Page 34 of Christmas With A Billionaire

“Looks like you two are having a great time.”

We both turned at Marcus’s voice, and that annoyance I used to feel was absent.

“Marcus! What are you doing here?” Autumn asked.

He glanced between us as we floated closer together.

“I came to see how Denise’s artwork would be displayed.” He nodded, “Things are looking good.” He looked between us again, and Autumn went mute.

“Things are great, Marcus,” I spoke up. “Denise’s artwork appears several times throughout the building - positioned just right so no one misses a second of her artistry. You can thank my beautiful lady right here. She’s made this all possible.”

His brows stretched, and Autumn looked up at me while I kept my gaze on Marcus.

“Would you like me to show you around?”

He cleared his throat. “No. I think I can manage alone.”

I nodded. “Very well. If you need anything, let me know.”

She turned back to look at him.

“I never had a chance, did I?”

Her mouth parted. “Marcus, I told you my heart wasn’t available.”

He nodded. “You did.” He inhaled a breath. “Okay. I guess that’s it then.”

He scurried away quickly, and I turned and dropped a kiss on Autumn’s forehead. “You told him your heart wasn’t available?”

A smile ushered to her lips. “Yes.”

“When?”

“When I knew it would always be you.”

She grabbed my chin and pulled me to her lips, and I melted into her mouths’ caress.

We spentthe rest of the day finalizing details, stealing kisses between decisions, and touching whenever we could. Everything felt different yet exactly right—like the last piece of a puzzle clicking into place.

That night, as snow fell outside my windows and Christmas lights twinkled across the city, I watched Autumn sleep again. But this time, I didn’t have to pretend she wasn’t everything I wanted. This time, I could pull her closer, kiss her awake, and love her the way I’d always dreamed.

This time, I could keep her.

And in two weeks, at the gallery launch, I would show her exactly what that meant.

Chapter 14

Tyson

Christmas Eve

Ichecked my Rolex for the tenth time in as many minutes. In less than an hour, the Benefield Building would open its doors for the gallery launch. Every detail had been meticulously planned - from the strategic placement of Denise Jordan’s cornerstone pieces to the timing of the permanent collection reveal.

“Everything’s perfect,” Autumn said, appearing beside me. She wore a deep burgundy gown that hugged her curves, her hair swept up to expose her neck. My fingers itched to pull her close, but dozens of staff members bustled around us, making final adjustments to displays and lighting.

“Almost perfect.” She straightened my bow tie. “There’s still one more surprise.”

Her eyes narrowed. “What did you do?”

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