Page 137 of City of Sin (Men of Manhattan 1)

"You landed our first account."

"Our first account?" I looked back down at the card.

"For the record, we have seven other accounts that I landed with my own ideas. That was the only one I stole, I swear. We can probably get a few more with some of your other ideas, though."

"You really want me to do this with you?"

"I wouldn't want to do it with anyone else. You have what it takes, Bee. And I always want you by my side."

It was like every dream I had rolled into one. "This is a very elaborate Valentine's Day gift, Mason." I couldn't seem stop looking at the business card. I had never even had my name on a business card before. And now I was the co-founder of a huge company?

"Hmm." He put his index finger under my chin and titled my gaze back to his. "I hate to break it to you, but this isn't your Valentine's Day gift."

"It's not?"

"How about you go back to Kendra's and get changed? I'll pick you up in an hour."

"I came back to New York with the idea that I had to win you back. Not the other way around." I ran my fingers down his silky tie. "I had completely forgotten that it was Valentine's Day. You don't have to do anything else. I don't even know if I can accept this. I didn't get you anything, Mason."

"You came back. That's all I wanted." He leaned down and placed a soft kiss against my lips. "Now go get ready before I throw you on top of this desk and the receptionist gets the wrong idea about my hiring process."

I laughed. "Mason, I was always going to come back. You're home to me." It was the highest compliment I could give someone. Even more than saying I loved him. He was it for me.

"I like the sound of that. Now, go get ready." His hand slipped down my back and he squeezed my ass.

I laughed again and wrapped my arms around him. "I'm so happy."

Chapter 66

Mason

I looked down at the ring on my desk. After talking to Kendra last week I had run to the nearest jewelry store and bought the most expensive ring in the case. Rash and poorly thought out. I was upset and drunk and I was feeling desperate. I just wanted Bee back. It would look perfect on her finger. And when she ran her thumb along the spot, she'd be thinking about me, not him.

I didn't want her to come back to me just because I offered her a ring, though. I wanted her to want me. Really want me, the same way I wanted her. No, needed her. When she had left it felt like I was suffocating. It was all consuming and terrifying.

I opened up my new desk drawer, put the ring inside, and closed the drawer again. One day I would propose to her. When the thought didn't make my pulse race. I knew I wanted forever with her. But it was too much too soon. I wanted to take my time with Bee. I wanted to enjoy each and every second of every day.

Which was why naming the company after her and asking her to be my partner was a big step in itself. And that felt right. The timing fit for that. And just seeing her face light up made me smile. She deserved half too. It was her idea that had kick started everything. My goal ever since I graduated from college was to start my own agency. Who knew I just needed to fall in love in order to finally get my priorities straight?

I looked around the large office. I was excited to get another desk in here and to share this office with Bee. Most couples probably felt anxious about being with their significant other every second of every day. But it's all I wanted. Being able to close the blinds and have her whenever I wanted wouldn't be so bad either.

I tightened my tie and stood up, pulling on my suit jacket. Not more lies or games or any of that. From now on, I was going to tell Bee the truth. It wasn't something I was used to doing. But I wasn't going to risk losing her again. I had full confidence that we could grow this business together. I had full confidence that she was my future. But before I could jump in, I needed to hear her say it too. I wasn't going to break her heart. I was terrified that she was going to break mine, though.

***

I knocked on the door and Kendra opened it.

She had a huge smile on her face. "You won her back, huh?"

"It was probably all the flowers."

"Probably."

"Are you having fun preparing for your interview tomorrow?" I asked.

"Psh. I'm pretty sure my best friend is going to hire me. She likes working with me too."

"Thanks for helping me out."

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