He leans back in his chair, the Chicago skyline displayed in the windows behind him. “Love to hear it.”
This is not what I came here for.
Stealing my spine, I take a deep breath, readying myself. “In all honesty Mr. Hammer, I didn’t come to talk to you about the job site.” His brow quirks but he remains silent. “When we got the contract, you were adamant that there were promotions in the future depending on the outcome.”
Mr. Hammer leans forward, clasping his hand on the desk. “That’s right, but Tanner, you haven’t been offered the promotion.”
“I know.” God, I feel like such a fucking idiot, because who the hell does this? “Sir, I know no offers have been made but I’m asking that one doesn’t get offered.”
“Well,” he scoffs, “that’s presumptuous of you.”
Don’t I fucking know it.
“The truth is, I’m happy right where I’m at. Working outside with the crews. Getting my hands dirty is where I belong. I’ve been working my ass off to make sure I get this promotion but didn’t even ask myself if it’s what I wanted.” He nods as he listens, his lips pursing in thought. “I guess what I’m saying is, give the job to someone who wants it. That’s all. Thank you for your time.” I make to stand, but Mr. Hammer’s voice stops me.
“You know, I was going to offer you the job whether or not you did well on this job. You’ve been an asset to this company for many years, and I’ll be honest with you, you deserve it. You’re one helluva worker. And,“ he sighs, “I admire a man who knows what he wants in life. I’m not quite sure why you decided to come to me with this, but you’ve always got a job at Hammer and Stein.” He stands and offers his hand.
“Thank you,” I say, grasping his hand in a firm shake before turning and walking out of the office.
***
The room is filled with people I love and cherish, the woman at my side most of all.
Tonight’s the rehearsal dinner and after running through the ceremony with Pastor Smith and the wedding planner my future mother-in-law insisted on, we’re all gathered in the banquet room at Kate’s parent’s country club. Pleasant chatter and laughter echo in the space, the sound of a baby crying softly in the corner in his mother’s arms.
Kate is absolutely stunning. When her father practiced walking her down the aisle, my heart stopped. At least it felt like it did. The practice was lighthearted and casual, but the way her eyes locked with mine was anything but.
That girl that ran into me on the sidewalk on a hot summer day is the girl I was meant to be with.
Pulling Kate close to me, I lower my mouth to her ear, whispering softly, “I’m going to go get us some champagne.” Goosebumps prickle on her skin, turning to give me a quick kiss before going back to the conversation with the pastor.
Holden and Gabe are at the bar, both with drinks in hand. Holden and my sister Everly recently got engaged while on a tour of Italy. She moved to New York several months ago and I’m happy to see her thriving. “Gentlemen,” I greet with a nod.
“Gentleman? What the hell’s gotten into you?” Gabe tips his glass back, smirking at me.
Holden swishes his whisky casually making the ice clink in his glass. “Maybe Kate finally worked some class into him.” My sister’s stoic fiancé quirks a brow before scanning the room. I can tell the moment he spots Ev in the crowd because he looks at her the way I look at Kate.
I ignore their comments and order two champagnes, leaning against the bar while the bartender pops the cork and pours the glasses. The three of us stand at the bar looking around the hall. Kate has found Millie and holds River in her arms, bouncing the little guy as she talks animatedly to her best friend and I’m overwhelmed at the thought of how close I came to losing all of this.
I was too busy letting the things that don’t matter dictate how I live my life. Kate was right, I was pulling away from her. My focus stopped being her and became what I thought she wanted.
While I’m embarrassed at what happened with Mr. Hammer, I’m glad I did it. With none of the added pressure of a promotion hanging over my head, I already feel lighter.
“What are you boys up to?” Mel swaggers up to the bar, wrapping her arms around Gabe’s waist and stealing his drink. The bartender sets the bubbling glasses on the bar which I quickly grab and head for my girl.
The evening goes by smoothly and before we know it, it’s time for everyone to leave.This is the part I’ve been dreading all night. Kate decided that we needed to spend our last night as an engaged couple separated.
I’m not on board with this idea at all.
We walk hand in hand through the parking lot to Kate’s car. She tilts her head back and groans. “Ugh, I don’t want to leave you,” she pouts, pressing her back against the driver’s side door. She tugs on our clasped hands urging me forward.
“Well,” I chuckle, “it was your idea.” I brush my lips against hers making her moan. “You only have yourself to blame.”
“I know,” she says with a sigh. “But past me is an idiot. Present me wants to fall asleep in your arms.” Her hands run up and down my arms squeezing lightly. It would be so easy to give in, but I know my girl. She wanted to spend the night apart, so that’s what we’re going to do.
Looking into those blue eyes, I can’t help myself. Pressing my body against hers, I capture her lips in a passionate kiss. Her arms link around my waist, pulling me closer, her head tilted back while she opens herself up to me with a moan. My hands dip low and squeeze her ass as I grind my hips against hers making us both gasp. When her mouth breaks away from mine and starts traveling down my neck, I have to force myself to pull back.
“Sweetheart,” I groan. “I love you, but we’re in the middle of a parking lot right now.” Gently, I cup her jaw and force her eyes to mine. “Why don’t we meet up tomorrow? I’ll be the guy waiting at the altar.”
