“I’m putting together an inspiration board that can double as creative content on my blog.” She leaned back in her chair, her red-tipped fingernail tapping against the mouse, as he took the seat closest to her. “Now that I won’t be selling scandalous news bits to the tabloids, the pressure is on to ensure I can leverage a new revenue stream.”

“If you need financial backing, Elena, I can give you extremely favorable terms.” He’d barely gotten all the words out when she was already shaking her head.

“Thank you, but no.” Shifting in her seat, her calf brushed his for a moment. Quickly, she repositioned herself to avoid further contact. “Too much potential for conflict of interest.”

He bit back a retort, knowing the defensiveness he felt had more to do with this damnable sensation he had that she was pulling away from him.

Already.

She’d been back in his life for a handful of days, hardly enough time for them to iron out anything from the past, let alone think about what came next. And there hadn’t been nearly enough time for him to enjoy having her back in his bed again.

“You might change your mind about the loan when I tell you I have a big favor to ask of you.” He should have brought it up the night before when he’d told her about Zach. But when she’d given him the chance to leave the conversation behind and lose himself in her beautiful body, he’d been powerless to refuse.

“Gage Striker needs a favor from me?” She gave a self-deprecating smile. “Do tell.”

Frustration knotted in his shoulders.

“I’m not sure why that would surprise you.” He didn’t understand how or why she’d lost herself in her unsuccessful marriage, but he wouldn’t listen to her sell herself short. “You’re a smart, enterprising woman on the verge of an exciting new chapter in your life.”

For a moment, the only sound was the hum of the engine as the pilot throttled back the speed of the aircraft.

“Thank you.” Elena nodded, a single wavy lock slipping in front of her shoulder. Vibrant red cashmere hugged her curves, the V-neck drawing his attention to a silver necklace consisting of her initial beside a diamond-encrusted star. “How can I help?”

“When Desmond called the meeting yesterday, he revealed some startling news about Alonzo’s profits from the tell-all book.” Since he was done doubting her, he shared the truth without hesitation. “The funds have been supporting a thirteen-year-old boy.”

She frowned, sitting up straighter in her seat. “Didn’t you say the accident was fourteen years ago?”