Page 50 of Tempting Miles
“Well, you know.” He shrugs casually. “Getting back into the groove of things around here."
Then he raises a hand, signaling for the waiter.
After ordering wine, appetizers, and a salad for me, I press for more details. Easton has never been the type to sit around and let life happen to him.
“So getting in the groove means what exactly. Have you thought about opening an office downtown?”
His laugh catches me by surprise.
“Did I say something funny?” I ask. “Whatam I missing?”
“I’m sorry.” He chuckles, apparently still amused. “Opening an office downtown sounds veryMad Men, you know?”
He dabs at the corners of his eyes even though there aren’t any tears.
When I stay quiet, he keeps going.
“I can work from home. There’s really no need for me to have an office somewhere else.”
I nod, understanding his point.
“I’m going to say it straight, since that’s how you like it,” he says, and just like that, his entire demeanor changes.
The warm, charming Easton disappears.
In his place sits the ruthless businessman I’ve seen countless times before.
“Are you marrying me?”
I raise an eyebrow.
I expected him to ask again eventually. I didn’t expect him to be so blunt about it.
I let out a sigh, bracing myself for whatever comes after I deliver the truth.
“You know your friendship means the world to me,” I say carefully. “But nothing matters more to me than my family, and I’m not willing to jeopardize my relationship with my parents.”
A brittle laugh leaves him. “Wow. Are you serious right now?”
I shrug slightly. “Yes, of course I’m serious. The moment we get married, my mother will start asking for grandkids,and as much as I care about you, I don’t want kids. Never have.”
Something that looks a lot like hurt flashes across Easton’s face before he buries it.
“Would it really be so terrible to have a child with me?” he asks quietly. “I’m a good man, Penelope.”
The guilt trip puts me on edge. So does hearing my full name coming from his mouth. I should’ve shut this down the first time he brought it up.
“I’m sorry this isn’t what you expected to hear, but I never promised I’d say yes. I just told you I’d think about it.” My tone stays calm, but there’s no room left for argument.
Easton nods slowly, absorbing my words.
“If your family really is your top priority,” he says as he tosses his napkin onto the table with more force than necessary, “then I think you should reconsider your answer.”
Then he stands.
“I’ll talk to you later. Have a great day.”
I watch him walk out of the restaurant, unease curling low in my stomach.
