“Nate, it wasn’t about the money…”

“I’m not finished, Julianne.”

Oh, that’s right, this is Nate.

“Alright.”

“Then I left his office and went to mine and starting making calls. At noon, I was asked to go to the conference room so Vincent could discuss some things with Luis and me about how we’ll handle the accounts with you gone.”

He looks me in the eye. “It was killing me. The thought of having to fire you, and planning how to divvy up your work was killing me.”

“You looked just fine in the meeting, Nate.”

“Yeah, well, looks are deceiving. When they pulled you in the room, I wanted to hold you and protect you. But I had a plan, and I couldn’t show you any emotion. I knew you’d be strong and that you would tell the truth, and you didn’t disappoint me, baby.”

“I didn’t have any reason to lie. I knew what I was doing when we started our relationship, Nate.”

“I know. We both did. But we don’t have to worry about it anymore.”

“No, we don’t.”

“I mean, there’s more.” He smiles at me, a wide, beautiful smile, like he has a gift for me. “After you left the building, I made a few more calls, and then ran after you. You know what happened then.”

“Yeah,” I whisper.

“Well, the following day, I handed in my resignation.” I gasp again and search his face. He looks happy. At peace.

“Nate, God, you didn’t have to…”

“Yeah, I did, Jules. But here’s the best part. You know I’ve done well in this business. I’ve been smart. I’m a very, very wealthy man, sweetheart.”

“Okay.” I narrow my eyes on his face, not sure where he’s going with this.

“Well, as of this morning, you’re looking at the CEO of McKenna Enterprises, LLC. We have clients on board, and Mrs. Glover is coming with us too.”

“Us?” I ask, in shock.

“Of course us. It’s going to be a busy year ahead, but I know you’re not afraid of a little hard work.”

Oh my God.

“Are you offering me a job?” I ask, still not entirely grasping what he’s asking.

“No, my love, I’m offering you a partnership. This is our company.”

“Holy shit.”

“Is that your way of accepting the position?” he asks with a grin.

“No fraternization policy?” I ask.

“I’m not fond of those,” he replies.

“You did this for me?” I whisper, in awe.

“I would do anything for you, baby. When are you going to figure that out?” His face is so serious, so sure.

“Oh, Nate.” I launch myself into his arms, and he pulls me close, buries his face in my neck and holds on tight.

“I love you so much, Julianne. Don’t leave me again. Please.”

I run my fingers through his hair and soak in his warmth. “I’m here.”

He pulls back and gazes down at me, brushes his knuckles down my cheek and kisses my forehead. “Your skin is so soft.”

“Natalie and I had my birthday spa treatments today.”

“You deserved them.” He murmurs.

“Nate?”

“Yes, baby.”

I pull my fingers down his face, so in love with this sweet man. “When can I move in?”

“I’ll make some calls in the morning.”

Epilogue

“Are the arrangements all made, Jenny?” I ask my assistant.

“Yes sir, everything is ready.” Jenny winks at me and I smile back. Bringing her with Julianne and me to the new company was one of the best moves I ever made.

“Thank you. You can go ahead and go home for the weekend.”

“Great, I’ll do that. Happy birthday, Mr. McKenna.”

“Thank you, Jenny.”

Jenny pulls her purse out of her desk just as Julianne comes out of her office, looking fucking amazing in her red dress and black heels, hair all loose around her gorgeous face.

God, I love her.

“Are you heading out, Jenny?” she asks in her soft, sweet voice.

“Yes, Miss Montgomery, unless you had anything else for me?”

“Oh, no, that’s fine. Have a good weekend.” She smiles at Jenny and then crosses to me, a happy smile on her lips. “I think I’m ready to call it a day as well, Mr. McKenna.”

“You read my mind, baby.” I take her in my arms and rest my lips on her soft forehead, breathing her in. She always smells like sunshine and vanilla. “I have a surprise for you.”

She looks up at me with wide eyes and then frowns. “But it’s your birthday. I have a surprise for you.”

“Will it travel?” I ask and rub my hands up and down her lean back.

She purses her lips and her eyes widen a bit in surprise and then she says, “Yeah, I guess so.”

“Good. Grab your things and let’s go.”

“Are we going home first?” she asks. I love it when she says home like that. It’s our home now, and has been for two months, but it still sounds new when it trips off her sweet tongue.

“No, we don’t have time.”

“But, I didn’t bring anything for a weekend trip.”

“It’s been taken care of, Julianne. Trust me.” She gathers her things and we lock up the office, then I hold my hand out for hers, lacing her fingers in mine, and we ride down the elevator to the parking garage.