She huffs but doesn’t argue, which I’ll take as a win.
She allows me to take her hand as we head up to her apartment, which I also take as a win.
I lean down, brushing my thumb over her jaw. “Go on, sweetheart. Pack what you need. I’ll be back tonight to help with the rest.”
Her eyes soften. “Langston—”
“No arguing,” I say, smirking.
She laughs, and for a second, it feels easy. Natural. Like this thing between us was always supposed to happen.
When she disappears into the apartment, I stand there longer than I mean to, hands in my pockets, staring after her.
By the time I make it to the office, my mood’s already too good for anyone to risk crossing me.
Not that they ever do.
The elevator doors slide open to the forty-second floor, and the familiar hum of my company fills the air. Phones ringing, deals closing, the sound of money moving. It’s exactly how I like it—efficient. Predictable. Controlled.
Jack’s already waiting outside my office, a folder in one hand and a coffee in the other.
The kid’s been with me for years—well, kid is generous. He’s in his early twenties, quick, brilliant, and the only person who can keep pace with the way I work.
The old-timers gave me hell for it when I hired him. Said I should’ve gone with one of the “pretty young things” the agency sent over. Someone who could smile at clients, charm investors.
I told them to fuck off.
I don’t need someone to flirt. I need someone who can keep my schedule straight and my company running.
Jack hands me the coffee. “Morning, boss.”
I nod, taking it from him as I move behind my desk. “Morning. What’s on the docket?”
He flips open the folder. “Contracts from the Kensington merger, updates from our European division, and a meeting with the board at ten.”
I start scanning the first page, but halfway through, I pause. “I need you to make an appointment at lunch.”
He looks up. “With who?”
“A jeweler.”
Jack blinks. “A jeweler?”
I don’t look up. “I need a ring.”
He sets the folder down slowly. “A ring.”
“Yes.”
“For your new wife,” he says, voice full of disbelief.
Finally, I glance up. The corner of my mouth lifts. “That’s right.”
His jaw actually drops a little. “Wait, you did it? You actually went through with marrying the Kensington girl?”
I smirk. “Surprised?”
“Stunned,” he admits. “I thought it was just a business move. Didn’t think you’d look—” He hesitates. “Happy about it.”
