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“What do you mean?”

“We’re in trouble financially. We never really got off the ground, and then I grew too quickly. We’re maxed out with how many workers we have, but we need more. We can’t keep growing until we hire more people, but I don’t have the money to hire people. I’m hoping you can help.”

“How do you want me to help?”

“I want you to buy my company,” I tell her. “And then I want Brett Swanson to write an article about it.”

25

Jessica

“That’s the craziest thing I’ve ever heard.”

“Really?”

“No,” I shake my head. “I suppose I’ve heard crazier.”

“But what do you think of my idea?”

“Come here.” I let the blanket fall and I wrap my arms around her. I’m wet and cold in my bra and panties, and she’s dry and warm in pajama pants and a sweatshirt. Max looks up from the couch but decides I’m not a threat, so he turns back to the show.

Toni kisses me. This isn’t the kiss of a woman who is lonely or sad. This is the kiss of a woman who knows exactly what she wants, and what she wants is me. I don’t deserve her. I know that much. What I also know is that the two of us are about to embark on an incredible journey together.

I need her.

That’s what’s been missing from my life for the past two years.

Toni.

I’ve missed her laugh and her smile and her joy. I’ve missed everything about her. I’ve missed the way that she makes me feel, but mostly, I’ve missed the way I feel alive when we’re together.

“Does that mean yes?” Toni asks.

“It means yes.” I don’t know what buying her company is going to look like, but we’ll talk with an attorney tomorrow. Then we’ll go meet with Piper again to figure out how we want to navigate moving forward. We’re going to find a way to save both of our businesses and come out looking like heroes instead of losers. The world loves a good love story and ours is one that needs to be remembered.

“Thank you.” I know she means this more than she’s ever meant anything before.

“Just kiss me,” I tell her, and she does.

She kisses me with an eagerness I love. It just makes me more and more excited to be here with her.

“Take off your clothes.”

“You’re so bossy.”