“I know.” He nodded, a slight smile curving his kissable lips as his eyes dropped to the necklace he’d given me. “I didn’t really get a chance to talk last time. And while you’re free to walk out that door any second you see fit, I’m really hoping you’ll give me five minutes.”

“Five minutes?” My pulse jumped. Five minutes with this man was dangerous to my heart, but didn’t I owe him that? Hell, I owed him far more. “And you stay on that side of the table?”

If he touched me, I’d be a goner.

“Five minutes, and I stay on this side of the table,” he agreed.

“Deal.” I tucked my hair behind my ear, wishing I’d worn it up today.

“I love you, Morgan.” He nailed me with those eyes, and his words shattered what little defenses I had against him.

“Jackson, don’t,” I whispered as my heart thudded to life.

“Five minutes.” He lifted the corner of his mouth into a sinfully sexy smirk.

Ugh. I nodded.

“First, I have a really bad habit of not telling you things first, so I’m telling you that Claire is living at my house with Finley while I’m gone.”

I sucked in a breath, and that heartbeat that had started slugging its way to a dependable rhythm stuttered. Ten days. It had only taken ten damned days.

“Kitty, it’s not what you think, and damn, that face is making me want to jump this table and hold you, but I made a promise, so I won’t. Claire and I aren’t together. We’ll never be together. She’s living at my place so Fin can keep her life as normal as possible. Plus, Juno raked her claws down Vivian’s couch, so that option is off the table.”

I smiled, then pressed my lips between my teeth so he wouldn’t get encouraged.

“She’s moving out when I get back. It’s just for Finley, and it’s probably the most maternal decision she’s ever made…after moving back. But now you know, so you won’t be shocked when she’s coming down the stairs or asking to borrow sugar…not that she bakes. You’ll probably see a ton of takeout.”

I glanced toward the clock and raised my eyebrows. You’re using your five minutes, Jackson.

“You’re right. Morgan, I love you. Taking a three-month trip isn’t going to change that. I’m not sure a lifetime would change that, honestly.”

My eyes widened and my stomach tightened, but there was no anxiety…at least not yet. If it came to that, I was going to have to leave for my own good. He didn’t use the D word.