He smiled wide for the first time all day. Pulling her into his arms, he lowered his mouth to hers.
The kiss ignited, hot and true, like it always did—like he knew it always would. He hummed at the little gasping sound she made, and he held her closer.
She lifted her head. “Are you staying at the hotel?”
He shook his head. “Not yet.”
“Stay with me.”
He nodded. “Yes.”
She smiled, squeezing his hand. “Want to see your new accommodations?”
“Yes,” he said again. “I’m hoping it’s clothing optional.”
She laughed as she began to shut her computer down.
He took her coat and waited to help her into it. “How did the mediation go?”
“Good. We settled.” She shrugged, a little frown marring her forehead. “I realized some things today too.”
“Like?”
“Like that I don’t want to be a sharky lawyer like my father.” She faced him. “I love law, but I need to rethink things a little. I’ve liked having my evenings and weekends with you.”
“We’ll figure it out,” he promised her, holding her coat out.
“Okay,” she said with a smile, turning to put her arms in.
He itched to take her hair down, but he knew how important her image was and he respected that. “I’m giving you fair warning that I want to get married. And I’d like to have a couple kids, if you’re amenable.”
She arched her brow at him as she picked up her purse. “Full disclosure?”
“Always.”
She came up to him and put her arms around his neck. “I’m open to negotiations. Want to make the opening bid?”
“You don’t want to make it?” he asked, nuzzling her neck.
“I don’t need to. I’m sure to come out on top,” she said, her fingers playing with his braids. “Love always wins.”
Twenty-Three
Today was a great day.
Lying back, Lottie propped her feet on Didier’s couch and smiled up at the ceiling. As of today, she had a real estate person who was putting together a list of apartments for her to look at. She’d put the word out that she wanted to sell her house. And her first client had just called her to tell her that he wanted to set up weekly soccer matches with her.
Life was good. Operation: EMPOWER was in full swing and gaining momentum every day.
Except in one area—her love life.
She frowned, kind of sad that Otto hadn’t contacted her since he’d kissed her. Of course, she hadn’t gone to Clancy’s to see him either. Danny would have told her she should go ask Otto out herself, but they were from a different generation. As much a modern woman as she was, she wantedhimto want her enough to try.
She’d replayed that kiss a million times in her mind. She’d thought he’d wanted her.
Maybe it was all her. Maybe he hadn’t liked it as much.
Maybe he was an old fool who didn’t realize when a good thing had walked into his life.