“First, Gisella told me what happened today, and I’m sorry for not getting your side of the story. You were completely justified in what you did, and I can’t tell you howmuch it means to me to have you looking out for her when I’m not there.”
“You know I would do anything for her.”
“I do.” Jack sighs, then says, “Nate and I talked a lot after you left today, and everything you said is true.”
“I know it is,” Ian grunts.
Jack nods. “I fucked up. We, Nate and I, fucked up. We didn’t recognize all the hard work you’ve put in right by our side from almost the very beginning.”
I’m pretty sure my jaw drops open. Even though Ian brushed me off when I brought this up a year ago, after he told me about all that he’s done with the company, I could tell that it bothered him more than he let on that they didn’t seem to view him as an equal. I don’t know what prompted Ian to say something, but I’m so happy that he stood up for himself and that his friends seem to recognize it.
Ian clears his throat. “I appreciate that, but I need more than an apology.”
Jack leans back in the chair, nodding again. “Nate and I agree. In your email, you should have two emails—one from Gisella with your new salary and one from our attorney making you a full partner and the third owner of Nash Security.”
If my jaw wasn’t on the floor before, it is now. I grip Ian’s hand, and he twists his to thread his fingers through mine.
Jack continues. “You can sign both or just the salary agreement. Either way, Nate and I don’t want to lose you as a coworker and a friend. We hate that we even got to this point.”
Ian sniffs hard and nods curtly. His voice is rough with emotion when he says, “Thanks, man. I hate that we did, too. Sorry, I made it so dramatic. That certainly isn’t my usual style.”
Jack laughs. “Yeah, that was something else. Gisella’s mad at both me and Nate, if it makes you feel any better.”
I bite my lip to hide my smile.
“It does a little,” Ian teases. He glances at me, then back at Jack. “I do need one more thing.”
“Anything,” Jack agrees quickly.
“I’ll need a few days off in about two weeks. I don’t know the exact dates.”
“Done. Just let me know when you find out, and I’ll have Gisella rearrange the schedule.”
“Thanks, man. For everything.”
Jack grins and stands, holding out his hand. Ian does the same, and they do the manly, one-armed hug. I clasp my hands together and tuck them under my chin as I watch them. After Jack tells me goodbye, the two men walk to the door, talking about an event they have tomorrow as if nothing happened. Ian slaps Jack good-naturedly on the shoulder before pulling the door open and telling Jack one final goodbye.
As Ian rejoins me, he blows out a breath, dropping down beside me. I don’t waste any time straddling his waist and resting my forearms on his shoulders, my palms going to the back of his neck.
“How are you feeling?” I ask, searching his face to decipher any emotion.
His broad chest expands with his deep inhale. “Shocked. But relieved.”
My smile widens. “I’m so happy for you. And proud. You deserve this and more.”
Ian tucks my hair behind my ear, and his expression softens with affection. I open my mouth to tell him how happy I am to be here with him, but before I can get the words out, I let a yelp when I’m picked up and gentlydropped to the couch, so I’m lying on my back with Ian hovering over me.
Kissing me, he pulls back way sooner than I would’ve liked. But then he’s grasping the top of my leggings before pulling them slowly down my legs, making me shiver with excitement. His face is so intense, like he’s lost in thought, so I stay quiet.
“For all of my life, I’ve never had someone to go to when I was upset.” He grips my thong and pulls it down my legs, his hands trailing back up to rest on my hips. “But today, I was furious. And all I could think about was seeing you.”
I bite my lip as my eyes fill with tears. “I’m so glad you came to me.”
Ian kisses the inside of my knee and works his way down the inside of my thigh, nibbling on my sensitive skin. Belly flipping, I squirm under his lips.
“Ian.” His name escapes as a low moan when his tongue drags up my slit and circles my clit.
“How are you even real?”Lick. “How do I get to have you next to me?”Suck. “How do I make sure I can keep you?”
