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But we’ll make it. I have to have faith we will.
There’s no other alternative.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Connor
Izip through the last unread email of the morning, satisfaction running through me as the number next to my inbox goes down to zero. And with only two meetings planned for the day, I have plenty of time to study the specs Product Development sent me, rather than skimming over them during my lunch break like I had to previously. Before Emma convinced me to take a chance and do things my way. I finally have some breathing room. And I owe it all to her.
God, last night had been amazing. The way she’d responded to me had been a fantasy come to life.
It was risky saying something so soon about love, but I hadn’t been able to hold it in. Not after hearing her worry that I might regret doing anything with her. I’m past all that. She’s taken root within me, burrowed into my heart.
And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Knowing we’re on the same page, that she’s falling for me too… A shit-eating grin crosses my face as my chest glows with warmth. So this is what it’s like to be in love. What my brothers must feel like all the time. It’s nice to finally join the club.
My office door opens abruptly, Emma there with narrowed brows, a single piece of paper clutched in her fist. Okay, not what I was expecting our first interaction since last night to be like. I thought maybe we’d smile secretively at one another, brush our hands together in passing. I admit, the idea of having a secret relationship with no one around us the wiser is a bit thrilling.
She shuts the door behind her, the click of the lock audible. “Did you do this?” She holds up the paper, but I can’t read it from this distance.
“Do… what?” My heart’s in my throat, not sure if she’s angry, upset, or confused. Possibly all three, from the looks of it.
She strides over, smoothing out the wrinkles before handing it to me. “Did you pay my mom’s hospital bill?”
Oh, that. “I, um—” I set the paper on the desk and rub at the back of my neck, not that it helps any. “Yes,” I admit. “But it was before you’d said anything about money.”
Her hands spread wide in a helpless gesture. “How’d you know about this?”
I sigh, knowing this next part doesn’t reflect well on me, even if my intentions were good. “You were acting weird yesterday when I came out of my office and you crammed that paper in your drawer. When you left to go get your dress, I just wanted to make sure it wasn’t anything serious.”
“Connor, that was thirteen thousand dollars.”
Does she have any concept of how little that is to me? My net worth fluctuates by millions on a daily basis. “It’s not a big deal.”
“Itisa big deal. That bill has been hanging over my head for months and you just—” She swipes her arm out dramatically. “Wiped it clear without even flinching. This would take me years to pay off.”
“You shouldn’t have to worry about stuff like that. Not when I can help.”
For the second time in less than twenty-four hours, tears pool in her eyes. “I don’t want to constantly feel indebted to you.”
I stand, crossing over to her, taking her in my arms even after my vow the other day to not touch her at work anymore. At any rate, the door is locked. “You don’t owe me anything if I choose to do something like that for you. It was a gift. No strings attached.”
“There are always strings,” she murmurs against my chest. At least she’s not pushing me away.
“I’m serious. I expect nothing in return. I was just trying to help.” I rub soft circles on her back, soothing her. “And now that I know money’s an issue, I won’t do anything without your permission again. But you have to realize, if we’re going to be together, you have to get used to me spending money on you. I want to spoil you.”
She shakes her head, stepping away even as she reaches for my hands. “I don’t deserve it.”
“Of course you do. I love you.”
Her bottom lip trembles. “There’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you.”
“Okay.” Why does she sound so solemn?
She swallows, casting her head down. “When I started working here, I—”
My desk phone rings, startling both of us, and she stops what she was saying, letting go of my hands to wring hers together in front of her.