“I’m going to hold you to that,Love,” he whispered, then took a step back.
Love.It was his pet name for me since saving my life. Since not leaving my side for a single night. Since officially asking me to be his girlfriend.
Since moving in with me a month earlier.
To no one’s surprise, Phoenix had offered to buy my new clinic building for me, including a significant “loan” to get the business off the ground. His payment terms had sent me blushing, and his demanded items for collateral sent my panties to the floor and had me doing things that I was pretty sure were illegal in several countries. But as tempting as being Phoenix’s sex slave was, I declined because I wanted to do it by myself. It was important to me.
And I finally—finally did.
I raised the champagne. “Guess Zoey and Cam are celebrating early.”
He laughed. “They’re on their second bottle, but they didn’t want to tell thebossthat.”
I laughed, then said, “There’s sparkling water in the fridge if you want some.”
He shook his head. “I’m good.”
The old Phoenix would have chugged the champagne and asked for a chaser.
The new Phoenix?
He didn’t need it.
He nodded to the folder in my hand. “Is it done?”
“Yes.” I couldn’t fight the huge smile that crossed my face.
He pulled me to him again. “I’m proud of you, baby.”
“Thank you. Me, too.”
“Not just for that.” The playful look in his eyes faded to emotion. “I’m proud of the woman you are, the woman you’ve become. The odds you’ve beaten. The belief in yourself. I thought I had all that. I didn’t. You showed me how to be strong. You inspired me to be better, Rose. I’d be nothing without you. On that note, ” He smiled, a flash of excitement touching his eyes. “I need you to come with me.”
“Where?”
“Don’t worry about it.”
I groaned. “Come on, just tell me. You know I hate surprises.”
“Yes, I know. Let’s go.”
He grabbed my hand and led me out of the office, and mid-way through a stolen kiss in the corner. Although Zoey and Cameron hadn’t made their relationship status official, the grins they carried when they were around each other did the talking for them. They were a cute couple and I was happy for them.
“I’ll be back… I think.” I said over my shoulder as Phoenix dragged me out the door. He bypassed my SUV and opened the passenger side door of his Chevy.
I smiled. “How does it feel to have your license back?”
“Like signing the papers on my first business.” He winked, then helped me inside, kissed my knuckles, and shut the door.
I watched him jog around the hood, an extra pep in his step. The guy was definitely up to something.
“What’s going on, Phoenix?” I asked as he slid behind the steering wheel.
He reached into the console and pulled out a black blindfold.
“Whoa. Just cause I wore it the other night doesn’t mean?—”
“Shhh…”
