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“We had something more important in common than our differences.” His eyes meet mine. “You.”
My heart stutters at the simple truth in those words. I close the distance between us, needing to be closer, to breathe the same air.
“I'm still trying to understand how this happened,” I admit. “The Bennett Mercer I met in that boardroom would never have compromised his acquisition strategy.”
“The Bennett Mercer you met in that boardroom hadn't fallen in love with the stubbornest, most principled woman in Chicago.” His hand lifts, fingers brushing my cheek with exquisite gentleness. “The one who made him question everything he thought he knew about success.”
“I missed you,” I confess, the words inadequate for theemptiness I've felt without him. “Even when I was furious, I missed you.”
“I missed you every second.” His voice roughens. “The penthouse feels like a museum without you in it. Cold. Lifeless.”
I don't know who moves first, but suddenly we're in each other's arms, his mouth finding mine with a hunger that matches my own. The kiss is desperate, a culmination of days apart and revelations that have shifted the ground beneath our feet. His hands thread through my hair as he deepens the kiss, and I arch against him, my body remembering exactly how we fit together.
His hands slide to my waist, pulling me closer until there's no space between us, the fabric of my dress a whisper-thin barrier between his heat and mine. I should care that we're in Landon James's suite, that we've left a ballroom full of people downstairs, but all that matters is this—his touch, his taste, the solid reality of him after days of emptiness.
“Layla,” he growls against my lips, one hand sliding up to brush the side of my breast. “I need you.”
I pull back reluctantly, breathing hard. “I need you too. But not here.”
“No. Not here.” His eyes are dark with desire as he tucks a strand of hair behind my ear.. “We also have a lot to talk about.”
“Yes,” I agree. “About us. About what happens next.”
“But you believe me?” he presses, searching my face. “You believe I meant what I said? About changing? About us building something together?”
I study him—the man who remade his business model for a chance to make things right. The corporate sharkwho learned to build instead of devour. The billionaire who risked his board's disapproval for something he believes in.
“I believe you,” I say softly. “Not just because of the partnership, but because you listened. You actually heard me.”
Relief washes over his features, making him look younger, less guarded. “I should have listened sooner. Should have told you everything from the beginning.”
“Yes, you should have.” I can't help but smile. “But then I might not have discovered exactly how far you'd go to win me back.”
“I'd go further.” His voice drops to that serious register I know means he's completely committed. “Whatever it takes, Layla. You're everything to me.”
The intensity in his voice makes my breath catch. This man who calculates risks and returns with ruthless precision, is all in on us. No hedging, no contingencies, no exit strategy.
“I love you,” I whisper. “I never stopped.”
“I love you too.” The words fall from his lips without hesitation now, certain and clear. “More than I knew was possible.”
His lips find mine again, softer this time, the desperate edge replaced by something deeper. When we finally break apart, he rests his forehead against mine, his breath warm against my lips.
“Let's go home,” he murmurs against my temple, his arms still wrapped around me like he can't bear to let go.
Home. Not his penthouse. Not my apartment. Home. The word resonates in my chest, filling spaces I didn't know were empty.
“We should probably make an appearance downstairs first,” I say reluctantly. “Considering you orchestrated this entire evening.”
“Five minutes,” he agrees, pressing his forehead to mine. “Just enough time to thank our hosts and rescue your friend from Caleb's attempts at charm.”
“I think she might need rescuing from herself more than from him,” I laugh, remembering the look on her face. “They were practically generating sparks when we left.”
Bennett's eyebrows lift. “Interesting development. Caleb could use someone who challenges him.”
“And Serena could use someone who keeps up with her.” I straighten his bow tie, the simple domestic gesture feeling right in a way I can't explain. “There. Perfect again.”
“Not without you,” he says, capturing my hand and pressing a kiss to my palm. “Never without you.”