never made another dime, you could live comfortably for the rest of your life. And it’s not like I’m broke, Austin.”
“I didn’t think you were.” But it was clear from the look on his face, he’d never really given her income any thought. Curiosity replaced the fear in his eyes as he studied her. “How muchareyou worth, kitten?”
“Enough.” Grinning at his glare, she leaned in and pressed a kiss to his lips. “Look, all I’m saying is, you don’t have to rush out tomorrow and find a new career. Right now, you just need to concentrate on your recovery. You’re not giving up that easily. And when your inevitable retirement does come, you’ll still be able to take a few years to figure out what come next if that’s what you need to do.”
“You’re kinda bossy, you know that?”
“Only when it matters. Sir,” she added with a sly grin.
“Brat.” Reaching out a hand, he brushed a stray lock of hair away from her face. “Thanks.”
“Any time. I have to get back to work. Call if you need me?”
“Sure.”
Knowing he probably wouldn’t unless it was absolutely necessary, she gave him another kiss and made her way back to the kitchen. She sat in front of the computer, but for a long while she simply stared at the screen, not really seeing what was in front of her.
What if nothing comes next?
He’d been talking about his career, but she couldn’t help but wonder how it applied to them. When this was over and he was all healed up, how was she supposed to just walk away? What if nothing came next for them?
A meeting notification popped up on her computer and she pushed aside all the worries and what-ifs. Right now was what mattered, and right now, she had a client.
Ignoring the ache in her chest, she pasted on a bright, happy smile, and started the meeting. “Good afternoon, Mr. Garrison. How was Italy?”
Chapter 22
Austin
His kitten was hiding something.
He wasn’t sure what, just yet, but she was definitely keepingsomethingfrom him. Every so often, he’d look over and find her watching him. And when he caught her, she’d look away, a guilty blush staining her cheeks.