“More money always means more product,” she says simply. “I’m an investment. And now, I’m a risk. The only surprise here is how long it took Anastasios to meet with me, not that it’s happening at all.”

I shove my hands into my pockets. If I don’t, I won’t be able to resist folding her into my arms, smelling her hair, kissing her. “You are surprisingly well adjusted about all of this.”

She snickers and tosses her dark hair over her shoulder. “It helps that I’ve been taking my meds.” Pursing her lips, she adds, “I know what I did, Ryan. Walking away from that deal was my decision. Even at the time, I had a good understanding of the consequences. Publishing again was my decision, too. I knew what I’d have to overcome when I sent that manuscript to Trina, even if parts of it have been harder than I thought they would be. And even if I never expected you’d be part of it.”

“I can still find someone else to edit the next one or take over this one if you want,” I offer half-heartedly. We talked briefly about her directive to Trina to find a different editor, but she ultimately decided to stay with me. Though it was unclear if she actually wants me on the project or if she’s afraid of looking like she’s asking for too much on top of everything else.

She shakes her head but doesn’t say anything else.

“I don’t suppose I can talk you out of dinner with Charles tonight?”

She continues shaking her head, but her lips curl up into a wicked smile. I stifle my annoyance; I know her well enough to expect that the harder I push, the more she’ll want to see him. Spite has always been a pretty powerful motivator for Scarlett, as has pushing my buttons just enough to make me want her more. Though I can’t imagine wanting her more than I do right now as she challenges me with a light in her eyes I haven’t seen in a long time. Since before she left, I realize with a start. I only wish I had noticed the absence of it sooner.

Tipping her chin toward the elevator doors, she presses the button to open them and says, “Let’s get this over with.”

As she exits the elevator, I trail behind her like a dejected puppy, back to imagining her and Charles Hall tucked into a corner at a small, romantic table, sharing tapas and wine with her smiling at him the way she was in the lobby.