Page 120 of Rookie Rules

The cover bent slightly beneath Luca's hand. He flattened it again. Nadia Bell's image remained inside, a professional stranger being paid to stand in the space Rowan was afraid even to imagine occupied differently.

"Claire said we can counter," Luca said. "Remove dating questions. Separate some frames. Approval over every line attributed to me."

"Good."

"I may do that."

Rowan's shoulders eased, reading negotiation as agreement.

"I may still say no."

The ease disappeared.

"That is your decision."

The correct words. Luca listened for any sign Rowan would stand beside him inside either outcome.

None came.

Luca picked up the folder.

Rowan moved around the island. "Do not leave because I gave you an answer you dislike."

"I'm leaving because you still think I came for an answer about money."

"You came with a contract."

"I came with a picture of the person everyone finds easiest to want."

The hurt reached his voice. Luca hated that. He let it remain.

"I wanted you to say you knew he wasn't me."

Rowan stopped within reach.

"I know," he said.

The words might have repaired something if they had not become the phrase both men used when knowledge failed to change behavior.

Luca nodded. "Exactly."

He went to the door and put on his shoes.

Rowan followed. "What are you going to tell Claire?"

"I don't know."

"Counter before you reject it. You can remove the questions. Change the pairing. Keep approval."

Even now, Rowan offered strategy because strategy was how he loved without admitting love.

Luca understood the gift.

He could no longer pretend it was the gift he needed.

"Good night, Rowan."

The first name stopped both of them.