Page 107 of To Tango, with Desire

“But I’m grateful. Really grateful that you want to help.”

“This won’t take away from the business you have. Your store will always be yours. But we all need help sometimes, Amira. Hell, I had it when I started out. Mentors and investors and other entrepreneurs wanting to make a difference. I want to do the same for you. It isn’t a huge space, but it’s enough of a mini factory to get machines in and hire people. To hit that next level. But you’re gonna have to trust people, employ people.”

“All of this is a little overwhelming.”

“Take it slow. We have business advisers when you’re ready. And I don’t have to be involved in that at all.”

She smiled. “Thanks, Zane. I appreciate it, even if I am still annoyed.”

“I appreciate you not kicking my ass for doing it.”

“I’m protective over what’s mine.”

“I know. You’re also smart enough to know when it’s too much to handle alone.”

She slid on my lap now, framing my face in her hands. “You’re a sly fox, you know that? Don’t think I don’t know what you’re doing.”

“What?” I pleaded innocently.

“Buttering me up so I’ll agree.”

“Amira. Your designs . . . they’re like nothing I’ve seen before. You’ve captured a niche market and have somehow hit those who aren’t even in the dance community with your work. I would never presume to take over your business or interfere, so consider this a gift. For all the hard work you’ve put in. I—”

“What?”

I felt burning discomfort at the back of my neck. When I opened my mouth, nothing came out. I held her waist, taking a moment.

“I’m proud of you.” I shoved aside my embarrassment. She needed to hear this. “I’m proud of what you’ve achieved. And I wanted you to know it.”

Her eyes misted.

“Amira . . . Shit, I didn’t mean to make you upset.”

She shook her head, lip trembling. “You didn’t. Nobody has ever said that to me before. My parents—” She brushed at her face. “They were only proud when I married you. They acted like me getting into business was the end of the world.”

I wiped away her tears, stroking her face. “They’re fools not to see it. Not to appreciate how smart and brave you are. I’m proud that you’re my wife, Amira. Of everything you’ve achieved. For everything you’ve yet to accomplish.”

Taking my time, I laid her back on the chaise, kissing her until she arched under me.

Unable to find the words, I showed her how I felt. What it was that gripped at my heart.

This is what I’ve always wanted. To have a woman captivate me both mind and spirit. To be able to share this passion and drive, this desire for more.

In Amira, I’d found it.

I’m a lucky bastard. No sooner had I had that thought than more fractious ones took its place. Perhaps my luck will run out. Perhaps life will take my good fortune now that I’ve found happiness.

It was a fear I’d felt before, one I was shocked to feel again. I shook it off and focused on what I did have. Amira.

I would touch and tease her, lose myself in her in the only way I knew how.

That would have to be enough.

TWENTY-EIGHT

AMIRA

“Hey.” I looked up from my tablet, surprised to see Kade walking through the door.