His words crash into me. This man could live anywhere, own anything, and be with anyone. He’s been chased and adored and torn apart by the media, and right now, he’s looking at me like I’m the only thing he’s ever needed.
Me.
Not the skyline.
Not the penthouse.
Me.
I swallow hard, not believing this is my life.
For so long, I wondered if I’d ever be enough for someone. Now he’s telling me I’m more than enough. I’mhome.
He sits next to me in the window seat, pulling me into his arms. I lean against his chest as he brushes his lips over my hair.
“Do you think this feeling will ever fade?” I ask.
“I’d bet it lasts a lifetime,” he whispers, his arms tightening around me.
The words squeeze around my heart.
For so long, I thought love meant compromise, sacrifice, and losing pieces of myself to make someone else happy. But with Nick, it doesn’t feel like losing anything, but finding everything.
I tip my chin, brushing my lips across his jaw. “Let’s not waste it. Not a single second.”
His chest rumbles against me with quiet laughter, but when he kisses my hair, it’s more of a vow. “Sweetheart, I don’t plan to.”
The city glimmers beyond the glass, but it’s nothing compared to the unshakable truth humming in my chest.
I stop wondering if forever is a possibility with us.
I already know it’s ours.
34
NICK
The elevator ride down from the VIP lounge is supposed to be forty seconds. We make it two before Julie is pressed against the mirrored wall, my mouth on hers, her hands fisting my tie. I stop the elevator from moving and capture her mouth. Her dress is silk, and her laugh is muffled against my lips when I drag her leg around my hip, grinding into her.
We don’t go all the way, not with a ballroom full of investors waiting, but I give her what she needs. When she’s breathless and satisfied, I press the button to restart the elevator. While she smooths her gown into place, I adjust my suit. Her cheeks are flushed, her red lips kiss-swollen.
The elevator slides open, and I’m utterly wrecked. We continue our way to the skywalk that connects to the convention center. Those pretty green eyes dare me to finish what I started, and I can’t wait until we’re alone again.
Thankfully, the walk to the ballroom is fast.
The expansive room is lit like the inside of a diamond. Crystal chandeliers glitter above hundreds of investors, partners, and executives in tuxedos and gowns. Voices hum, deals are whispered, and champagne glasses clink.
It’s the kind of room I’ve walked into a thousand times, but tonight, it feels different. I’m not just here as Nick Banks, the man who built this empire from the ground up with his sister. Tonight, I’m here with Julie. It’s the first time I’ve brought a woman with me to a business event.
Julie walks beside me, her hand threaded through mine, her red hair shining under the chandeliers. Diamonds hang around her throat. The navy silk gown fits her like a second skin. When the crowd parts to stare, she doesn’t even flinch. Her head turns toward me, and she grins.
“I could go for apumpkin spicelatte,” she says, brow lifting.
I squeeze her hand, giving her as much courage as I can.
But Julie is confident, glowing, and mine. I’ve never been prouder to have her by my side.
I lean down, whispering in her ear, “You’re beautiful. You might have half of New York’s elite trying to steal you from me.”
