He pushed home his advantage. “You don’t have to leave her anymore. You don’t have to be on your feet for eight hours at a time, come home too exhausted to play with her.”
“I can always play with her.”
“But you must be tired,” he said gently, without a hint of judgement. “And now you don’t have to be.”
“Because you’re going to be paying me,” she said with a tight shake of her head.
“The pre-nuptial agreement is designed to avoid exactly that.”
“Fine, you’regivingme a small fortune.”
“Why is that a problem?”
“I haven’t earned it! Being stupid enough to fall pregnant to a guy like you shouldn’t be a paycheck.”
Something dangerous sparked in his chest.
“I grew up seeing my mom struggle, and succeed. She did it all on her own. At no point did she take the easy way out. I’m not going to accept your money, Gray. I’m offended you’d even think to offer me this.”
Impatience warred with admiration.
“I’m not offering you a paycheck. But in a matter of weeks, you’re going to be a Fortescue. Our daughter is my only heir. Can’t you see how ludicrous it is to remain –,” he sought for a word that wasn’t insulting. “In a financially stretched position?”
“Living with you is a huge help. I can sublet my apartment and use my income for savings or emergencies.”
He felt as though he were banging his head against a brick wall. “I admire your streak of independence.”
“But?”
A reluctant smile curved his lips. He felt warmth spreading through his gut and immediately sobered, straightening. “But I think you’re crossing over into downright stubbornness now.”
She compressed her lips.
“As for subletting your apartment; what’s the point? Why not give up your lease?”
Her eyes flickered away guiltily.
“Because you want to have somewhere to run away to, if this doesn’t work?”
She swallowed. “Is that such a bad idea?”
“No.” He agreed. “I have the same with my Hamptons house or my place in London.”
“Or anywhere around the world,” she said quietly. “I’ve seen how you live.”
“Let me show you something else.” He picked up his phone from the table, no longer abuzz with anticipation. The gesture he’d been sure she’d be thrilled by now felt laced with risk. Nonetheless, he loaded the PDF and passed the phone back to her. She sipped her wine before looking at the screen.
“This has my name on it.”
“I know.” He watched her surreptitiously, fascinated by her cheekbones, the fullness of her lips, wishing, wanting. His leg moved of its own volition, stretching out beneath the table so his ankle brushed hers. Her eyes jolted to his, her body startled and he knew she felt it. The shock of electricity that hummed between them had burned her as it had him.
“It’s an apartment on Madison Avenue.”
“I know.”
“And a contract to buy it.”
“Yes.”