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“Things are pretty serious then.”

“They are,” I said. I took a sip of coffee and then looked up at Beth. “You seemed to like her a lot.”

“I did,” Beth said. “I thought she was wonderful. I think the two of you look good together.”

“But?”

Her expression softened, a hint of worry. “You’re moving fast.”

“I know.”

“And you’re so young,” she sighed.

“I know what I’m doing, though,” I said. “And I know the way I feel about her is different than anything I’ve felt before.”

“I can see it,” she said. “Nancy and I both can. I’m still worried about what might happen if it doesn’t work out.”

My throat burned. I looked down at the collar and took another sip of coffee. “I don’t think that will happen. It’s different this time.”

Beth nodded. “I believe you. And as always, your craftsmanship is beautiful. I think she’ll love it.”

“Thank you,” I said.

“I’m headed back to the house to make some breakfast, but afterward I’ll be out to finish sanding down the new spanking bench. Come in if you want something to eat.”

“I’ll emerge in a bit,” I said. “I’m going to focus on this.”

“Okay. Just make sure you take care of yourself, Simon.”

I wasn’t sure if her warning in regards to breakfast, or to Pepper.

FORTY

PEPPER

The awards showwas the exact kind of place that always made me feel less than.

Of course, I didn’t show it. To the entire industry, I was perfect. I was the CEO of Rosethorn, and many of our artists were snatching up awards left and right. I was proud of them and the work we’d done, and excited for what was to come.

The only thorn in my side was Jeff.

I’d managed to avoid him completely until tonight. Throughout the week, his texts had grown more erratic, and I was hoping that by ignoring him, they’d slowly fizzle out.

I checked my phone and smiled at Salt’s message.

Have fun tonight, baby. You deserve everything good in the world.

A deep breath in, another out. I smoothed my hands down the emerald velvet suit he’d helped me pick and turned, studying myself in the bathroom mirror. I needed to get back out there and keep socializing. The table I’d be seated at would be with Jeff and other music industry big names I’d know.

Fingers crossed they were people I liked, so I could keep ignoring Jeff.

“Everything will be fine,” I whispered to myself.

As silly as it may have been, I was already missing Salt. I wished I was at home in his arms, being deliciously tortured instead of being here.

Never in my life had I been so certain of something, aside from when I’d left the cult. There’d been a deep knowing that had driven me to make that decision, and that choice had changed my life for the better.

The knowing I felt with Salt… it was like that.

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