Page 63 of The Renter

“I spend most of each day with you. You don’t have a problem,” Adam reassures. “You’re twenty-five. Of course, you’ll have a hangover every now and again.”

“I know. Try telling Declan that. I hate that he thinks I’m this raging addict. Like, I have a couple of drinks, so what?”

“I would prefer, though, if you didn’t get that drunk at events with me.”

Embarrassed. I put my head in my hand. “I’m sorry. I promise it won’t happen again.”

Adam leans over, wrapping his arms around me in a big hug, whispering, “Declan is too intense about sober living. I agree with you on that.”

I loudly sigh. “I don’t have any more big skeletons in my closet,” I softly say in his ear. “I promise.”

“So, what if you do.” He turns toward me, holding my face in his hand. “Don’t feel like you have to keep anything from me.”

“I guess I’ve found it easier to compartmentalize stuff.”

“You’re so strong.” He leans in, kissing me. “If we’re going to work, though, we have to be partners. I have to know what’s going on in that brain of yours.”

“Okay.” I grab his face and kiss him. He pulls me on top of him so I’m straddling his hips. “So, are you less concerned about Declan now?” I tease.

“Yes,” he says before his tongue is all over my neck.

48

Monday, July 18th

As the SUV glides along the highway on its way to O’Hare Airport, I find myself with a very loud coworker. Adam’s been on call after call all morning and is still talking away an hour into the ride from the cottage to the airport.

I’m working too. Using my phone as a hotspot for my laptop, I’m emailing with clients and writing and tweaking a press release.

This scene of Adam on the phone and me on my laptop is a little glimpse into what our post-summer life could look like. I like it—this power couple vibe.

I’m not as concentrated as I’d like to be, curious about Adam’s conversations. The calls are all about politics and policy. He’s saying phrases like unrealized capital gains, financial disclosures, and government reporting on each call.

“Politics?” I ask after he ends a call.

“It’s a pet project I’m working on.”

“We have to talk about Summit at some point.”

“We’ll have four hours on the plane to do that with Declan. I need to knock out other things right now.” I’m not used to this professional voice and tone from him.

“Whatever you say,boss,” I say, flirting with him.

He laughs. “I’m not the one that’s paying you.”

Adam’s phone starts buzzing, and he smiles at me before answering it. I half listen, taking in how commanding, demanding, and inquisitive he is. Adam’s so smart. I smile, watching him. Then, he loudly sighs as he hangs up.

“Stop working so hard,” I tease.

“You’ve been working the whole car ride too.” He grabs my knee, and I love how it makes me feel. Adam’s touch is everything. It’s comforting, loving, caring, and definitely sexy. “You’re not too busy, are you?” he asks, almost concerned.

“No.” I laugh. “I’m getting ahead of things since I won’t be as plugged in at the conference.”

“Wise move.”

“I hope you know how grateful I am for everything you’ve been doing for me.” I lean into his side, and he puts his arm around my shoulder and pulls me in closer. “The money from this project and the other clients you’ve introduced me to is helping me so much. I’m close to having enough to move back to Chicago.”

He leans back to look me in the eye. “Why do you need money?” he asks before pointing at himself. I laugh, rolling my eyes.