“You didn’t do it for that reason, Rae. You did it for yourself. I just think you convinced yourself you were doing it for your grandfather. You were fighting for your own identity and self-worth. And you discovered both. I think you should tell Cobra, and when your grandfather returns, you should tell him, as well.”
“Why should I tell Cobra anything?”
“Because I distinctly remember the last time we talked, you said that he’s a man worth waiting for.”
“I spoke too quickly.”
“No, Rae. I think you were listening to your heart. Why don’t you go ahead and admit you’ve fallen in love with him? I think you’ve both made mistakes, but there’s nothing you can’t work out if you really love him.”
Desiree didn’t say anything for a minute and then asked in a soft voice, “And if he doesn’t love me back?”
“He does. If he didn’t, he would have read that report the minute he got it. But he didn’t. He asked you to tell him what was in it so the two of you could share it. I think that’s fair.”
“You would.”
“Think about it, Rae. Cobra might be the best thing to ever happen to you. We already know you’re the best thing to ever happen to him, and I suggest you make sure he knows it. You’ve always been someone who goes after what she wants, and I’ve always admired you for your tenacity. If you want Cobra, go and get him.”
***
Hours later, Desiree was finished for the day and called Ron to pick her up. Earlier that day, she had received yet another text from her grandfather letting her know he would be extending his trip for an additional week. That was a total of five weeks now! What gives!
He didn’t say why, and she had to admit, at least to herself, that the condo had been lonely without him.
She had caught the elevator down to the ground floor when she saw Cobra walking through the revolving doors. What was he doing here? Desiree paused as he walked toward her, an unreadable expression on his face. She wished her heart wasn’t doing flip-flops in her chest, or that a surge of awareness wasn’t trickling down her spine. More than anything, she wished she believed what Camille had told her, that she loved him…and he loved her back.
“Hello, Desiree,” he said, coming to a stop in front of her.
“Cobra? What are you doing here?”
“I cancelled your ride with Ron. I wanted to be the one to pick you up.”
She tightened her hand on her briefcase. “Why?”
“I’m hoping that we can talk.”
“I’d like that.”
She could tell from the surprise in his eyes that he had assumed she would give him some pushback
“Have you eaten yet?” he asked.
“No. What about you?”
“Tez was in town, and I shared a meal with him earlier, so I’m good.”
“Well, I’m not since I missed lunch. Would you happen to have leftovers from Thursday night?”
His gaze held hers, and the way he was looking at her meant he understood the importance of her question. They both knew the leftovers were at his house, which meant he would have to take her there. “Yes, I believe I do. I’ll be happy to share them with you.”
“Thank you.”
Taking her hand, he led her from the building.
CHAPTER 18
Cobra stepped back and let Desiree into his home. When he had walked into Sharpe Corporation and saw her again, he suddenly knew Tez had been right.
He loved her.
