Laughing, he points the opened bottle at me. “Nice wordplay.”

“But we’re not celebrating one mere story.” I pause for effect. “We’re celebrating a job.”

“Seriously? I thought you didn’t like him.”

“I don’t. But I like the work he has for me, and I like that he’s forthright and upfront. I can handle the rest.”

He pours two glasses and offers a toast. “To a fresh start. And to a genius move on his part—securing the best.”

I blush and whisper my thank you.

When we’re done, he leaves the dishes on the table and takes me to the couch. He lays me down and climbs over me, kissing me as he grinds against me.

In seconds, I’m hot and bothered. He flips me to my side, moving so he’s behind me as he pushes up my skirt. My panties come off, his jeans are down, and we’re side to side. He slides into me, his hand slinking between my legs, the other on my breasts as he moves in me, gripping me hard. Electricity crackles under my skin, and I sizzle, burning hotter and brighter with every thrust.

His hold is so tight I can barely move. I feel safe with him, and I feel wanted too. Flynn makes me feel beautiful and sexy and brilliant, and like I don’t have to carry the weight of my world on my shoulders. Like he’s willing to bear some of it for me, even as he takes me to the edge, bringing me incomparable pleasure again and again and again.

When we’re done, he draws me into his arms, pointing through the windows at the sumptuous emerald-green park. “Eventually, I’ll get you into the park. You keep distracting me with sex.”

“I’ll distract you again if you’d like.”

Before he can answer, his phone beeps. “Another distraction,” he mutters and reaches for it on the coffee table. He clicks open a note, and his expression transforms as he reads it. A wild, delighted grin takes over his face.

“There’s something I have to show you.”

“You want to show me an email?”

“Yes. It’s an important one. It’s from your brother’s school.”

“What?” A strange dread courses through me. “Why would they write to you?”

He smiles impishly. He’s good at that. “Because his schooling is paid for.”

A shock jolts into me. The hair on my arms stands on end. “You did not just say that.”

He nods, proudly. Ridiculously proudly.

“Did you pay for the rest of his master’s?”

“I did.” His green eyes twinkle.

“You can’t pay for my brother’s school.”

“I can, though, and I have.”

“Why?” I ask, wonder and surprise etched in my voice.

“Because it makes your life easier. Because that’s what I want to do.”

“But Flynn . . .” I begin, only I’m not sure what I’m protesting. His generosity? “You can’t.”

He sets a hand on my thigh. “I had a feeling you’d be stubborn, so in case you’re worried, this isn’t just for your brother.”