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Chapter Thirty-Two
Rebecca
Sunday with Thane was blissful. But now, I have work to do. Lots of work. All the upheaval lately distracted me from my job and the marketing campaign I need to get rolling immediately. So, I spend all of Monday finalizing the details. That means not only fleshing out my calendar for the campaign but also buying ads and arranging the finale. It will be incredible---if I can get it all set up in time.
At lunch, Thane and I eat in the cafeteria. That gives me a chance to explain all the upcoming events and advertising campaigns. He winces the entire time, as if I'm discussing how to erect a gallows and when he will be hanged from it. I understand that he's never needed to think about marketing before. But I'd hoped he would be more comfortable with it by now.
"Do what you believe is best," he tells me. "Since I know nothing about marketing, I'm relying on you to handle everything."
"Oh, great. No pressure there."
He squeezes my hand. "You can do this, mo chridhe. Listen to Duran Duran while you work, and I'm sure that will give you the momentum you need to race through the preparations."
This man really does know me like nobody else could.
He pops a cheese curd into his mouth and speaks while chewing. "Have you spoken to your children lately?"
I wag a finger at him. "What horrible manners you have. Talking while you chew."
"Feel free to spank me for my poor etiquette."
Spank him? Did I hallucinate that he said that? It must've been a joke. "Ha-ha. To answer your question, I talked to Courtney and Eric last night. They really want to meet you."
"I'd love to meet them too, anytime."
"You aren't in the least anxious about that possibility, are you?"
He shrugs. "Why would I be?"
I love this man. But I haven't told him that yet. I know I should, but after lunch, I have to get back to work. I spend the entire week arranging ads on TV, radio, and social media. This campaign matters more to me than anything else I've ever done in my whole career. I want to make Thane's distillery a worldwide sensation, but I'll start with impressing everyone in the Highlands.
By the time the weekend rolls around, I have great news to share with Thane. I already told Fiona, and she agreed with my plan. I've added one element that might make Thane scrunch up his face. But I have tools for pacifying him. Sexy tools. And I will use everything at my disposal to ensure he's happy with what I've done.
I've invited Thane to my apartment.
He arrives at six o'clock on the dot, just as I'd told him to do.
The second I hear a knock at the door, I fling it open. Yes, okay, I was standing right in front of it waiting for him to get here. I haven't had much time alone with him this past week. "Thane, you're here."
"As commanded." He bows deeply. "How may I serve you tonight, mo chridhe."
"Come in. I have a lot to discuss with you." I lead him to the sofa, where we sit down, side by side. "Before we get started, I need to ask you a question. What is that phrase you keep using? 'Mo' something."
"Mo chridhe. It's Gaelic for 'my heart.' You have captured my heart and my soul, for sure. Can't picture my life without you anymore."
"I love you, Thane." Shit. I hadn't meant to blurt that out. My heart overrode my common sense, and those three words came tumbling out. I don't regret saying them, just the way I said them.
He cups my cheek with one hand. "I love you too, Rebecca."
Relief rushes through me, and I sag against the sofa's back. "I'm so glad I told you that. I've wanted to say it for a while now, but I wasn't sure how you'd feel about it. We haven't known each other for very long."
"Aye, that's true. But I trust my instincts. You are the only woman for me."
I grasp his face and plant a hard kiss on his lips. "I hope you'll still feel that way after I tell you about my plan."
"Dinnae worry about that. I won't toss you out the window."
I pick up my leather portfolio, which I'd left on the coffee table. "Sure you're ready for this? It's all marketing mumbo jumbo."
