CLAIRE

Julian didn't hesitate. "I want to see where this goes," he said. "I want to wake up next to you, I want to come home to you, I want to build something real with you."

He paused, his gray eyes holding mine. "I want a future with you, Claire," he said quietly. "Not because of a contract or revenge or convenience, but because I love you and I want you in my life."

My breath caught. "That's what I want too," I whispered.

Julian stood up and came around the table, offering me his hand. "Come on," he said.

"Where are we going?" I asked, taking his hand.

"You'll...