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Lunch is more than uncomfortable because Foster can’t stop touching me. I know it is for show to make his father believe we were happy, but several times during the meal, Mason narrows his eyes, scrutinizing our interactions. It is as if he knows something isn’t right. I squirm in my seat until Foster places his hand on my leg, curling his fingers around my inner thigh.
I can’t wait to break from him and finally get my chance when Laura asks me to help with the dishes. In the kitchen, we prepare for dessert—a fruit tart with homemade whipped cream. I consider leaving for Lana and Zane’s tonight, but I need to think of a good excuse because they would question me if I show up a day early.
When we say our goodbyes, Laura whispers in my ear, “Work on him about children. He’ll give in to you.”
I give her a weak smile as we break apart. Foster grabs my hand to guide me out of his parent’s apartment. Once we step into the elevator, I yank my hand from his.
He winces as if I’ve burned him. “Is it so unpleasant to touch me?”
“Don’t make this something it isn’t,” I responded coldly. “It’s back to a business deal.”
Foster’s expression twists in pain. “What can I do to get you to change your mind?”
“Nothing. I want my freedom.”
“My father mentioned our marriage today.”
My ears prick up, and as the doors to the elevator opens to the lobby. Foster stops speaking until we reach the limo where Peters was waiting. Once inside, we resume our conversation.
“What did he talk about?” I question.
“The loan.”
“Does he suspect anything?”
“I’m not sure. My father keeps his cards close to the vest. It’s hard to read him.”
“Are you in trouble?”
“I’d give it all up if you would stay with me,” he answers sincerely. “I would divulge the deal we made.”
“And put your company in peril? What about all those people who might lose their jobs if you need to pay your father off?”
“I can’t worry about them. All I care about is you.”
“I doubt that. You had a year to prove you care, and you haven’t.”
“I think I’ve more than proven to you how I feel. I’ve done things for you I’ve never done for anyone else.?”
I cast my eyes to my lap because I can’t bear to hold his gaze. “It was a week. You were the husband I wanted then, but it all changed when we got back.”
Foster sighs deeply. “It was the Robertson deal,” he notes rhetorically. “It’s a mess.”
I am well aware that after the sale, several environmental issues with the site came up. The property soil was contaminated and would require clean up amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars. It will be amazing if Foster breaks even with the cleanup alone. He thought he was getting a great deal, but the Robertsons denied they knew anything about the contamination, so Foster has been considering the possibility of litigation.
“I know. I saw the reports.”
“Then, cut me some slack.” He touches my arm, causing me to look at him.
“It’s not just business,” I deny. “It was bumping into Erika.”
Foster grits his teeth. “I don’t love her. I’ve said it so many times. Why can’t you understand?”
“Because after you saw her, things changed.”
“I’m still the same person,” he argues.
“I wish that were true. You tried to change, but in the end, you went back to the man I knew at the beginning of our relationship.” Tears sprang forth, but I hold them back. I’ve done enough crying, and it is time to face reality. Outside, a fine drizzle coated the window.
