They supported each other through the tough times, and they celebrated each joy along the way. They’d dated for years before marrying. “All right,” she conceded. “We have insta-lust. Which you seem to equate with some sort of misplaced sense of obligation.” If she’d had any idea he would stake a claim on some moral high ground, she would have locked her virginity up in a chastity belt.
“It’s more than some fleeting attraction that’s going to be satisfied by us going at it a couple of times. And there’s no misplaced anything. Admit it.”
Her legs lost strength, so she moved to an armchair to sit down.
“I’m a possibility thinker, Willow. And I see the start of something good here. We could make a good team. An excellent one, even. You have talents that Jaxon Media needs and that I value.”
“You’re not listening to me.”
“I have eight minutes left.”
It seemed to have escaped him that she actually hadn’t agreed to his request. He was a relentless force of nature.
“This is opportunity for both of us.”
“Is that what I am to you?” Her skin prickled. “An opportunity?”
“I meant no offense.” He held up an apologetic hand. “With your degree in social work, you’ll have a perspective of the world that I don’t. You think money is being squandered or at the least could be put to better use. You would have my full support in your endeavors. Perhaps you could establish a foundation and you could be in charge of it, or at least the final decision maker. As you may have noticed, I have an already-established platform you can use.”
At what cost? Putting up with him every day? Enduring his attitude?
“Every relationship starts somewhere. Successful couples have a shared vision. I’d like to support some sort of charity for kids, camps, that sort of thing. That’s something we can work on together.”
Damn him. Jaxon Mills, master persuader, had captured her interest.
“Tell me you’ll think about it.”
She didn’t want to. But she was already picturing herself happily giving away his fortune.
“You’re someone who will stand up to me, tell me when I’m wrong, help me be a better person. Love will come, Willow. If we nurture it and allow it.”
She let out a shaky breath. He was so very tempting.
“We need to get to know each other. I understand that. So tell me what you want in a husband?”