Page 87 of Over the Limit

“Okay.” Please don’t.

“Paolo is expecting updated spreadsheets on budget numbers and . . . just so much to do.”

“I’m sure there is.” I press a kiss to the crown of her head and just breathe her in. “And I’m sure you’ll kick arse at every single aspect of it.”

“Mmm.”

“Mmm? That’s all I get?” I chuckle.

“I’d much rather do this with you. I like this,” she murmurs against my chest.

“What part of this?” Because let’s face it, there are a lot of great parts to all this.

“The doing nothing together part.”

“Me too, Tink. Me too. But . . .” I shift so that she’s forced to look up at me. “I refuse to be a distraction in your world. I mean . . . I love being one, but not like this. How about we get up, I make you breakfast—”

“You cook?”

“We won’t go that far, but I can scramble some mean eggs.” She smiles and just the sight has my balls drawing tight and the knowledge that we need to get up or there’s going to be a whole lot more than doing nothing happening in a few seconds.

“Really?”

“Really. So you work. I’ll feed you. I’ll make some calls.” Because contract talks are in full swing. “And then . . . then we can meet right back here for some more doing nothing when you’re done.”

“Promise?”

“Promise.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

Lachlan

The hills above Monaco are a brutal fucking hike. Steep and slippery and never-ending.

But they afford the best views of the harbor beyond. The turquoise water. The various yachts milling around the harbor. The king’s palace.

And more than that, the arduous hike not only gives you peace of mind and perspective, but it also gives you time to think.

Too bad mobile service still works.

“Dad. Hi. What’s up?”

“Hi.”

“I just got to Tête de Chien,” I say in labored pants as I put my hand on my hip and just stand still for a beat to catch my breath.

“Good to see you’re putting in the work on your off days.”

“I always put in the work. What is that supposed to mean?”

“Nothing. It wasn’t a dig,” he backpedals.

“Uh-huh.”

“So what’s going on? Still the same?”

“I met with the owners of Moretti and then of Gravitas,” I say, only because no one else is around.