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construction, freak. Are you surprised that I’m a lawyer?”
    He sucked in a deep breath. “Surprised that you were at Allen & Smith? Yes. Surprised you’re smart and hardworking as well as sexy? No.”
    “I meant what I said about the rules. My job’s important to me. If tonight is just tonight—with your non-dating policy or whatever—that’s fine, but we need to be professional in the office until you go back to New York. I don’t want any drama.”
    Ethan didn’t respond, just continued to stroke my back. Was I being clingy or practical? No, I was definitely being practical. I wasn’t asking him for a ring, just some boundaries. Working for the same firm complicated things.
    “Look . . .” he started, clearly wanting to let me down gently.
    “I’m not trying to pressure you.”
    He pulled me tighter. “I know. You’re right, working together complicates things. You know we have a strict no-frat policy under the partnership agreement at Flanders, Case & Burling?”
    “A what policy?”
    “A rule that says the partners aren’t allowed to fuck the staff.”
    “I’ll let you into a little secret. You broke that rule. And you broke it good.” I giggled and then stopped suddenly. He was telling me nothing was going to happen between us.
    I tensed beside him and tried to shift away from his body but he pulled me closer.
    “So, no bullshit,” he said. I didn’t know if it was a question or a statement. “This is complicated for a lot of reasons. Yes, technically I’m your superior. Technically there’s a strict no-frat policy. And I’ve got a lot of shit to do while I’m over here.”
    “It’s okay, Ethan. You don’t owe me anything.” I tried to move away from him again but his arm clamped around me.
    “Let me finish. I’m trying to tell you what I’m thinking and I don’t do this with women often or well so you’re gonna have to be patient with me.” I stopped wriggling and his arm relaxed. “As you know, I don’t date. I don’t know how to date.” I could feel myself tense again but I tried to keep relaxed and allow him to finish what he was saying. “But I’d like to spend time with you while I’m in London.”
    “Have you really never dated?” I asked.
    “Anna, I don’t bullshit. No, I’ve never dated.”
    “How come? I’m sure you’ve thought about it. You must have.”
    “All sorts of reasons I guess. Work has always come first. I’ve always been ambitious and that requires a certain focus that I’ve seen my friends lose because they’ve been dealing with relationship drama.”
    “Do you mean Andrew and Mandy?”
    “Maybe. I meant my co-workers when I was more junior, but yes, Andrew to a certain extent. Ultimately, I’ve never met anyone that I’ve wanted to spend time with and I don’t bullshit. I’m always very clear about the fact I’m not interested in a relationship and no one has made me want to change my rule on that. Not until, well you know, we had our week together.”
    My body warmed at his words. I wanted to hear more.
    “And you’ve never felt like you wanted to try? You must have been under pressure to bring dates to parties. Isn’t it easier to be in a relationship?”
    “Is that a good reason to string someone along? So I have a date on hand when I need to go to an event?” he asked.
    “I guess not but I think that’s how a lot of relationships start.”
    “You might be right, but to me that’s bullshit.. If you want to be with someone, be with someone. If you don’t then don’t. No ambiguity.”
    “When do you go back? Saturday?” I asked, satisfied with his explanation for now.
    He turned his head sharply toward me. “No. I’m here three months.”
    My stomach flipped over and I sat up and hugged my knees to my chest. Three months. I could fall in love with this man in three months. This was more complicated than I expected.
    Ethan stroked his hand down my back. “Hey. Come here.”
    I shifted out of bed and pulled on a