Page 29 of Reckless Chance

“I’d like to tour the stage again and interview some of the performers.”

“I’ll have Emily take care of everything. She’ll contact you to coordinate.”

“There’s one more thing. I don’t mix business and pleasure,” Lowri says with a look of determination.

“Understood. Neither do I typically. From here on, when we meet with anyone relating to the accident, we’ll keep it completely professional. No PDA.”

“I meant that I separate business and pleasure completely. We’ll need to quit spending our nights together.”

Shit! I didn’t see that coming. That won’t work. The trust requires us to live together.

Concealing my panic, I calmly ask, “Why?”

“When I’m working, I become extremely serious. I’m not the all-smiles, fun-loving woman you’ve been spending time with. Ican’t rapidly switch between those states of mind when dealing with you. Besides, clients expect their attorneys to be serious all the time, so I’ve made it a point never to date anyone involved in my work. Our play time together is ending anyway. This is the perfect time to make that break.”

The glimpses she’s shown me of her so-called serious side are actually rather hot but sharing that won’t help. We’re not in a real relationship.

Taking my time before answering, I question whether to play the card I’m holding. It’s my best option, so I proceed.

“I understand. Of course, you won’t always be in fun mode. I want you to focus on my work when necessary. However, when we’re not working, let’s enjoy each other until our marriage is properly annulled. At your request, wedidagree to be monogamous.”

I wouldn’t break my promise not to cheat regardless. The problem is that my father handcuffed me with a brutal trust provision. That requires pulling out all the weapons to ensure she lives with me for the next three months—even if it means reminding Lowri of her request.

“You spoke to the lawyer today. How long did he estimate it would take?”

“It’s a straightforward process. He’s starting the paperwork. A judge must sign off on it, and he doesn’t know exactly when that will happen. It should be soon.”

Three months will fly by, won’t it?

“Did he think getting a judge’s approval will be difficult?” she asks.

“He said it shouldn’t be. Can we agree to continue sharing our nights while we wait? It will be easier on both of us.”

“We could take care of ourselves. Are you saying that’s not an option?”

“Not exactly. We already agreed to stay together until the annulment goes through. It’ll be enjoyable for both of us. Besides, it’s not for long. Why not?”

“I won’t argue that it would be more pleasurable, and we are technically married. Okay. We can keep our arrangements the same while we’re married.”

“Deal. The chef’s headed our way. Let’s see what he has on the menu for us tonight,” I say, lifting my glass for a long swig of Macallan to disguise my relief.

Damn. That plan almost backfired.

21

SEAN

Emily knocks on my office door, distracting me from thoughts of Lowri. I’m thankful for the interruption because it’s time to get my head back into the game rather than dwelling on what I’d rather be doing with her.

“Sean, Detective Fielder is here. He insists on speaking with you.”

“What’s he doing here?”

“He wouldn’t say. I can ask again.”

“Never mind. Send him in,” I sigh.

Just what I needed today—a visit from a homicide detective. That can’t be good.