It didn’t take long before they were both naked and she was under him.He paused to look down at her, his eyes smoky, his fingers tangling in her hair.“I love you so much, Angie.”He pushed inside her, repeating “I love you” with every thrust, his gruff timbre kindling a delicious friction in her ears that matched the friction between her legs.The well of emotions and the sensations arrowed straight to her core.
They climbed the peak quickly and came in an explosion of stars and fireworks.She never wanted to come down from the stratosphere, and her heart rejoiced when she realized this was her future.
Epilogue
Twoweekslater…
Angie stared at the stack of baking pans, calculating in vain whether they’d fit in one box.This had been her dilemma since she’d started packing yesterday, and in typical fashion, Sam wandered into the kitchen and laughed.
“Angel, you’re talented in a lot of ways, but you’re spatially challenged.”He bumped her hip.“Step aside.I got this.”She gave him a glaring narrow-eye, which only made him laugh harder.“You know it’s true.”
She opened her mouth to argue when her phone rang.The number looked familiar, but she couldn’t place it.When she answered, she was surprised to hear Celia’s voice on the other end.
“Angelina?Are you someplace you can talk?”
“Yes.”
“Good.I wanted to give you a heads-up that you’ll be receiving a call from the vice president of HR asking you for a meeting.”
Angie lifted her eyes to Sam.“Um, do you know why?”
“Something’s come up.”Angie would have sworn the woman was smiling on the other end.“The HIPAA violation?A deeper dive by IT discovered an inconsistency in the logs.You weren’t at fault.”
“Who was?”Angie choked out.
“Probably best if the VP explains it to you.Good-bye, dear.”
Stunned, Angie stared at Sam.Before she could relay the strange message, her phone rang again.She put it on speaker.The caller announced himself as the VP of HR and asked her to meet with him later this week.
“But I’m moving out of state tomorrow.”
“Oh.In that case, can you make it in today?”
“I-I think so.”She slid Sam a glance, and he nodded at her.
After they arranged a time and hung up, Sam announced he was coming with her.
“But you don’t have—”
“Yeah, I do.I’m not going to fight your battles—unless you want me to—but like I said before, you’re mine to protect.I want to be sure some tweezeball doesn’t try to push you around.”
Months ago, Angie would have bristled at such a statement.Now, a different sensation overtook her.The reassurance that came from knowing Sam was in her corner warmed her all over.She wasn’t alone anymore.
Hours later, Angie fidgeted beside Sam in the vice president’s office, while the man himself sat across from them and pursed his lips.Sam gave her hand a covert, reassuring squeeze.
“Ms.Rossi, I’ll get right to the point.New information has come to light, and we’ve determined your credentials were used without authorization.The prior conclusion was made in error based on available data, and the decision is being rescinded.”
Angie’s jaw went slack.“What was the available data that your error was based upon?”
“I’m not at liberty to discuss that as we are still pursuing the matter.But we are prepared to reinstate you with back pay and full benefits.”
She and Sam exchanged glances.“I’m not returning.I’m relocating to another state.”Not for a job, but for this man I love beyond reason.
The VP glanced down at an open file.“I see.In that case, we are prepared to offer you a formal rescission of the prior separation decision, a written statement clearing you and recommending you for similar work elsewhere, and compensation in exchange for a mutual release of claims.”
“In other words, Angelina would be signing away her right to sue,” Sam posed.
The VP nodded.“Of course, we encourage Ms.Rossi to seek advice from her legal counsel before signing.”He pulled a letter from the file and slid it over to her.
