It was a sobering thought.
"But seriously," she persisted, "was it something you just realized last night?"
"What doyouthink?"
"Actually, I'm not sure. I mean, you never said anything."
"I know," I said. "I wanted toshowyou first."
"Show me what?"
I brushed my lips across the top of her head. "That I wasn't always an asshole."
She laughed. "Oh come on. You weren'tthatbad."
Now it was my turn to say it. "Liar." I caressed her naked back. "You want the truth? I'd have told you last night regardless."
"Told me what?"
"One – that I love you."
She pulled back and smiled so sweetly, it took my breath away. "I love you, too."
"Damn straight."
She was still smiling. "Oh, so that's how it is?"
"Oh yeah." I gave her a meaningful look. "And two – the deal's off."
Her smile faded. "What do you mean?"
"From now on, I don’t want to pretend. And I don't wantyouto pretend either."
Her smile turned sheepish. "Why? Because I’m so terrible at it?"
"No." I gazed deep into her eyes. "Because I want the real deal."
Her eyes grew a shade warmer. "Really?"
I nodded. "But in case it wasn't clear, I'm still gonna pay up."
She shook her head. "You don't have to."
"Wanna bet?" I said. "A deal's a deal."
"But—"
"And I want it to be over, so we can start fresh."
She bit her lip. "But now I'd feel strange taking it, the money, I mean."
Whether she realized it or not, I knew how badly she needed it. If I had my way, she'd never need it again. But that was a conversation for another time.
"Too bad," I said, "because Ineverback out of a deal." I paused. "But Iamgonna ask you for a favor."
"What?"
"Come with me."
