The words vibrate against my skin, sending chill bumps skittering down my neck, my arms. I roll over to face him. Sunlight catches the golden highlights in his hair, a day’s worth of stubble on his square jaw.
“Morning.”
He drops his lips to mine and I twine my legs with his, tangling our bodies tighter together.
Bliss.
I’d love to lay here all day, basking in Bennett. But I have calls to make, investors to steady.
I kiss him hard and deep before pulling away, my hand on his chest. “I have to go.”
He runs his knuckles over my cheek and my heart flutters faster.
“I know. Me too.”
“Listen…” I take a deep breath, suddenly nervous all over again. “This is complicated and messy. And I’m not good at that.”
“I know.” He pushes my hair from my eyes, his gaze calm and steady.
“But I want to be. With you.”
“Same. I’ve got you, Sunshine. Don’t worry.” He brushes his lips over mine and warmth spreads through me.
I’ve got you, Sunshine.
And I believe him.
“I’m going to set things straight with my father. Handle the issues with the fund. We’ll have to make decisions.”
“It’ll be okay.”
That’s exactly what I need to hear. I kiss him again, my heart full.
“You coming to the game?”
“Wouldn’t miss it.”
“Good.” He grins, his ocean-blue eyes sparkling, and I know this is exactly where I’m supposed to be.
I spend the entire morning on the phone with investors. Each call gets progressively easier, and by 1 PM I’ve spoken with everyone on the spreadsheet.
Ding.
I tap into the email notification at the top of my screen.
Subj: Re: Urgent: Reputational Risk / LP Concerns
Tori—
Thanks for reaching out concerning the fund. Let’s connect today at 4 PM ET.
Regards,
Graham
I blink at the screen for a few seconds, then pump my fist in the air.
Nailed it.
