I knew I would never be able to forget a woman like Ava. But having this physical reminder of her love for me had helped me, even in the darkest days after Mom’s death when I had foolishly pushed her away.
I wouldn’t bring scandal to Luxe Hotels again, and I wouldn’t be the man who had to hide his love for Ava Hale again.
As the leader of the company that invested in Ava’s restaurant, I was still tied to her professionally. A professional relationship that meant our private life had to be kept under the wraps. But I was finally done with rules that held us back. Which meant my job had to go if I wanted to take our relationship public.
I slipped the key chain into my pocket. Someone would come by and pick up the rest for me.
When I walked out, I saw two people in the corridor to the elevator.
Zach and Juniper.
Zach looked closed to tears while Juniper had her mouth set in a firm line. The elevator dinged, and I turned in surprise as Thomas walked up, arms by his sides, an expression of shock on him.
My footsteps halted as the three of them stood together by the elevator.
“This isn’t the end,” I told them as I approached them.
“It seems like it for us,” Juniper added.
“You can’t be serious,” Thomas said, gesturing around the atrium with his hands.
I looked over my shoulder. Three years of work was a sizable venture, I guessed. Three years as CEO of Luxe Hotels. There would always be another leader who could take it ahead. It was time I moved on.
“Each of you was the best employee any leader could’ve asked for,” I said, clapping Zach on the shoulder and shaking Juniper’s hand.
Thomas turned away as I walked up to him to shake his hand and then grudgingly took it.
“We can’t be Luxe Hotels without you, Desmond,” he said in a low voice.
“There’s a health tech company that I’ve been following lately. They develop wearable medical devices but have been struggling in the past year. If things work out, they could be the Lead Capital Group’s next investment. And the focus of my attention for the next few years.”
“Well then, I’m coming with you,” Juniper said, her voice fierce.
Zach nodded. “Me too. I’m going to be there.”
“Count me in,” Thomas added.
My heart swelled with emotion at their loyalty. Truth be told, I couldn’t do without them.
I grinned. “In that case, Zach, you just got a two-week break. Plan your vacation now because it’s going to be busy after.”
He grinned and nodded.
Letting my gaze fall on the trio, I smiled. “Thank you.”
“You’ll let us know when you finalize your plans, won’t you?” Juniper asked.
“You can count on it,” I called back. “In two weeks.”
I’ve got a much overdue confession of love coming up, and I need all the time I can get.
I walked into the elevator and pressed the button for the seventh floor. When the elevator stopped and the doors opened, Ellie stood right outside.
She put her hands on either side of the elevator to prevent it from closing. “Tell me what I just heard isn’t true.”
I didn’t respond.
“You … you’re leaving everything you built here, just to be able to date an employee?” Ellie asked. “The woman who works at the café?”
