As I pushed the door shut behind us, I heard Rebecca’s gasp of outrage, then Director Johnson’s murmured, “Rebecca, please accompany me to my office. You are entitled to a support person for this meeting.”
Then the door clicked closed, and it was just us, surrounded by hundreds of declarations of love.
“You’re back,” I whispered, my voice thick with emotion.
“I’m back,” he confirmed, his eyes never leaving mine.
“And you did all this.” I gestured at the Post-it covered room, unable to stop the tears that spilled down my cheeks.
“I did.”
“In the middle of the office. Where everyone can see.”
Jack’s smile deepened, a softness in his eyes I’d never seen before. “Seemed appropriate, considering where it all started.” He reached out, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear, his touch sending shivers across my skin. “Besides, I’m tired of hiding howI feel about you. I’ve spent my whole life hiding parts of myself, Mia. Not anymore. Not with you.”
I threw my arms around his neck, pressing my body against his. “I love you too, Jack. So much. I’ve loved you for so long, and I was so scared you wouldn’t come back.”
His arms wrapped around my waist, lifting me slightly off the ground as he held me tight against him. His voice was rough with emotion when he spoke. “I’ll always come back to you, Mia. You’re my home now.”
He held me for a long, luxurious moment, my body melting into his as if we’d been designed as two pieces of the same puzzle. The warmth of his body against mine felt like coming home after years of wandering.
Finally, Jack leaned back, his eyes roving hungrily over my face.
His hands slid to my waist, anchoring me to him as he dipped his head down. His lips brushed against mine, soft at first, then with growing intensity that made my toes curl inside my sensible work pumps.
This kiss was different. No hesitation, no holding back, nothing left unsaid between us. It tasted like love and promises and forever. Like finally being seen, completely and fully, and loved not despite my flaws but because of the whole, messy package that was me.
When we parted, both slightly breathless, Jack rested his forehead against mine. His fingers traced lazy patterns on my hips through my dress.
“Ask me where I’ve been,” he murmured, his voice a low rumble that I could feel vibrating through my entire body.
I pulled back just enough to see his face properly, curiosity blooming alongside the happiness bubbling in my chest. My fingers played with the short hairs at the nape of his neck.
“Where have you been?” I whispered, suddenly desperate to know everything I’d missed while he was away.
“A few places, but Colorado, mostly.”
“Colorado?” My heart skipped a beat as worry instantly flooded my system. “Is Nan okay? Did something happen?”
Jack’s eyes widened, and he quickly shook his head, his hands squeezing my waist reassuringly. “No, no, Nan’s fine. She’s more than fine, actually. She’s very pleased with the recent investment we’ve made into Catalyst Digital.”
My eyes widened. “You bought a stake in the company?”
“I did. Ask me why.”
“Why?”
“Because I know you, Mia. If you did want a future with me, you would have felt you needed to quit your job. This job means everything to you, so I wasn’t prepared to let that happen. I don’t want you to sacrifice any part of yourself for me.”
“So you bought the company?”
“Not the whole company, just a controlling interest. But it’s enough that I can overturn existing policies at my own discretion. And I also have a say in personnel. Which is why Rebecca is currently signing her termination paperwork.”
I laughed through my tears, shaking my head in wonder. “You’re something else, Jack Sullivan.”
His expression grew serious as he gestured toward my computer. “Did you see the blue Post-it?”
“I did,” I whispered, my heart hammering so hard I was sure he could hear it.
