“You can’t lie to me anymore.”
He nods.
“And you don’t beat up my father again.”
He gives me a small smile. “I can’t make any promises.”
I return his smile. “I’m serious.”
“You don’t have to worry. I choose you; my father doesn’t control me anymore.”
Now it’s my turn to nod.
“We can make this work, right?”
“I might drive you crazy,” he admits.
I stroke his cheek then place a peck to his lips. “I can live with that.”
Epilogue
Arloe
ONE YEAR LATER
“We can move that table over there,” I direct to Greer, walking out of my office in the back.
It’s been an entire year since Tatum LaRose released his last book, so I know readers are going to flock into the shop knowing he’ll be here tonight.
I’m honestly surprised he chooses Ever After Books to be the first stop on his new release tours, but I won’t complain.
In the past year, Easton has tried to pay for renovations for my store and new product, but I refuse. This is my place, and I want to work for all of the upgrades I have in store. Luckily, tonight will set me over my goal.
“Hey, boss lady!” Greer calls as I continue walking. “Do you want to make sure the register is up and running while I finish the displays? I don’t want any mishaps tonight.”
“Sure thing!” I shout back and head to the front.
As I work on the machine, I see a line of people ready and waiting outside the doors. It brings a smile to my face knowing it’s my shop they’re waiting to get into. Sure, they aren’t exactly here for me, but it still makes me happy.
I hit the register on the side, and the numbers on its small screen unfreeze. I scan a book lying on the counter to make sure everything is in working order, then clear it out.
“It’s good to go, Greer!”
“Perfect! Thank you!”
When I glance out the window again with the intention of letting everyone know we only have a few minutes left, he catches my eye.
It’s easy to pick him from a crowd. He’s always dressed head to toe in designer suits, and he always looks at me the same way.
Full of lust.
My cheeks instantly burn under his gaze, but I try to hide it. I nod toward the back as he watches me, then he disappears. Within seconds, he’s coming into the back door with the same look.
He stalks toward me with hooded eyes and a sinister grin. “Amore,” he whispers when he stops in front of me.
He leans in, pushing my hair from my shoulder, and kisses my neck.
“I curled it just for you.” I smirk, knowing he prefers my hair up.
