She laughed as Desiree tapped on the door, then popped her head inside. Her gaze flitted from one to the other, then she grinned. “Your appointment is here.”
Carly nodded. “I’ll be right out.”
Desiree shut the door.
He dropped a swoon-worthy kiss on her lips. “See you tomorrow, Carly girl.”
Before Carly greeted her client, she caressed her lower lip, savoring the feeling of Ashton’s mouth on hers. His delicious scent lingered in the air while her heart thumped out of her chest.
Just because she didn’t talk about her feelings didn’t mean she didn’t have any. When it came to Ashton, she had plenty. She adored him. Craved him. Needed him. Loved the hell out of him. Not just as a friend, but as a man. But, she had everything to lose and nothing to gain if things didn’t work out between them.
I love you so much, Ashton, and I’m flat-out terrified.
AT THE END of the workday, she leaned against the reception counter, her stomach tied in knots. She never imagined this day would come. “Hey.”
Desiree was powering her computer down. “Ash said he and Hudson are moving you out tomorrow.”
She nodded. “Since I’ll be working from home starting tomorrow, today’s your last day, but I’ll pay you for Thursday and Friday, plus all the vacation you’ve accrued.”
“This sucks.”
“Yeah, it does. I’ve loved working with you.”
“I’ll miss seeing you everyday, but I won’t miss the mice.”
“Me either.”
“I never told you this, but I almost declined your job offer,” Desiree said.
“Why?”
“I worried that working together might hurt our friendship if things didn’t work out. I mean, we’re practically sisters.”
That made Carly smile. “We are. So, how’d you get past it?”
“Ash reminded me that you’re levelheaded, super smart, and that I’d learn a lot from you.” She twirled a strand of bright pink hair around her finger. “Per usual, he was right. Now, I can pay that forward at Hudson’s.”
“I’m grateful he encouraged you to work here. Working with you has been one of the best parts of my job.”
“Me, too. I’m soooo glad I trusted him.” With a sly smile, Desiree rounded her desk. “You should, too.” In a whoosh of pink-streaked blonde hair, Desiree hugged her, then hurried out, leaving Carly alone with her thoughts.
THE FOLLOWING DAY, Maverick threw open the door to Stone Investigations cradling two large moving blankets under his arm. He dropped them and opened his arms. “Gimme a Hott hug, baby.”
Laughing, she complied. His arms blanketed her and she melted into his strong body. “You’re in a good mood.”
“It’s a great day to be alive.”
Hudson bounded in holding a half-eaten cookie from the bakery next door. “Behold, the cookie.” He took a bite. “Yum.”
Carly led them into her office.
“That looks really old,” Hudson said. “You should buy a new one.”
“It was my grandfather’s.”
“So?” Hudson bit off a chocolate chunk.
“It has sentimental value.”
