The Escape Clause Read Online Free PDF Page A

Her soft breasts pressed against his chest.
    Pete pulled the sheets up around them as Avery rested her hand on his cheek.
    “I’m grateful for you. I can’t imagine my life without you.”
    Her words resonated in his chest and stirred his heart rate up.
    Pete took her hand and kissed her palm. “I don’t ever want to think of my life without you.”
    Avery licked her lips and then pressed them together tightly. “I meant it when I said I love you.”
    “I meant it when I said it too.”
    Now he kissed those tight lips, but they didn’t go pliant under his as he’d hoped.
    Something was occupying her mind and causing her to distance herself, even wrapped in his arms. A moment later the pesky alarm on his cell phone began to buzz and he turned from her to silence it.
    “I guess it’s back to reality,” he groaned.
    “Right. Back to work,” she confirmed as he wrapped her back in his arms. “I should let you get ready.”
    “I’ll get there.” He kissed her softly. “I have time for a shower.” He raised his eyebrows. “You might as well get that part of your day out of the way here—with me.”
    Now she finally smiled. “That would be convenient.”
    Pete rolled from the bed and tugged her by the hand until she too rolled from the bed and followed him to the shower.
     
    Avery was sure he was going to be late, but Pete insisted on driving her back home. Always the gentleman.
    He took her hand in his, lifted it to his lips, and kissed her fingers. “I’ve been meaning to tell you something. I’ve been hesitant because I’m a bit pessimistic about it.”
    “I didn’t think you knew how to be pessimistic.”
    He smiled at that. “Over this I am. I’m up for a promotion.”
    Shock of it hit her in the chest. She swallowed hard. “That’s great.”
    Pete shrugged. “There are two more people, who have more credentials than I do, that are up for it too. But if I got it, I’d be in charge of some very significant accounts. It would mean a hefty increase in my income. At twenty-seven I would be higher up in the company than most people who have decades in the company.” His voice rose with excitement.
    Avery willed her body not to tense, but she was finding that hard to do. “That’s wonderful.”
    “Well, like I said, I’m pessimistic. But if they considered me for this promotion maybe I’ll be in line for the second—if I don’t get it.”
    She nodded and forced a smile. Maybe, if the stars aligned for them, he would in fact get passed up. It might work for her if he didn’t get the promotion. He might be more willing to move with her to France. Time was running out. She’d promised her grandfather she’d be there in a month.
    Pete pulled up in front of Avery’s house and put the car in park. “I hope you don’t mind me not walking you to the door, but…”
    “You’re late.” She pushed open the door. “Thank you for the ride.”
    Pete reached for her as she began to slide from the seat. “You can’t go without a goodbye kiss,” he said.
    Avery leaned in and let her lips warm under his.
    As the kiss lingered, her body warmed. She truly did love this man.
    “I’ll come by after work. Would you like to go out to dinner? Or I could pick something up.”
    Avery bit down on her bottom lip. “I’m going to be at Mom and Dad’s.”
    She saw the flash in his eyes, but he smiled through it. “Call me when you get home then.”
    Avery nodded, climbed from the car, and shut the door. As he drove away she waved and finally let the ache move through her until she cried.
    How could she want Pete and the life that was promised to her in France so badly?
     
    Avery thought the best way to pass her day would be to pack. She’d received three emails from her grandfather. Every email was filled with photos of the vineyard and the house.
    She closed her eyes and thought of the beauty that had greeted her when she’d traveled to France a few weeks ago. Tennessee was beautiful, but