Page 113 of Crazy In Love

“Uh…” She blinks and turns back to him. “Yeah. It’s a lot.”

“We need you in New York on Monday to sign the contracts, and Rome by Wednesday before Amedeo flies out to London for a few weeks.”

“Monday?” I snap.That’s only two sleeps. Two! Not eight.

“As in, the day after tomorrow?” Alana questions. “A whole week earlier than planned?”

“Yeah.” Booker grits his teeth. “I know. We don’t mean to rush you, but Amedeo will be in New York for just a day, and then he’s heading to London as soon as you’re settled in Rome. To make this a smooth transition, the timeline is tight.”

“But she’s on vacation right now,” Tommy growls. “You approved her forsixweeks off. Not five. It’s not appropriate to discuss business while she’s on vacation.”

“Why…” Finally catching on, Booker frowns. “Why are we acting like this isn’t the single greatest news we’ve heard this year?” He brings his eyes back down to Fox’s. “Honey. This wasyourpitch.”

“She’s just in shock, that’s all.” I take a step forward and gently lay my hand on the small of her back. Massaging. Soothing, maybe. “If this was her pitch, then it’s good news. She just needs a minute.”

“Chris…” Alana admonishes. “This is a lot to think about.”

“Ithasbeen thought about.” Kill me. Stab me in the heart and let me bleed out. “It was thought out when she pitched it.”

“You think this is a good idea?” Fox gives Booker her back and stares up into my eyes. Hers well with emotion. They glitter with something approaching tears. And when she opens her mouth to speak, her jaw trembles. “Christian. You, uh…” She clears her throat. “You think I should go?”

“Yeah.” It’s what’s best for her. It’s what she wanted. The proof is on the fucking wall.Shepitched this. Six weeks in bed with me shouldn’t change the plans she had for her life. “I think you’re a traveler at heart, and the idea of living in Rome for a little while would make you very happy.”

“Rome is a long,longway away, Christian.” Tommy burns me with his glare. “It’s a whole other country, with visa requirements that mean people can’t just vacation there for five years. There’s red tape and permissions and sponsors and all that shit.”

As in… I can’t go.

For a weekend here and there, sure. For a month, even. Absolutely. But not for five years.

“I know.” I hold Fox’s gaze and show her my most convincing smile. “This was your dream. It was your pitch. Don’t let future-Fox pay the price for the choices this-Fox makes, all for the sake of a week in Bumfuckville.”

Alana shakes her head, firming her lips and glowering. All in Fox’s blind spot.

“I thought I was bringing good news.” Booker nervously laughs. “I swear, I thought it would beextraexcitement added to an already exciting day. But if I’ve made a mistake, I sincerely apologize?—”

“No. It’s good news.” Closing her eyes, Fox robs me of what I want to see most of all. Then she turns to her boss and opens them again. “This is amazing news. I’m just surprised. This wedding was kind of a surprise, too, so I’m having one of those days, ya know?”

“So youwantto go?” Alana grabs Fox’s chin, drawing her around. “Youwantto move to Rome? All by yourself.”

“Sure.” She pulls Alana’s hand away, but she places it on her cheek. A caress, instead of an attack. “It was my idea, right? It’s what I was working towards.”

“Great!” Booker exhales a heavy breath, folding at the hips like he’s justcome from a five-mile run. “Jesus. You scared me! I thought something had changed.”

“Somethinghaschanged,” Alana grumbles, tugging her closer. “She’s leaving the day after tomorrow. I thought I had a week left with her. Now I have two days. See ya, Booker.” And with that, she drags her away, past Tommy and around Franky, and though Fox’s eyes swing helplessly to mine, she remains captive to Alana’s fierce grip.

“Oh… well…” Booker releases a nervous snigger. “Alright. Well, I guess I’ll see her at the office on Monday, then.”

“Fuck!” I turn on my heels and stalk in the opposite direction. To drown myself in the lake, if I’m lucky. “Fuck!”

ROUND TWENTY-NINE

FOX

I was supposed to have another week in Chris’ bed.

Turns out, I’d already slept for the last time cradled in his arms, and I didn’t even know it.

I’d dozed with my cheek on his chest, and I had no clue it would be the last.