“A month to move out and find a new place.” She pointed blindly in what she thought was our direction but was actually toward the kitchen. “Go live in his fancy penthouse. Have your New York City fairytale like you deserve. But I am not living with you two lovebirds doing whatever this is all over the apartment. Just no. Gross. Ew.”
“Abby, I can’t just leave you.”
“Yes, you can. And you will.” She started backing toward her bedroom, still covering her eyes. “I’ll find a new roommate. Someone who keeps their clothes on in communal spaces.”
Dane shifted beside me. “Abby, my wallet’s on the kitchen counter. Take one of my credit cards and treat yourself to a spa hotel stay for the weekend. On me.”
Her hand dropped from her eyes but she kept them squeezed shut. It wasn’t like we were actually exposing our bodies. We were both covered. Well, Dane’s chest was on display, but that wasn’t exactly scandalous.
“Seriously?” Abby asked, suddenly smiling.
“Seriously. It’s the least I can do for traumatizing you.”
“I’m taking the black one,” she called out. “And I’m booking the most expensive suite I can find. With room service. Lots of room service.”
“Go for it,” Dane said.
She grabbed her purse and waved the card. “You two better disinfect this entire apartment when you’re done. I mean everything. Bleach. Fire. Whatever it takes.”
“We will,” I promised, trying not to laugh.
“I’m happy for you, Ina,” she said. “I really am. You deserve this.”
“Thank you. For everything.”
“Yeah, yeah. Just don’t have sex in my room and we’re good.” The door slammed behind her.
Dane and I looked at each other before bursting into laughter.
“Maybe we should go to my room,” I suggested.
“Why bother? She’s gone. I’ll buy her new furniture.”
How did I get so lucky?
EPILOGUE
DANE
The empty desk outside my office felt wrong. I’d been staring at it for several minutes, trying to get used to the sight of it. Clean surface. Blank computer screen. Chair pushed in neatly, waiting for someone new. None of the pretty and sparkly stuff. None of the pizzazz.
My new assistant started tomorrow. Norma had handled the entire hiring process. She interviewed candidates, checked references, and made the final decision. I’d deliberately stayed out of it, knowing the board was watching to make sure I didn’t show favoritism or let my personal life affect business decisions again.
But it still felt odd, not having Ina right there. Not being able to look up from my desk and see her. I missed my beautiful little sentinel.
“Adjusting to the new normal?”
I turned to find Lucas leaning against my doorframe, looking slightly smug.
“It’s fine.”
“You’re staring at an empty desk.”
“I am not.”
“You are. She’s literally one floor down.”
I gave him a look. “Don’t you have work to do?”
