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“There’s more?”
I kissed the side of her neck. “Of course there’s more. Before I drove all the way to Philly during afternoon rush hour to see your grandmother, I had a talk with Dominic. I told him about Seth, told him everything he said about you.”
I felt her shrinking, as if anyone knowing would be embarrassing, but she had nothing to feel bad about. It was that other asshole. “He was little more than an intern anyway. Dominic fired him on the spot.”
She gasped. “He didn’t.”
“He did.” I slid my hand under her shirt, over the soft, taut skin of her stomach. “And I told him about us. I told him I loved you, and that you deserved the promotion, that I didn’t want it.”
Taylor spun in my hold. “No, Dean, why?”
“Because.” I frowned at her. Wasn’t it obvious? “I love you.”
“Yeah, but I don’t want you to give up.”
“I’m not.” I shrugged. “That was my whole thing this morning. When Seth told me what he’d overheard, that you were getting the promotion, I was disappointed and upset, but I was also really happy and proud of you. It was a lot to unpack for me, but I am sorry you had to bear the brunt of my emotional hiccup. I should have stuck up for you, but I was in my own head, and I’m sorry.”
She pressed her forehead to mine, her cool fingers wrapping around my overheated neck. “I’m sorry I wasn’t there when you were spiraling this weekend. I was wrapped up with my sister, and I didn’t consider what you were going through.”
I winced. “I think we both need some practice on setting boundaries.”
She nodded, continuing, “And I shouldn’t have jumped down your throat today. I’m sorry for not listening to you and losing my temper.”
“You had every right to lose your temper.”
“But not with you. I guess I’m more sensitive than I thought I was when it comes to you.”
“Why?” I asked, though I already knew the answer. Felt it when we kissed.
“Because I love you, you idiot.”
I grinned and wrapped my arms around her waist, forcing her knees on either side of my thighs, her chest up against mine.
“The thing is,” I explained, “Seth misunderstood what he’d heard. Dominic was talking with your uncle about you possibly going back to the Philly office.”
She hummed against my throat.
“Despite what Seth thought he heard, I still think you should be made partner. So after I spoke to Dominic, I drove over there to meet with your uncle. I asked him if he would be able to fit me in his branch, if you chose to move back.”
“I can’t believe you did all that,” she said, her lips brushing along my Adam’s apple before meeting my gaze.
“And in one afternoon. I think I earned myself at least one blow job, minimum.”
She sniffed a laugh, and I kissed her smiling mouth.
“So, to recap, we have the blessing of Dominic, your uncle, and your grandmother. Now, it’s up to you where you want to work.”
She squinted one eye, toggling her head back and forth, mumbling, “Choices, choices.”
“I do have one caveat.” I squeezed her waist so I had her full attention. “If you do decide to stay here, you need to move in with me. I sleep like shit without you in my bed.”
“Maybe we should write up a contract.”
“We could do that.” I lay on the mattress with her in my arms. “One more soul to take back to your master.”
She didn’t resist when I rolled over and extended her arms up above her head. She arched one eyebrow. “He’ll be so proud.”
I lifted the hem of my shirt she wore and kissed her breastbone. “Drag me to hell. I don’t care.”
