Page 59 of Big Boss
“Well, technically I stacked the deck in your favor, Bossy.” She leans over and kisses me gently on the cheek then on the lips. “There’s nothing I wouldn’t do to make your dreams come true. Every single one of them.”
I’m stunned, shaken at a fundamental level by the ferocity of the woman I’ve managed to snare. I’m not used to having someone protect me, but here we are. While I moped and felt sorry for myself, she was out there bossing it up and scheming for my success.
“Okay, Erica. Let’s get dressed up and go out tonight. I feel like putting in a public appearance to cement this moment of triumph.”
She smiles at me. “Bella LeGrande is at that Cuban restaurant that you didn’t take me to yet. So, let’s go there and make sure we have a better time than she does.”
I put some clothes on in record time and sure enough, Bella is at the restaurant. I put myself between Erica and her, but Erica ducks around me and heads over to Bella like they’re old friends reuniting.
Wait. Am I getting tricked again?
Bella offers up a small wave. “I have the press locked and loaded for tomorrow morning. Don’t worry about a thing, Tate. Your assistant is a force to be reckoned with.”
“You can say that again,” I manage.
“Erica is an absolute force to be reckoned with.”
“Tell me about it,” says Erica, and I feel the exact moment that last piece of my heart falls at her feet with a thump. She had to have learned about the joke from Jackson.
She won over my best friend the same way she won me over. She’s unapologetically herself, and there’s nothing better than Erica Ridley living her best life.
“Hey.” I lean over and kiss her on the shell of her ear. “I love you.”
She turns to me and plants a massive kiss on my mouth. “That’s the most ridiculous thing you’ve ever said to me. But okay. Thanks.”
My mouth drops open. Thanks? I profess my undying love to this woman and I get thanks? Bella coughs and then makes a shooing motion with her hand. “Why don’t you two get a room? A lonely little single girl like me can only take so much.”
I gesture to the counter staff, an older gentleman named Jorge who goes by George until you’re one of his regulars. “Can we get those to go?”
He winks at me and hands me a package. “I could tell you wouldn’t be staying. Have a good night, Mister Donovan.”
And curled up later, the big spoon to Erica’s little spoon, I finally relax. Somehow, Erica knew exactly what I needed and took care of all it for me. I’ve never had someone really take care of me, not since I lost my mom.
But Erica managed everything so efficiently. And I know how much she dislikes talking to strangers or handling crowds, but she faced all of those challenges down without even blinking.
She burrows against me, and then blinks at me. “Aren’t you going to sleep? You okay?”
I drop a tiny kiss at the crown of her hair. “I’m better than okay. I can’t remember a time where I’ve been this happy.”
She sighs. “Well, I’ll break up with you next week so you can finish that album, okay? But for tonight, just go ahead and enjoy your success.”
I squish her until she makes a little squeaking noise. “No breakup talk in bed. That’s the rule.”
“Oh? Are there other rules I should be aware of, Mister Bossy?”
I pull away from her long enough to drink in the mischievous look on her face. “We absolutely have to live happily ever after.”
She nods. “Done. No takebacks.”
Could it really be this easy? Could we simply decide to live our best, happiest lives together and have it come true?
I guess we’re about to find out.
21
Epilogue - Erica
One yearlater
