Page 39 of Hot Summer Nights

“I’ll close the business.”

“What?” she asks, spinning around and I can see that I have everyone’s attention with that.

“I love you, Chloe. I want to marry you. I want a life with you. If I have to close up shop to have you, then I will gladly do it.”

People start to shoot panicked looks around the office behind her, but Chloe just stares at me.

“I’ll lay everyone off. We can go back to Bora Bora or wherever you want to live. We’ll be happy.”

“No,” she says, her eyes still wide, and I wonder which part she is saying no to. “You can’t lay everyone off.”

“You are all that I need, beautiful. I just need you to be happy, so yes, I can. I’ll make sure that they get interviews elsewhere and I’ll give them all good reviews.”

Her eyes well with a new wave of tears and I take a step closer to her.

“I love you too, but I can’t let you fire all of these people. I can find a new job.”

“No, I need to be close to you.”

“I’ll get over the looks and whispers then. You can’t fire everyone.”

The relief from outside the door is palpable and I pull Chloe against me.

“Say that you love me again,” I whisper against her lips and she smiles.

“I love you, Knox. So much. I’m sorry that I got scared.”

“It’s okay. I’ll be there every time you get worried in the future.”

She nods, happy tears spilling from her eyes, and I kiss her.

“Love you, Chloe.”

A few cheers break out behind us, and I roll my eyes. I kick the door closed, my mouth sealing over hers once again.

EIGHT

Chloe

I don’t knowwhat I expected Knox’s house to be, but this wasn’t it. It’s almost… homey. Maybe I shouldn’t be so shocked though because Knox has always seemed down to earth and humble. He’s made me feel at ease from the very first moment so why shouldn’t his home reflect that.

Knox lives in a penthouse in downtown Los Angeles that I’m sure cost him millions but it was worth every penny. The view of the ocean stretches just outside of each of the floor to ceiling windows on the first floor.

“Wow,” I whisper and he grins.

“Do you like it?”

“I love it,” I admit. “This view is incredible.”

“I’ve seen better,” he says and I roll my eyes when I realize that he’s talking about me.

“Charmer,” I murmur and he laughs.

“I try to be.”

He’s succeeding.

“Do you want something to drink?” He asks as he heads into the kitchen.

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