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He wags his finger at me. “That is an outright fib. You danced with me in this very kitchen. And you were quite good.”
I look sternly over the rim of my mug. “That’s different, and you know it. Dancing with my boyfriend in the kitchen while making dinner is not the same as going to a club. Plus, we were slow dancing.”
He winks at me but lets it drop. And that, of course, means I can’t stop thinking about it. It would be a great way to get all of his friends together. Stef would be a yes in a heartbeat, and so would Astrid and Gary. Blake might come too, and I could probably hang out with him. And if Blake and Stef are there, Tadhg and Quinn would definitely come. If Jules is up for it, maybe he and Erik would tag along. He’s doing much better with his social anxiety, but a club might still be too much. Maybe I could see about getting a private room or something... I glance at Jocelin and groan inwardly because I know I’m going to try to make this happen for him. He looks so sad, and I can’t have that. A club would allow him to let loose, have a few drinks, and forget about everything for a bit.
“I don’t know. We could always just stay in and watch movies or something.”
I set down my tea and wrap him in my arms. “It’s a date.” I kiss his nose. “It’ll be okay, babe. Try to stay positive.”
“You better get going, or you’ll be late.” He presses up on his toes and kisses me softly. “Don’t work too hard.”
“I’ll try not to.” I squeeze him tightly and grab my keys from the bowl. “See you tonight, sweetheart.” I’m almost out the door when his phone rings. Glancing back, I watch his smile fade as he stares at the screen. Then he blinks and hurries to answer the call. “Alistair. Good morning.” Motioning to myself and then the garage, I raise my eyebrows, but Jocelin shakes his head and gestures for me to come back into the kitchen. I set down my laptop bag, and he grabs my hand, holding it in a vice grip. “Alistair, please don’t beat yourself up over it. You did what was necessary to protect the firm. If our roles had been reversed, I would have done exactly the same.” There’s a pause before Jocelin’s eyes widen, and his mouth opens and closes a few times, like he’s struggling to form words. “Alistair, that is completely unnecessary! Really! I’m just glad things have worked out. Are you able to tell me what you found?” His brows knit together, and he glances at me. “The authorities? Is that really necessary?” There’s another pause, and then Jocelin sags back against the counter, looking a little stunned. “I see your point. Okay. Thank you for calling, Alistair. Goodbye.”
He ends the call and looks at me, eyes blinking rapidly. “I’ve been cleared.”
I launch myself at him, grabbing him in a tight hug. “Joce! That’s fantastic! What did Alistair say?”
“If you want me to tell you, you’ll have to let go so I can breathe.”
Laughing, I kiss the side of his head before relaxing my grip and taking a step back. “Okay. What did he say?”
A slow grin spreads across his face. “He said the IT report came back, and they have everything they need to prove I wasn’t at fault. He couldn’t really tell me details because several things are happening at once, but he promised me at least a few answers when I’m back to work.”
I grab him again and kiss him soundly on the lips. “Yes! I knew you’d be cleared. I don’t think Alistair ever believed you were to blame.”
“He said that, actually. And he apologized for the stress this caused me.” His excitement fades, and he winces. “He wants to give me a bonus of two months’ pay. I told him no.”
I laugh until I realize he’s serious. “What? Why?”
“Because it’s excessive when he had no choice in the matter.”
“But you were innocent and put through the embarrassment of being escorted publicly out of work. And Joce, I saw what it did to you. No offense, but you were a mess. For that alone, you deserve a ridiculous amount of compensation.”
He chews at his bottom lip and still looks dubious, but hopefully he’s considering it. “At least the stress is over.”
I squeeze him tightly. “Are we allowed to tell people?”
“I’m not sure. I should probably check with Alistair before we tell anyone. Let’s just keep it between the two of us for now.”
“Well, this calls for some kind of celebration. I’ll have to think of something.”
Jocelin grins up at me, holding my gaze. “I’m very glad I have you in my life, Gunnar Osouf. Thank you for being with me through this ordeal.”
I grab his hand, bringing his palm to my lips. “I’m very glad to be in your life, Jocelin Allard. And you are welcome. I’m grateful you let me be here for you.” I stroke his cheek. “You make me very happy.”
With him going back to work soon, all our lovely domesticity will probably come to an end, at least during the week, and I’m going to miss it. “Did Alistair say when you’ll be going back to the office?”
“Nothing specific. He just said another week or so while they deal with the fallout and cleanup. I’m guessing a week.”
“Well, I was thinking. Until you go back, we could still stay together. It doesn’t have to be here. It could be at your loft. Unless you need some space, which I totally get.”
Jocelin’s grin is instantaneous. “I love that idea.”
Relief washes through me. I was actually nervous he’d want space, and I’m kind of surprised he doesn’t. I’m also surprisedIdon’t. “Only if you’re sure. And if it won’t upset Dracona too much to be relocated.”
His head snaps up. “Are you sure you don’t mind me bringing her here? I could always get a neighbor to stop in and feed her.”
I raise my eyebrows and smirk. “Joce. You’ve already been away from her for a few days. And while she can probably handle one more, I’m not sure you can.”
