In one quick jerk, Nicole pulled away and met his gaze. Her eyes were blazing with hatred. “No, it’s your father’s fault, not ours. And he needs to pay for what he’s done!”
Her office phone rang, and she moved off the couch, wiping her eyes. When she answered it, her voice was strong and confident. Mick couldn’t help but feel proud of her. She’d certainly been through so much, and she might crumble from time to time, but she was a strong woman and would overcome.
“Thanks so much. You don’t know how happy I am to start working with you.”
She hung up and faced him. Confidence brightened her pretty face.
“That was Peaking Design. They are going to work with us.”
Happiness exploded inside of Mick’s chest and he jumped up from the couch, reaching for her. She met him halfway and he took her into his arms.
“Oh, Mick. I did it. I actually turned this company around, and without your money.”
He kissed her forehead. “Sweetheart, I knew you could do it. This will be great for both companies.”
Her smile widened and she nodded. “That’s how I saw it, and thankfully, that’s how Peaking Design saw it, too.”
He kissed her, but when her office phone rang again, he grumbled and pulled away. She answered the phone, still full of conviction. Seconds later, she swung toward him with wide eyes.
“All right. Thanks for checking, Bobby.” She hung up the phone. “This morning’s email came from Jerry.”
Mick nodded. “Who, of course, works for my father.”
“At least I now have grounds to fire Jerry, but not until he leaks the information to your father about the fake website.”
She took a deep breath and slowly released it. “Now I need to call the shareholders and explain that email.” She shrugged. “It’s time for them to pick a side. Me, or Carl Remington.”
Mick bunched his hands into fists. “But there is no way my father will get this company now.”
“I know, but what if the shareholders don’t want part of the company anymore because of these pictures?” She frowned.
“Then I’ll buy them out.” Mick took wide strides over to her and wrapped her in his arms. “Nicole, I made a promise to you, and I’m not backing down. There is no way my father is getting this company.”
Sighing, she nodded. “I’m sure this email will leak out to the community, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Peaking finds out about it and backs down.”
He cupped her face. “They won’t. I’ll make sure of that.” He sighed. “Sweetheart, the company is yours no matter what.”
“But I don’t want your money.”
“You have no other choice.” He smiled. “Because I love you, and if you love me, that means you have to deal with my money.”
This time her laugh didn’t sound sad, but as soon as it was over, she frowned again. “Oh, Mick. I do really appreciate all the help you’ve given me. Thank you for staying by my side through my mood swings and... the scandal.”
“There’s no place I’d rather be.”
He kissed her lips, tenderly, and meaningfully. When he pulled away, he gave her a sharp nod. “However, it’s now time for paybacks. We need to get Jerry to that website as soon as possible.”
Suddenly, her eyes widened, and her face lit up with excitement. “I know just the person who can do it.”
“Mary?” He arched an eyebrow.
She laughed heartily, which melted his heart.
“How did you know?”
“Get her on the phone. I want this over and done with, so I can watch the police arrest my father.”
* * * *
