Page 73 of Choosing Stella

I smiled, but it didn’t hide the warmth rising through my chest.

“I want that too.”

Geo reached across the table and took my hand.

His thumb moved once over my knuckles.

“I’m falling for you, Stella.”

I curled my fingers around his.

“I’m falling for you too.”

His fingers closed more firmly around mine.

I took a breath.

“If we’re doing this, I want it to be exclusive.”

“Yes.”

“Romantically and sexually.”

“Yes.”

“You don’t need to answer before I finish every sentence.”

A quiet laugh came out of him.

“I know what exclusive means.”

“I’m making sure. The last twenty-four hours have taught me not to leave important things implied.”

“That’s fair.”

I rubbed my thumb over his hand.

“I’m going to pause my Network bookings.”

Geo’s expression sharpened.

“You don’t have to do that for me.”

“I know.”

“I’m not asking you to quit.”

“You aren’t.”

“Then I need to be sure this is your decision.”

“It is.” I held his gaze. “I’m not quitting The Network tonight. I’m not making permanent career decisions while somebody is trying to frame or kidnap me. But I don’t want to take sexual bookings while I’m with you.”

Geo went quiet.

“That’s what I want,” I continued. “Not what you require.”

His shoulders eased.