“Hudson is supposed to help Stori move some furniture to her new apartment, but he can’t get out of the meeting. I’ve got to go.”
“Okay, we’ll resume another time.”
I texted Eva.
Kain:Heading back now.
Eva:Don’t come up yet.
Kain:Why not?
Eva:Need more time. Will text you when I’m ready.
Kain:Want me to pick up anything?
Eva:Vietnamese iced coffee. Thank you!
Kain:Got it.
Eva had moved in with me and completely changed the energy within the penthouse. The air was sweeter; the vibe was gentler. Love radiated throughout our home now. Even the plants seemed happy.I retired from making floral arrangements.
Right now Eva was busy decorating our shared office space,which had been my office inside Kessler’s Studio. We painted it a light yellow last week. This week was for decorations, and I trusted her judgment.
I entered my building and ordered her coffee from Saigon Café. The Marketplace was a hit for the community, and I couldn’t be happier with my decision for the retail space.
With coffee in hand, I stood and looked out at Etched Square, where college students, business professionals, and families with kids filled the sidewalks. More retail shops now occupied the vacancies at the boys’ buildings, and the common area at the center of the square was always bustling with energy.
When my friends and I developed the square, we wanted a place that mirrored our personal growth. These buildings represented our foundation and a vision for a bright future that prepared us for whatever may come.So much had happened, and yet we remained steadfast. I was proud of myself and my friends.
My thoughts wandered to the dinner with Harry, Camila, and Emilio last week. They had expanded their bingo game after I renovated a room on the first floor to be a communal area for the residents. Harry, Camila, and Emilio volunteered to manage it for me because they were living there rent-free.
It was hard to convince them to accept my offer. Emilio, Camila, and Milo all helped me find Eva when she was kidnapped, and I was forever grateful to them. I had more money than I needed in this lifetime, and I didn’t mind sharing it with those I cared about.
I hired Milo on a part-time basis, developing security software to protect my assets. The kid was a genius, and I’d learned more about his fascinating past, which would help my friends and me locate Hawthorne and destroy him forever.
But that could wait. I had a life to live with the woman who loved me. My life revolved around her now.
In addition to Milo, I also hired Newton, who turned out to be Emilio’s nephew. Newton stayed on the West Coast working his day job while helping his uncle compile information about Scorpion Trine, an organization I hadn’t had time to look into yet.
So many changes had happened, and I welcomed them all. My phone buzzed, pulling me out of my thoughts.
Eva:Ready for you!
I grinned at her text, feeling like an idiot for loving something so simple. It wasn’t meant to be sexual, but my mind went there anyway.She had no idea what I had planned for her.
Tapping the jewelry box in my jeans pocket, I made my way back to my office. Eva stood outside our office, beaming and looking suspicious.
“Here’s your coffee.” I offered it to her and looked at the closed door. “What did you do in our office?”
“I painted it pink.” Laughter flickered in her eyes as she sipped her coffee.
“You did not.” Half believing it, I cupped her face and kissed her.
“Would you still love me if I did?”
“Yes.” I tried to envision the office in shades of pink and cringed. “But you’d have to pay for the visual assault.” I pulled her close, giving her ass a good squeeze.
She laughed and opened the door for me. “Welcome to your side of the new office!”
