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I set my tea on the table beside me and secure the blanket around my shoulders so I can pop up from the sofa. I stand on tiptoe and plant a kiss of reassurance on his cheek. “So what’s your solution?”
“I can’t date an employee of mine,” he repeats.
I hold the blanket tighter, waiting for him to fire me. Instead, I’m surprised and confused by what he says next. “But I could date the co-owner of Fire.”
“Co-owner? Me? You can’t be serious.”
“Why not? Everyone loves you and since you’ve come, the place has been way more organized. You could manage the facility, and I could keep managing the staff.”
Is it that crazy of an idea? The man is obviously attached to me for the long haul, he’s made that clear. And we both adore the club and love our jobs.
“I really do love Fire,” I say.
“And Fire loves you. You’re amazing. You even remember to have them water the plants. My Monstera has never looked better since you came along.”
“It’s not me,” I say. “It was easy to help out when you’ve cultivated such an amazing staff.”
“It’s you.” He brushes a kiss over my lips.
He’s already done so much for me. Can I let him do this too? Make me part owner of his club? “Let me think about it,” I say.
“Think about it, but I already know you’ll say yes.” He gives me a teasing smile, nipping my bottom lip between his teeth. “And I only have one little demand in exchange.”
“What is it?”
He says, “You’ll find out tomorrow night. At the party.”
Butterflies of excitement tickle my belly, a slight sheen of nervousness settling over me. What could he possibly want from me? What doIhave to givehim?
As I ponder, I fall asleep on the couch, only to find myself snugly tucked into his bed in the morning. He must have carried me as I slept. He’s already gone to work; today is the busiest day of the year for him.
He’s left me a love note, a fresh muffin, and an iced coffee in an insulated tumbler. He knows I like to start my day with a little sugar. He says it makes me sweeter.
I read the note, my heart skipping a little beat when I get to the last line.
Babygirl, hope you slept well. I know I did, holding you in my arms. See you soon.
Love, Cannon
“I love you too, Cannon.” It feels good to say the words, even though I don’t have the guts to say them to him in person. I slip the note in my pocket, knowing I’ll tuck it somewhere safe and cherish it forever.
There’s an assault of knocks on the door. I grab my coffee, taking a deep sip of the delicious brew. “I’m coming!” I take the cup with me to answer the door.
Keisha stands on the other side of the door, strands of silver streaked into her hair. “There you are! I’ve been searching everywhere for you. Everyone’s already at work. I’m honestly shocked to find you still here.”
“I slept in. It was a long night with Nonna at the hospital last night.” I tip the cup, drinking more of my rocket fuel. “But give me five and I’ll be ready to go.”
I have her sit on the couch. “You want anything?”
“No, no. Just hurry. Please. I have ten Hombre Hermosos ready to move furniture for me but with no direction, they’ll just end up shoving everything to the edges of the room.”
I leave the bedroom door open, quickly getting dressed in jeans and a tee. Later, Keisha will help me dress in my elaborate costume but today we’ll be working, making sure Fire is perfect for tonight. “Thanks for coming to get me. I’m almost ready!”
“We were all so worried about your Nonna when we heard what happened. Thank God Booker kept us all in the loop on a group text. She seems fine this morning.”
“You’ve already seen her this morning?” How is it that my grandmother got up before me? I slip my sneakers on my feet. “Where was she?”
“She’s working on her tan.” Keisha laughs. “She said she needed a little color for tonight.”
