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“Way to cut straight to the chase,” Zayne said, reaching for a bottle of Angry Orchard and a can of caffeine free soda from the cooler next to him. He handed me the soda, then twisted off the bottle’s cap and took a long swig.
“Would you like a glass of wine?” Sutton offered, realizing that Zayne hadn’t given me a beer.
“No, thank you. I don’t drink alcohol.”At least, not for now.
Excitement filled Sutton’s expression when she understood what my answer meant. “I have some amazing nonalcoholic white wine, if you would like some.”
“That sounds fantastic, actually.” I rose from my seat, nervous about diving into the conversation that Pierce had just started. “Point me in the direction, and I’ll grab it. Stay off your feet.” I gave her a warm smile.
“It’s in the refrigerator and the glasses are in the cabinet to the left of it.” Sutton pointed toward the kitchen.
“Perfect. I’ll be right back.” I glanced at Zayne and noticed the flicker of concern in his gaze.
I entered the kitchen and walked over to the fridge as I heard the door open again. Glancing over my shoulder, I quirked a brow at Zayne.
“Let me get the glass for you. They built this house with really tall cabinets.”
I busied myself in the refrigerator as he produced a wine goblet.
“You’re nervous.” He pulled me flush against him, kissing me gently. “If Pierce says no, it doesn’t mean that it’s a no forever, babe.”
I sighed and leaned my forehead against his muscular chest. “I need to find something to do, Zayne. Other than therapy that starts next week. I need to feel like I’m making a difference and helping other women. I want to have a purpose.” I clutched his black T-shirt in my fingers.
He tilted my chin up. “If Pierce thinks it’s too soon, we’ll find something for you to do. Maybe you could work with Claire on choreography for August Clover or teach ballet. Whatever makes your heart light up and gives you a sense of purpose, we’ll make it happen. I’ll do everything in my power to give you the world.”
“I know, babe. Thank you. One of the things that will help me heal over time is to realize that I can give myself the world, too. That I can stand on my own two feet and be a partner in our relationship, not a hindrance because of my past.” There, I’d said it. I’d admitted my real fear.
Zayne stroked my cheek with the pad of his thumb, sending shivers through me. “You aren’t a hindrance, Giselle. You never were. I don’t think you understand how much you breathed life into my heart again. After I lost Chelsey, I wasn’t able to commit to anyone. Yeah, I played around, but I haven’t ever had feelings for someone the way I do you. You complete me.”
I grabbed his hand and soaked in the warmth of his touch. “I hope I can continue to do that. I don’t want to just take and take from you as I deal with my past. I need to show up for you, too.”
He leaned down and kissed me gently. His lips left mine, and he cupped my face, peering deep into my eyes, his expression determined and sincere. “You already do.”
I broke our embrace, then filled the glass half full of white wine. I tasted the crisp drink, my brows rising. “Yum! I think we might have to load up on this, babe.”
Zayne laughed. “I’m sure she’ll tell you where she bought it. I’ll purchase as many bottles as you want.”
Feeling better, I took Zayne’s hand and led him back outside.
“This is really good, Sutton. Thank you. Where do you buy it?” I sat in my seat next to Zayne.
“I order it online. I’ll text you the website. So far, I’ve been really happy with what I’ve tried.” Sutton raised her glass to me.
I lifted mine as well. “To friends,” I said. I couldn’t believe that I actually had amazing people in my life, and it felt so damned good.
Pierce stretched his long legs in front of him, then laced his fingers behind his head. “Back to the conversation, I have an opportunity for you, Giselle. I think you could be an invaluable asset to our team.”
Hope ignited inside me, and I held my breath while I waited for him to continue.
“If you’re interested, we would start you out like any other new employee and you can work your way up. Sutton would train you in the back end of the business. You’ll assist her for a while doing research and she’ll teach you on the computer systems. While you’re learning that, you can provide details of the men that are buying girls. We’ll pay you, of course. Great benefits, too.”
I raised my hand. “I don’t need the money, Pierce.”
“I understand, but people who are paid tend to perform better. So, set up a college fund for Ashley or whatever you want to do with it.”
It was clear who called the shots in the business, but I had a feeling that Sutton called them in their marriage.
“We already ran a background check on you when Zayne was concerned there was some shit going down with you and Donovan. You’re cleared, so we can get you started next week if you like.”
