“What’s on your calendar this morning, love?” Kieran asked when he strolled into my bathroom the following morning.
The three of us had spent last night entwined in my big bed. I’d been shocked to learn that neither of them had intended to leave after the encounter that had done a splendid job of rewriting history. I’d expected them to go their separate ways because we were back in the real world, and routines were crucial to keeping things running smoothly. But rather than leave, Knox and Kieran had brought me upstairs, the three of us washing up in the shower before sliding into bed as though we’d done it a million times.
This morning, wake-up alarms had sounded, which was probably the only reason I was on my feet. One of those alarms happened to be mine because while I could’ve stalled for a little while, claiming I needed time to acclimate to the new state of my life, I wasn’t going to be that person. I was ready to blaze my own path and take charge of my new world.
“I’ve got interviews lined up all day,” I told him as I swiped mascara over my lashes.
“For your assistant?”
“Yes.” I put the mascara wand back in its holder, screwed it in as I gave my reflection a quick once over.
“You look fierce,” he said, his face appearing in the mirror as he stood behind me.
“That’s the look I was going for.” It really was. I had no intention of allowing my employees to say I was anything except professional and prompt. At the very least, I owed them that. I was hoping the power suit—complete with a black blazer, vibrant red camisole, short black skirt, and fire engine red pumps—would give the impression of a woman who had it all together. I was takingfake it until you make itto a whole new level.
“Your car’s downstairs,” Knox’s deep baritone echoed in the enclosed space. “Whenever you’re ready.”
I peered over, saw he was standing in the doorway, looking edible in one of his fancy suits.
I narrowed my gaze. “Did you bring clothes with you?”
He smirked, turned. “I had some delivered.”
I wanted to tell him he should keep some here for when they stayed, but I didn’t. Although last night had felt like a surreal turning point for us, a proclamation, if you would, I wasn’t going to make assumptions.
I followed Knox down the stairs while Kieran was close behind me. Knox stopped at the elevator on the main floor and turned to me. He cradled my face, leaned down for a kiss. “I’ll be in meetings all day. But if you call, I’ll answer.”
“I won’t. I promise.” I grinned, feeling the hint of anxiety frothing in my gut. This was the good kind, though. “I won’t need to. I’ve got this.”
“Kick ass and take names.” He pressed one more kiss to my lips, then turned to Kieran. “You’ll see her to the office this morning.”
I noticed it wasn’t phrased as a question.
“I will,” Kieran replied. “Then I’ll be in my office for the majority of the day.”
Knox nodded, then stepped onto the elevator when it arrived. “I’ll see you both tonight.”
I continued to watch him watching us as the doors slid silently shut. Something seemed off with him, but I couldn’t pinpoint what it was.
“You don’t have to take me to Delta June’s,” I told Kieran, turning toward the kitchen. “I’m a big girl. I can take care of myself.”
“I don’t have to, you’re right. I prefer to.”
I was smiling when I walked into the kitchen to find Guillermo at the center island. He was humming a tune as he put the final preparations on something.
“Good morning, Miss Emily,” he greeted, his eyes glittering.
“Good morning.” I accepted a cup of coffee when Stewart passed it over. “That’s something else I’ll need to do today,” I mused aloud as I walked to the banquette table. “Hire a new personal chef since my current one has been poached.”
I glanced at Guillermo, saw his radiant grin.
“Is it called poaching, though, when you take someone from yourself?” Kieran asked, joining me at the table.
“That’s a good question.”
Stewart delivered my breakfast—crepes with strawberries and cream and a side of extra strawberries. I stared at it in awe, then peered up at Guillermo. “Will you be serving breakfast at Delta June’s? Because I’m not sure I’ll be able to live without you. If you do, I’ll just have all my meals there.”
My question was met with laughs as I dug into my breakfast and fueled myself for a very busy day.
