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“That’s the thing, whatever your reasoning over choosing Travis doesn’t matter to me,” I said. “You’ve been apprehensive to fully commit to this relationship because you thought I was after your house. But now that you’ve eliminated that problem between us, I hope I can make you see that it’s always been more for me. With you, I’m trying to be different.”

“I know that, but I also know how much this project means to you. How hard you’ve worked to see it through. I want you to succeed.”

“I can still be successful without your property.” I caressed her cheek. “I can find a way to negotiate with Travis.” It wouldn’t be easy and it would end up costing me a lot more than I would have liked, but I didn’t get to where I was by not knowing how to make a deal work for me. “All that matters to me is that you’re comfortable and you know that it’s not about your house. I’m here because I want to be with you.”

“You’re not mad?”

“That’s what I’m trying to tell you.” I wrapped my arms around her waist and brought her close to me. “I’ll work around your house, and I’ll even help you build your business. We can both be successful.”

“I’m never going to understand you.” A lone tear slid down her cheek. “After everything you’ve done for me. The deal you offered me tonight. You’re telling me that signing the property over to my uncle isn’t a deal-breaker when it comes to us?”

“I’m sorry that you thought you had to lose your property at all, but I get the family aspect of it.” I tilted her chin and gazed into her glistening eyes. “To answer your question, no, I’m not mad. I promised you time to work this out. I wouldn’t have done that if I couldn’t accept your decision.”

“I’m sorry.”

“For what?” I lowered my lips to hers. “You don’t have anything to apologize for.”

Did her choice make my job harder? Yes, but I never backed away from a difficult situation. Travis Girardi was no match for me. And if Angelica was his attorney, I wasn’t worried. I had the advantage.

“I’ve never met anyone like you,” she said. “You weren’t with me because you expected something in return.”

“I’m with you because I want to be with you.” I brushed my lips across hers. “I hope you know that now.”

“I do.” She pressed her lips to mine, holding me tight and kissing me with a need that matched my own. I twisted my fingers in her hair, holding her face to mine and deepening the connection.

“Ivy!” Travis burst out of the restaurant, waving the contract that Ivy had placed on the table in the air. “What the hell is this?”

“What do you want now?” I sighed. “Can’t you see we’re having a moment?”

“I don’t know how you got her to do this, but I will fight it,” he shouted. “You won’t get away with it.”

“Get away with what?” I asked.

“I signed your contract,” Ivy said. “That’s what I wanted to explain.”

“The one I gave you tonight?” I released her from my hold. “You gave me the lake access?”

“Yes.” She smiled. “We just sealed the deal with a kiss.”

This woman! I’m never letting her go.

“Are you kidding me?” Travis shoved the contract at my chest. “This isn’t valid.”

“As an attorney, I’m going to have to disagree,” I said as I looked at the signed contract in my hands. “I offered Ivy a mutually beneficial agreement. I don’t know how much you know about contract law, Mr. Girardi, but let me try to explain it to you in the simplest way possible.”

Travis rolled his eyes.

“I made an offer,” I said.

“And I accepted.” Ivy took my hand. “That’s part of a valid contract, right?”

“A crucial part.” I pulled her to my side. “Both of us have traded something of legal value. Ivy keeps her house and I get the lake access.”

“That’s consideration.” She grinned. “I’ve been researching.”

“I’m proud of you.” I squeezed her hand. “Both of us meet the requirements of capacity and legality.”

“What about mutual assent?” Travis asked. “How do I know you didn’t force her into this agreement?”