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“I may have founded Griffen Industries, but my team has helped make this company what it is. The success of this company does not lie fully in my hands, but in the hands of people who come to work every day at every level.”

Admiration swelled in my chest, not only at his command of the room but also at his view of the company. The fact that this press conference was about him and me and he was still finding a way to highlight his employees, it showed true character and humility.

A younger woman toward the back stood. “Ms. Elkins, how do your children feel about you dating a billionaire?”

I smiled at her, wondering if she had kids of her own. “We’re still very early in our relationship, and they’ve yet to meet him as my boyfriend. He has to prove himself first.” A small chuckle went through the audience. “But they are very fond of the accommodations Gage made to my office so they would feel more comfortable there.”

“What accommodations?” the woman asked.

I glanced at Gage, seeing a soft smile on his face, and he nodded. “Art supplies, a handful of toys, and more comfortable seating for children.”

Another woman stood. “What will you tell your little girl about sleeping your way to the top?”

My head jerked back with whiplash from the question, and Gage’s jaw clenched. He opened his mouth to speak, but Tallie gave him a pointed look, nodding her head toward me. This was my question to answer.

“I wouldn’t have that conversation with my daughter because she’s five years old. But I will tell her about hard work and letting her results speak to her competence. Regardless of my relationship with Gage, The Retreat will be a beautifully designed luxury experience for families who need a relaxing stay together.”

The woman’s face soured.

“Oh,” I added, simply for myself, “I might also tell her to support other women instead of looking for ways to tear them down.”

The woman who asked the earlier question began clapping, and soon the entire audience was clapping for me. Gage had a full-blown smile now, one usually reserved for just me.Good job, he mouthed.

Leaning forward so his face was closer to the microphone, he said, “I believe that’s enough questioning for today. My girlfriend and I have work to do.”

The g-word did strange things to my heart, making it flip and somersault while a torrent of butterflies took off in my stomach. Gage had claimed me publicly, and soon, this information would be everywhere.

Gage Griffen was mine. And me? I was his.

47

Gage

I rolled over in my bed and faced the empty side I already considered Farrah’s. Not having her pressed up against my back as I woke made my gut ache in a way I didn’t like.

How had I gone every day of my life waking up alone?

How had a week made me need her so damn much?

How did one morning make me miss her beyond belief?

Farrah had picked her kids up from Austin yesterday, which meant she was busy all day catching up with them. Plus doing a mound of sandy laundry, according to her. I offered her the use of my cleaning service, but she quickly declined, saying she found the sound of running laundry to be soothing.

Reaching for my phone, I picked it up and sent her a text.

Gage: I miss you.

Farrah: It’s been one day!

Gage: One day too many.

Farrah: I miss you too. Maybe I can ask my parents to watch the kids an evening next week so we can have a date.

The thought of staying apart every day and night aside from the occasional date night was already eating me up inside.

I typed out a text.

Gage: What if I buy a mansion for all of us to stay in? Each of the kids can have their own room. We could get married tomorrow if you want.