“What’s that?”
“That we’re clearly destined for a happily-ever-after.”
I laugh, pulling her in for a kiss, not caring that the valet is watching and waiting. “I can live with that.”
As we drive to Abby’s place, I feel like the luckiest man alive.
I walk her to her apartment. As she’s putting the key into the doorknob, I stop her hand. “I meant what I said about the transfer to headquarters. No pressure. We can stay here as long as you want.”
Abby reaches out to touch my cheek with her free hand. “I appreciate that. But transferring might be a good move for us. Both professionally and personally.”
“You think?”
She nods. “It’s scary to think about moving to a new office in a new town and what that entails. But a new challenge sounds exciting. I also like the idea of bossing you around without any conflict of interest.”
I laugh, shaking my head. “I should have known you’d find a way to turn this to your advantage.”
“Hey.” She holds her hands up. “I learned from the best. There must be some consequence for how you treated me at work for five months.”
I groan, covering my face. “Are you ever going to let me live that down?”
“Hmm… Nope. I’ll keep that one in my back pocket for the next fifty years or so.”
My heart swells at the implication. “Fifty years, huh? That’s quite a commitment.”
“What can I say? I’m in it for the long haul.”
She opens her door, and Powerfluff greets us with two meows.
“Does she need dinner?” I ask.
Abby scratches under the cat’s neck. “No, she ate before I left. She’s just making sure we remember she’s here.”
I wait for her to quit loving on the cat, but I don’t mind. The two are a package deal, and I’ve already checked out cat trees and other things a cat might need.
“You look so serious. What are you thinking about?” Abby asks.
“I was thinking about tonight.” I want to surprise her and Powerfluff when they come to my place. “I’d say this was a pretty successful date, wouldn’t you?”
“Oh, absolutely.” Abby removes her coat and tosses it onto a chair. She holds out her arm with the bracelet on it. “Nothing says romance more than sparkly jewelry.”
Smiling, I pull her close. “I didn’t realize that. Guess I should get to know the jeweler better.”
“Maybe,” she teases.
I laugh and kiss her forehead. “Even though I’ve discovered the way to your heart, you still love me whether or not I surprise you with bling.”
The words slip out, and I freeze. That keeps me from groaning.
Abby smiles at me. “I do.”
I must be wearing the goofiest grin ever. I don’t care. “Good, because I love you, too.”
“I never thanked you properly for the bling.” She kisses me. It’s soft, sweet, and perfect. When we finally part, Abby’s eyes are shining. “For a fake boyfriend, you turned into an awesome real one.”
“You, Abby Sinclair, are the best fake-turned-real girlfriend a guy could ask for.”
“You need another thank-you kiss,” she says with an impish grin.
