“It is personal. It couldn’t be more personal.”
“No, it isn’t. It’s not like you and I, like we’re involved.”
“I don’t know your definition of involved, but I don’t think it gets much more involved than you carrying my babies.”
“Finn, we both agreed after that night together that we wouldn’t have anything to do with each other. We mutually decided that going our separate ways was for the best—for both of us.”
“That was before.”
“The pregnancy is a complication. I’ll admit that. But we can work out an arrangement with the babies. We don’t have to live out of each other’s back pockets.”
“I don’t want to live in your back pocket. I want to provide a home for my children and their mother—”
“I don’t need you to take care of me or the babies. I can manage on my own.”
“But the point is you don’t have to. I’m here to help. We can help each other.”
She shook her head. “A marriage of convenience won’t work.”
“Sure it will, if we want it to.”
Holly crossed her arms. “Why are you so certain you’re right? It’s not like we’re in love. This thing between us will never last.”
“And maybe you’re wrong. Maybe the fact that we aren’t in love is the reason that it will work. There won’t be any unreasonable expectations. No emotional roller coaster.”
“And that sounds good to you?”
He shrugged. “Do you have a better suggestion?”
“Yes. I think some space will be best for everyone.”
“I don’t agree. What would be best is if we became a family—a family that shares the same home as our children.”
“And what happens—” She stopped herself just in time. She was going to utter, What happens when you get bored? Would he trade her in for a younger model? But she wasn’t going there. It didn’t matter because what Finn was proposing wasn’t possible.
His gaze probed her. “Finish that statement.”
“It’s nothing.”
“It was definitely something. And I want to know what it is.” He moved closer to her.
His nearness sent her heart racing. It was hard to keep her mind on the conversation. No man had a right to be so sexy. If only real life was like the movies and came with happily-ever-afters.
“Holly?”
“I honestly can’t remember what I was going to say. But it’s time I go back to New York.”
Finn’s eyes momentarily widened in surprise “What about the project?”
“The event is ready to go.”
“You just said you had a problem with transportation.”
“That...that’s minor. I can deal with it from anywhere.”
His gaze narrowed. “You’re serious, aren’t you?”
She settled her hands on her hips. “I am. You don’t need me here. You can email me or phone, but you no longer need my presence here.”
“Is there anything I can say to change your mind?”
There were so many things she wanted him to say. But she feared they were both too damaged—too cynical about life to be able to create a happily-ever-after.
And instead of trying and failing—of taking what they have and making it contentious, she’d rather part as friends. It’d be best for everyone, including the babies.
But finding herself a bit emotional, she didn’t trust her voice. Instead, she averted her gaze and shook her head.
Finn sighed. “Fine. I’ll call for the chopper.”
“Really?” He was just going to let her walk out the door? It seemed too easy.
“It’s what you want, isn’t it?” He retrieved the phone.
“Yes, it is.” She turned away and walked to the French doors. They were usually standing open, letting in the fresh air and sunshine, but not today. She stared off into the distant gray sky. Dark clouds scudded across it as rain began to fall.
She couldn’t believe he was just going to let her walk away. A man who liked to control everything in his life surely couldn’t live with just handing over his children with no strings attached.
In the background, she could hear the murmur of Finn’s voice. He’d lowered it, but not before she caught the rumble in it. He wasn’t happy—not at all. Well, that made two of them. But they’d have to make the best of the situation.