Page 106 of Last Resort

“Like?”

“Like you are looking at the new Vice President of On-site Transition for Sharpe International Network.” His smile beams. “Someone wise once pointed out that I’m good at the micro aspect of this job. I took her words to heart and propositioned my brothers.”

“Propositioned?”

“I’ll get to be out of the office and on-site. I’ll get to travel. I’ll get to be part of my legacy, but make my own niche while doing so.”

“That’s incredible. But what about your dreams to travel? What about—”

“Those are things I still want, Collins, but I want you more.”

“What?” I ask with confusion, almost as if I didn’t hear him. “What are you saying?”

“I’m saying Brady’s wrong.”

“Brady?” I laugh.

“I don’t like expiration dates. I don’t want one with you.”

“Callahan. Don’t—”

His lips are on mine in the softest, most tender kiss that feels like a caress against every single one of my nerve endings. “Shh. The answer to the question, Collins—to what’s in it for you—is us.” A kiss on my cheek where another tear has slipped over.

“Us?” I ask like an idiot. My head is spinning and my heart is swelling.

“Us.” He nods. “I have a different proposition for you.”

Oh God. Oh no. Not yet. And he must see the panic in my face because he throws his head back and starts laughing.

“I’m not asking you to marry me, Collins. Let’s not go that crazy just yet.”

I breathe out a huge sigh, and then start laughing until I look up and see his arms crossed over his chest and an eyebrow raised. “Would it be so bad?” he asks.

I lean forward and kiss his mouth, my lips spreading into a smile against his. “No. No, it wouldn’t but don’t give a girl multiple heart attacks in one day.” I laugh again and rest my forehead against his. “What is this proposition you speak of?”

“Ledger’s offer—our offer—still stands. Start your company, be your own boss, but let us be your client. Let us help you build your portfolio.”

“And . . .”

“And as the new VP, I have some serious demands.”

“Oh really?” My cheeks hurt from smiling so hard. From nerves to tears to grinning. Talk about an unexpected emotional roller coaster. This was definitely not how I expected this meeting to go. “What are they?”

“That you must be on-site with me. That we work as partners. As equals. No more hiding. No more granny panties.”

I hiccup over a part sob, part laugh as amusement wells in his eyes.

And love.

I thought I’d seen it before but was afraid to hope it was true.

Now I see it, and it’s the most heart-stopping thing I’ve ever seen.

“You’re serious,” I whisper.

“Dead serious. We make a good team, Collins. That and I don’t plan on letting you out of my sight anytime soon, so two birds, one stone.”

“You think you have it all figured out, don’t you?”