“Samantha,” I said, stepping closer, “I wasn’t joking. This is no one's business but ours. I said what I meant, and I’m not trying to scare you?—”
“Well, you did. You scared everyone. Naomi is probably drawing up a prenup as we speak.” I smiled. “Then let her. I’d sign it. Gladly.”
That stopped her. Just long enough for the blush to creep into her cheeks, and her fingers to falter at her sides. “This is serious to me,” I added, voice softer now. “You, us. This is not a power play. This is not some PR stunt. I’m fucking in love with you, Samantha, and I want to be honest about that, even when it’s inconvenient for some.”
She stared at me, chest rising and falling, like she was deciding whether to kiss me or kill me.
Finally, she exhaled. “You can’t ask me to sign HR papers, to be your girlfriend, to move in, to tell me you are in love with me, in the same week. It's too much.”
“I know, and I’m sorry. But, you need to know something.” I stepped in and slid a hand around her waist.
“What now, Theodore?” I leaned in, lips brushingher ear. “I meant every word. I’m in love with you, and I want you. Today and always.”
After she left my office less furious, my cellphone buzzed.
Nico: DID YOU JUST PROPOSE IN A CORPORATE MEETING????
Me: Technically, no.
Nico: “marriage will come whenever she’s ready for it.”
Bro. That’s a proposal with a delayed delivery window.
Me: It was… I— whatever.
Nico: You just hard-launched a marriage like it was a new product line.
Also, Max looked like he was going to throw a chair. I LIVE for this energy.
Thanks for hiring me.
Me: He’ll be fine. HR cleared it. Legal approved. And she didn’t stab me after, so we’re doing great.
Nico: I’m going to need front-row seats to that wedding.
Or at least be allowed to plan your bachelor party.
Vegas.
Fireworks.
Or a camel.
Me: Why is there always a camel in your plans?
Nico: Because you’re my best friend and I believe in dramatic entrances. Which you deserve.
Me: I’ll let Sam know she should mentally prepare for that.
Nico: She already has. She’s dating you, man.
An email from Naomi comes up. That’s new.
Subject: RE: This Morning’s Meeting
From: Naomi Hayes (Head of Legal)
To: Theodore Jones (CEO)
