“I thought you’d appreciate input.” He shrugged. “After all, I figured we’d end up living together and eventually married—when you’re ready, of course, if that’s something you’d be interested in.” He waved his hand like it was all a given. Like we weren’t cursed. “So if you hate bulldogs, then we’d have to pick another breed. They’ve got great temperaments, though. Excellent with kids. When we have them.” He tilted his head. “If you want to have them, that is. The marriage thing might not be your style, either. I’m pretty much at your mercy with those.” He took another bite of his burger.

My eyes darted around the room, making sure I hadn’t stepped into the twilight zone. Once I was sure that this wasn’t some really messed-up dream, I pinned him with a stare. “So you don’t think we should break up so you have a shot at winning this case? Because that’s where I was kind of headed with it.” I finished that last part so slowly, it almost felt like a completely different sentence.

He paused mid-chew.

“I mean, that’s his best shot, right? If we break up? If my dad sees you’re putting Art’s interests before your own? That’s what makes the most sense.” Now the words came fast enough to set their own speed record.

Cam finished chewing and swallowed, abandoning the rest of the burger in its box. “Is that what you want? To…” He shook his head.

“No,” I admitted in a whisper. “But isn’t this where I’m supposed to leave for your own good? Take the martyrdom road to help your dad and then hope that later, once this is all settled, we can be together?”

“Come here.” He shifted and pushed his chair back from the table.

I stood, my knees and resolve shaking as I took the few steps that separated us to stand between his knees.

“Do you love me?” he asked, looking up at me from under dark lashes.

“More than anything in this world.” I ran my fingers through his hair, more for my comfort than his.

“Okay.” He took my hips and guided me until I sat across his thighs, facing him. “Then, this is where you do that. Where you love me. That’s all I need.”

I melted, deflated, lost all the tension in my muscles as my fear vanished, but the worry set in. “But what about your dad?”

He ran his knuckles down my cheek. “I can only tackle one problem at a time, Pika. My first priority is and will always be you. This, what we have, isn’t something I’m willing to risk.”

I leaned into his touch. “I don’t want to lose you.”

“Then don’t.” His voice rumbled so low, I felt it in my palm where it lay against his chest.