Page 34 of The Billionaire's Classmate

Daniel smiled down at her.

“Not my best work,” he admitted. “But it doesn’t matter.”

“Just tell me,” Maria pressed, and Daniel smiled, looking into her eyes.

“There’s just something different with you,” he said, gently running his fingertips over her face.

“I feel it too,” Maria admitted, her voice softer.

“I think I love you,” Daniel said, and Maria knew the words should terrify her, or unnerve her at least, but they did not. Instead, they resounded with her.

“I think I love you, too” Maria admitted, and Daniel smiled. “It’s too bad it will never work.”

“Never work?” Daniel frowned. “Why not?”

“You know,” she leaned up on her elbow. “The firm, the policy.”

Daniel scoffed and rolled his eyes.

“I’m serious,” Maria sighed. “You have power and prestige, but me? I’m just a recruit. If anyone finds out I’m in breach of the policy, I’m done. And once Elliot and Saunders has dismissed me, what firm in their right mind will have me?”

“I see what you mean,” Daniel said, and his jaw worked as he thought. “But what if the policy wasn’t in place? Then, what about you and me?”

Maria thought. She really did feel a connection with Daniel. He was smart, thoughtful, and had a rich history, and interests that were similar to hers. She really did feel like they had the potential to make it as a couple, if given the time to grow. At the end of the day, though, the policy was in place, and Maria did not want to kid herself.

“It doesn’t matter,” Maria sighed, shaking her head.

“Listen, what about this,” he said, holding up a finger. “I will move to displace the policy. It’s archaic, and people break the rule all the time anyway. We’ll still be the top firm in the country if our lawyers are sleeping with one another. This will take some time, but we could use that time to get to know each other. And, if all goes well, by the time the policy gets passed… I would like to ask you to marry me.”

Maria was somewhat shocked at his straightforwardness.

“I know it’s assuming a lot,” Daniel held up a hand in defense. “But I’ve been around the block a few times. I never married because I never hit it off with anyone the way I did with you. I felt a connection the first time you walked into my office. And now you’re here, and that doesn’t mean nothing.”

Maria chewed at her lip as her mind sorted through his logic.

“I know what I want,” Daniel gently cupped her face, making her look at him. “But I understand you may need some time.”

Maria nodded. This was all going way too fast. At the same time though, she felt the same way Daniel said he felt. Who knew where their relationship could end up if they kept this up?

“If our relationship grows…” Maria said hesitantly. “I may well agree to marry you. But if this policy isn’t removed…”

“If the policy isn’t removed,” Daniel stopped her. “I will leave, and start my own firm, where you will be welcome to join. And then, I will marry you. If you’ll have me.”

Maria blinked. He was determined, and she couldn’t help but be pulled to agree.

“Well?” he asked, his eyes hopeful.

“If all goes well, and we still feel this way after spending some time together…” Maria said slowly. “I will marry you.”

Daniel smiled, and placed a kiss on her face.

“I know we can’t be open about this for now,” Daniel said sadly, running his hand through her dark hair. “But I want you to know, that from now until you’ll no longer have me, I am entirely devoted you, Maria.”

“And I to you,” Maria said softly, placing a kiss on his lips.

Daniel smiled and pulled her closer, tucking her head under his chin. He reached over to the nightstand and turned off the lamp.

“Goodnight Maria,” he whispered.

“Goodnight Daniel,” she whispered, and wrapped her leg over his.

As she drifted to sleep, Maria couldn’t help but feel like she had just been through a whirlwind. This was a situation she had never imagined for herself, and yet now that she in it, she never felt more content. She knew that she needed to give the relationship time, and she would have to think about a lot of things before actually agreeing to marry him. Maria found herself hoping, though…that everything panned out so that she could spend every night like this, wrapped safely in the arms of the man she loved.

*****

THE END