I pushed the hair away from his face so I could see his eyes a little better. Eyes that had somehow become my safe place—maybe even more than The Gables were. “I’m proud of me, too. I never would’ve been brave enough to strike out on my own when I had the safety of the firm to fall back on. It would’ve felt too risky. But I’m going to make a heck of a lot more money working on my own.”

“Well, you’re taking me out on the town tomorrow, then.”

I gave Crosby a quick kiss. “I’ll keep you fed.”

He chuckled, the sound sending pleasant vibrations through me. “Are you going to work out of the guest house, or try to find a spot to rent in town?”

“I think I’d like to find a place in town. It’s more convenient for clients. And I’ll have to get an assistant at some point.” My lips twitched. “Maybe I can bribe Penny away from you.”

Crosby released me, his eyes narrowing. “Don’t even think about it. Without her, the wheels fall off my whole life.”

“All right, all right. I’ll leave Penny be.”

Crosby opened a bottle of red wine that smelled heavenly. Soon, we were discussing all the plans I had for my new business while we devoured our delicious food. I didn’t think about the fact that the meal was way too decadent for a weeknight or what Grant might be planning to cause me more trouble. I just enjoyed being with a man who was just as excited about my dreams and plans as I was.

Crosby tugged my stool closer to him, his hands sliding up my thighs. “Am I allowed to stay tonight?”

I pursed my lips and glanced to the side. “I’ll consider it…”

Crosby leaned in, his lips lightly trailing up my throat. “What do I have to do to convince you?”

“I’d say you’re off to a good start…” Just the brush of his lips against my skin had my body coming alive. I’d never had as much sex with a partner as Crosby and I seemed to find time for. And the activity levels had seemed to train my body’s response. The skim of his fingers, the touch of his mouth, and my body knew exactly what was coming next. But it was more than that. My body had let Crosby in. Trusted him. And my heart was following suit.

I couldn’t deny the bite of fear that thought brought on, but at the same time, the incredible comfort it delivered. I wasn’t going to play my usual games, trying to micromanage or predict the future. I was going to let myself fall.

“I need you.”