After we all signed, Ali opened an oversized bottle of champagne, and we toasted our new business beginning.
* * *
Later that night, the whole Athlore and The Athena Agency crew stood on the beach. We’d rented a spot where we could have a bonfire, inviting some of our current and prospective clients to celebrate our new firm.
Nick helped me host, letting me network alone, and stepping in to check in every now and then. He kept drinks topped up and grilled hot dogs, holding this perfect balance of letting me shine and stepping in to assist. Guy, Kitty, Mikey, and a very pregnant Jessie also mingled with the guests. They all talked shop with the other athletes. Nick started a beach volleyball game, then mysteriously “hurt his arm” so I could take his spot. He made way too much noise cheering for my serve.
Nick was the perfect partner, in business and in life.
The sun went down, and goosebumps crawled up my legs as the sand cooled. Guests started to fade away, and Nick slipped a sweatshirt around my shoulders. “Here you go, angel.”
I turned to him. “You know, you always say I’m the angel, but I think it’s really you. You’ve been such a big help tonight.”
He smirked. “Well, it’s partially my company, too. I’m invested in this party going well so we can get lots of new clients.”
I slapped his chest. “Oh, you’re going to take credit for my company, Mr. 5% Owner?”
“Five is a non-zero number,” he said.
“This is true, but it’s not as high as my number.”
He grinned. “I know. I just like firing you up.”
The firelight danced over his face as Guy and Mikey got to work making another round of s’mores. “Nick, I can’t thank you enough for all this.”
“You’re welcome. I want you to be free. This was the best way I could give that to you. No more phone calls. No more creditors. Just you, living your dream.”
My lower lip pouted. “I want you to feel understood.”
His arms slid tight around my waist and his face lowered to mine. “I do. So I hope you’ll understand why I’m going to ask my next question.”
My eyes widened, my heart taking off. “What?”
“Well, I know someone’s lease is up next month. Greg was thinking you could make him the happiest dog in the world and move in with us.”
I grinned. “Is that what Greg wants?”
“Yeah. He told me,” Nick said with a smarmy smirk. “He gets bored when it's just me taking him for a walk. He likes when Mommy and Daddy are there.”
“And what do you want, Nick?”
“I want to wake up every single day with all your crazy hair on my pillow. I want to not have to drive twenty minutes to see you. I want you to stop stressing about leaving clothes at your place, or whether Greg pooped behind your refrigerator.” I giggled and he went on. “I want to be able to be close to you, supporting you, and loving you every single day.”
I pretended to think with a coy smirk. “Do I still get to borrow your t-shirts?”
“I only want you in my t-shirts,” he said, nuzzling my nose.
“Will you be policing my Diet Coke consumption?”
He snorted. “I will be tempted, but I will keep my mouth shut.” He gazed at me, waiting for an answer. “What do you say? Will you still be a free woman if I smother you with constant attention?”
“I can’t imagine anything freer than being in your glow all the time, magic man.”
His hand slid into my hair as his lips captured mine, the warmth of his love freeing me. Nick was my personal brand of freedom. Someone who believed in me and held me up, surrounding me with an unwavering love. As we pulled from our kiss, he nodded toward the volleyball net. “I think you owe me a volleyball lesson.”
“Game on.”
Chapter 44
