Page 127 of How to Break My Heart

“Wait, you got a new job?”

He nods proudly. “Yes, I no longer work for Harvey Beaumont.”

“Wait a goddamn minute. You actually quit?”

Aston takes my hand, sitting me down on the same log where we sat all those years ago. The nostalgia brings butterflies to my stomach, the same time a hummingbird lands in the tree beside us and makes a buzzing sound.

“I quit. Of course Harvey tried to sue me, but I preempted the move and hired the best lawyers to countersue. Remember Charlotte Edwards, Amelia’s mom?”

“Yes, how could I forget?”

“She connected me with attorneys who are sharks in the industry. Lex is no stranger to lawsuits, so he has the best team working for his corporation. Which is where I’m working now.”

My eyes widen, still in disbelief. “And what will you be doing?”

“The same as before, but managing a portfolio of hotel chains on the East Coast.”

There are so many changes, all of which are happening in such a short amount of time. I have so many questions, and I am unable to calm down my racing thoughts.

“But you said you left the Beaumont Group, so does that mean you lost everything?”

“My father thinks I lost everything because he paid for my apartment, car, and bills. But since the moment I was paid a salary, I invested in property and the stock market. So, I still own two apartments, a motorcycle, and a yacht.”

“Hold on…” I raise my hand, leaning my head back. “You own a yacht?”

Aston unconsciously parts his lips, a lingering smile reflecting his own happiness. “There’s so much you don’t know about me, Miss Woods.”

I run my fingers through his hair like I’ve done many times before, but this time it feels so different. My hands wrap around his neck while he rests his hands on my hips as I murmur, “I can’t believe my store went viral. Did I say thank you?”

“You can thank me later, in bed, on all fours.” He teases my bottom lip. “Actually, cowgirl. Think that’s my favorite.”

I laugh, falling in love with him even more. “I guess this is where we start, right?”

He moves away from my hips to cup my face with his hands, but then stops abruptly.

“Um, so your boyfriend is watching me,” Aston says while trying to keep a straight face.

“Huh?” I turn around, only to see Houdini sitting on the railing of the porch. How the hell did he get up there? “I guess I should formally introduce you. Aston, meet Houdini.”

Houdini croaks on cue, prompting me to laugh.

“I’m just letting you know, Houdini gives great life advice.”

Aston’s lips lift into a wide grin. “And what life advice has he given you?”

“Watch this,” I tell him. “Houdini, if you think Aston is just trying to get me into bed again and will dump me to go back to being a playboy, croak once. If you think I’m supposed to stay with him forever and ever, jump in the lake.”

Houdini sits perfectly still as we wait in silence.

“I don’t think Houdini is as intuitive as you thin—”

With a large leap, Houdini lands on the icy ground and hops straight into the lake. My lips lift upward into the biggest smile as I dance with excitement, at the same as time the sun appears from behind the clouds. If you look around, the beginnings of a new season are upon us.

I wrap my arms around Aston to bring him even closer. “So?” I ask, teasingly.

Aston tilts his head, leaning down to kiss me deeply before pulling away. I moan at the lingering spell of his kiss.

A smile brightens his entire face as he says softly, “Forever sounds nice, don’t you think?”