Page 69 of The Renter

I giggle at how casual that sentence is to him. Like he’s buying a coffee or something.

“What kind of company?”

“A real estate investing platform. It’s different from any other deal we’ve done because they are both a technology company and also own a lot of real estate.”

I nod. “How much money is this kind of company?”

“Two hundred million-ish.” Saying it, he’s unable to hide his amusement.

“That’s all?” I tease.

“Remember, I’m a whore.” He winks. “Now, keep being charming so these guys will wire me some money.”

52

Tuesday, July 19th

The next morning, the day of the keynote, Adam wakes early to go for a run. I passed on joining him. I didn’t realize Park City was seven thousand feet above sea level. I stay snuggled in the sheets to grapple with the altitude sickness and ruminate on what Greg was saying to me last night. Is it a little game, or is he just trying to get me to leave Adam? I don’t know how seriously I should take his words.

I’m startled by a knock at the door, nearly jumping out of bed.

“Did Adam forget his key?” I mumble to myself, tossing on a robe to cover my naked body, and walk to the door.

My breath catches as I open it. “Declan!” I nearly scream, then I’m embarrassed by my reaction.

“Looking for Adam.” His big blue eyes hold steady eye contact, not making a big deal about the fact I’m in a robe. Declan looks like he’s been awake for hours already. I involuntarily check him out. He’s completely ready for the day, wearing a button-down from the very last collection I was part ofat Shirts and black jeans.Can he stop fucking wearing the Shirts brand?

“He’s on a run,” I manage, not letting my thoughts and questions overwhelm me.

Declan lingers in the doorway before saying, “Hey, I appreciate all the value you added yesterday on the plane. Thank you for preparing today’s conversation and for the outline you emailed. The amount Adam suggested we pay you …” He slides out a thumbnail drive from his jeans pocket. “I don’t think it’s appropriate anymore. I was going to give you this at some point today,” he says, offering me the drive.

“No. I’m not taking any morecold storagefrom you.”

“Cold storage.” He bites his lip, repeating the crypto reference. “It’s a little early to be talking dirty to me.”

My eyes betray me, staring at his neck tattoos, then his full lips. I hate him for being so good-looking. Before I know it, I’m yelling, “You’re always playing hot and cold! I’m so sick of you acting like you’re superior and telling me I need to fix myself. And I have a boyfriend.”

He laughs, an infuriating laugh. I roll my eyes, frustrated, and begin closing the door, but his hand slaps it, preventing me from closing it. The sound startles me.

“Dani,” he growls. “Get out of Wisconsin. This will help.” He extends me the thumb drive.

I shake my head, annoyed with him and how he makes me feel. “I can’t accept any more money from you. You’ve already given me too much.”

“It’s less than last time, and it’s for your work.”

We awkwardly stare at each other for another moment.What was the other Bitcoin for, then?I want to retort. But I’m not ready to hear one of the potential answers. The answer that it was truly a birthday gift and nothing more.

“How about this … If you stop wearing Shirts, I’ll take it.”

“That’s one way to ask me to take my shirt off,” he says with a cocked smile, clearly amused with himself.

I groan in response. “I mean the brand. My brand.”

“No deal. These shirts were made for me. They fit perfectly.”

“Why do you keep wearing them?”

His eyes narrow. “Why do you think?”