“You know that by the way I’m touching your lips?”
“No, actually, just from the way you’re looking at me.”
“You read me well.”
“I actually wasn’t planning on taking a cab just yet but taking a walk first. Central Park is gorgeous right now. All these fall colors.”
I groaned. “But that means we won’t be alone for some time. How long is that kiss going to have to wait?”
“Oh, I don’t know, Mr. You’re-creative-enough-when-it-comes-to-that. I have complete faith in you.”
We crossed the street, heading to one of the entrances to the park.
“Do we have a destination?” I asked.
“No, I was just going to wander the alleyways.”
I took her hands in mine, looking her straight in the eyes.
“David, Becca, and I had a meeting wit
h the lawyer.”
“What did he say?”
“Nothing good, but I’m going to mull that information over and find something that works for all parties involved.”
“Liam! What did he say? I want to know.” Her eyes were snapping fire. I wanted to protect her from this, but I should have known better.
“He can’t sell to just anyone. If we find the buyer unsuitable, we can veto, but we can only do that a few times or we’ll be accused of not playing fair.”
“Can’t you buy his share?”
“We don’t have enough cash flow at the moment.”
The light went out of Tess’s eyes. That amazing brain of hers already put two and two together.
“But you still have time to freeze the investment you did this year.”
I could practically feel her pull back in her shell. She tried to take her hands away from mine, but I held them firmly. This was exactly what I’d been afraid of. I cared so much about her that I didn’t want to risk anything coming between us.
“Tess, that is not going to happen,” I said with determination. “I’m a man of my word. I would never freeze an investment.”
Her eyes softened a bit. “You don’t have a choice, though.”
“There is always a choice. You just have to be determined enough to find it. I am determined, and I will find it.”
I cupped her face with both hands, caressing her temples with my thumbs. I wanted her to feel that I meant every word.
“There is no scenario in this world in which I’d let anything hurt you, you understand? You hurt, I hurt, and that’s not going to happen, babe.”
She didn’t reply.
“Tell me what you’re thinking,” I said. “You have a no-secrets policy, remember?”
She smiled slowly, covering my hands with her palms.
“Too many things.”