“Well,” he whispers with a laugh. “We have to get back to work.”

A few short hours pass after our stolen moment, and the site hums with activity as everyone works busily to move the necessary equipment onto the bare plot of land in Chicago. I’m still buzzing from the thrill of being close to Brody, but now I’m focused on my new role, eager to prove myself.

Suddenly, the door swings open, and in walks Gemma, Josh’s wife. She has this infectious energy about her, and when she spots me, her bright topaz-blue eyes light up. She strides over, her raven hair bouncing as she approaches with a big smile.

“Tasha! It’s so good to see you!” she exclaims, pulling me into a quick hug. “I’ve been hearing all about you from Josh. We’re so happy to have you here!”

She turns her attention to Brody. “Look who finally showed up to work!” Gemma teases, hands on her hips. “What are you doing, Brody? Did you forget your schedule again?” I can’t help but chuckle at the familiar dynamic between them.

He rolls his eyes, a smirk playing on his lips. “Scheduled for weeks, huh? I thought you meant weeks in a ‘when I feel like it’ kind of way,” he replies with mocking tone, but a sly smile stretches across his lips.

The lips that had just been pressed to my pussy a few hours ago.

“Maybe Tasha can help manage you,” Gemma shoots back, her laughter filling the air. “She’s your new assistant, after all.”

Brody chuckles, shaking his head. “I doubt Tasha wants to take on the job of babysitting me.”

Gemma teases, nudging him playfully. “Oh, come on! You know you’d love it if someone kept you in line.”

I smile at their banter, feeling like I’m witnessing a friendly sibling rivalry.

When the laughter settles, Gemma turns her attention back to me. “So, Tasha, I hear you want to start college?”

“Yes, I do,” I reply, my excitement bubbling to the surface. “I’ve always wanted to go, but it just never felt possible until now.”

Gemma’s beautiful grin widens, and I see genuine enthusiasm in her eyes. “That’s amazing! You know, I manage the college aspect of the business to help out our employees. We have programs set up to support education, and I can get you all set up with everything you need.”

“Really? That would be incredible! I didn’t know that was an option.”

“Absolutely!” Gemma says, her energy infectious. “I’ll make sure you have everything you need to get started. You deserve this, Tasha.”

“Thank you! Seriously, I really appreciate it,” I say, feeling a rush of gratitude. As she shares more about the programs, I can’t help but feel hopeful about the future, especially now that I have the chance to make something of myself.

Gemma’s office back at the corporate building is warm and inviting, decorated with colorful art and motivational quotes that feel like they’re encouraging me to chase my dreams. I sink into a plush chair opposite her desk, excitement bubbling in my chest.

“I totally get it,” Gemma says, leaning back in her chair, her bright blue eyes sparkling with understanding. “When I was your age, I wanted to break the cycle, too. I grew up in a small town where everyone knew each other’s business. It was suffocating.”

Her words resonate with me deeply. I’ve always felt trapped by my upbringing, my parents’ struggles hanging over me like a dark cloud. “You really did it, though,” I reply, a smile creeping across my face. “You left, and now you’re here.”

Gemma nods, her dark hair catching the light. “It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. You have to believe that you can do the same. You have a chance to create a future that’s all yours.”

I feel hope settling over me like a warm blanket. For the first time, I can see a path forward, a path filled with possibilities. College, a career, a life that doesn’t feel like running in place. I’m ready to take that leap.

My phone buzzes on the table, breaking the moment.

I glance at the screen, my stomach dropping when I see Jasmine’s name. I swipe to answer, my heart racing.

“Tasha! You need to come home now!” Jasmine’s voice is frantic with a mix of urgency and excitement. “I’m packing up my stuff. I’m leaving for Vegas early! You have to help me.”

“Wait, what?” My mind races. “Why are you leaving so suddenly? Can’t you wait?”

“No! I got a call back about a position and they want me to start ASAP, and I can’t even take all my stuff with me. Just get here, okay? Please!”

I look at Gemma, who raises an eyebrow in concern. “Everything okay?”

I nod, but it feels like I’m lying. “Jasmine, my best friend I’ve been crashing with is moving to Vegas. She wants me to help her pack. She offered to have me come with her but…”

Gemma’s expression changes. “Tasha, you have to think about what this means. You’ve got to decide which path you want. Do you want to build roots here, or are you ready to run off to a new city?”