Page 95 of Miss Manage

“But if I know you, one of your biggest regrets was leaving the job at your dad’s company. Maybe it wasn’t the right time until now.”

He leaned in, his voice low and rough with emotion. “You’re right. It wasn’t. And I know you might not be ready to hear this again, and I promised myself I’d be patient.”

A smile tugged at my lips. “Patience will never be your strong suit.” Before he could respond, I cut him off gently. “I love you, too.”

The breath he drew in was sharp and unguarded, his expression softening into something that stole mine in return.

“Fuck.” He glanced toward the house. “When all this settles, and before we start any new jobs, promise me we’ll go somewhere. Just the two of us. Somewhere without cell service. Or family. Or board meetings.”

“Easiest promise I’ll ever make,” I responded, laughing softly.

“Will you give notice tomorrow?”

Moving on quietly would have been simple. I’d pack up my things, hand in a letter, and walk away. But the owners’ misogyny bothered me too much, and I couldn’t swallow letting their version of the story stand.

“Not exactly. I have a plan. But I think it’s best to consult my sister first to find out the legalities before I accidentally commit a felony.”

His slow grin spread, and his eyes gleamed. “Then we should probably bring Leo in, too. And the rest of the family. If you’re willing to accept the help?”

I followed his gaze toward the house where his brothers, my sister, and my mother were blatantly pressed to the window watching us.

“As if I could exclude them.”

The owners and Julian thought I’d roll over. But they didn’t know what was about to hit them.