Chapter 29
Twenty-Nine
Maeve
I ’ve done it. I started my own business with every last cent from my savings. It was a gamble, but I finally decided to put all my trust in myself. I trusted I could do it, and I did it. The risk was terrifying, but it’s been paying off. And tonight, I’ve successfully launched my first huge event. I can’t even begin to describe the pride and satisfaction swelling in my chest.
Tristan, Vincent, and Mark all three came with their wives to show support. Also, they want to personally thank Nick for dealing with Leo and Trina. Tristan is still extremely disappointed that I didn’t tell him about Leo. However, he’s fully team Nicholas Deschamps now. Leo and Trina have completely vanished, and my mind keeps replaying Tristan’s phone call whenever I think about it. I’m sure the two aren’t related. Denial. Denial. Denial.
Lani and Cleric are here as well. Lani and I have become close friends after our trip to Texas together. We message one another almost every day about new authors, books, and our unhinged love interests – on and off the page.
Speaking of mine, I haven’t had a chance to see Nick, yet. This is his grand opening, after all, so I know he’ll be here. I wore this red fitted dress for him. I keep scanning the room. I’m trembling with the anticipation. He’s usually early to everything. Maybe his flight got delayed.
It’s been excruciating being apart from him. However, I had to cut myself off from him. Nick is a force unlike anyone I’ve ever met. Which is saying something considering who my cousins are.
But Nick.
He terrifies me. Especially how much I love him. How excited he makes me. How addictive he is – I crave his touch and attention. The man consumes me. He devours me. And I love it. Every minute of it.
Which is why I needed space to clear my head. I also wanted to take this next step on my own. It was time I fought my own battles. I also needed to be sure about my feelings for Nicholas. He’s not the type of man you casually allow into your life.
I turn around just in time to see him enter the room. He’s dressed in a black suit, with a deep red button-up. My favorite combination on him. His beautiful eyes capture mine and hold me in a stare as he approaches me. With each step, his strong muscles ripple under the expensive material. The man is captivating. There isn’t another man alive as gorgeous as him. Sorry, Henry Cavill. I think Nicholas Deschamps has stolen the top spot as my ultimate fantasy. Only he isn’t, is he? He’s real. And he’s walking straight toward me.
I swallow the ball of nerves that’s lodged in my throat. I wait for him to speak first. His deep voice sends shivers down my spine. “Miss Goodman.”
“Mr. Deschamps. I hope you’re pleased with the grand opening.”
“I wouldn’t know anything about it since I haven’t take my eyes off you. I’m sure it’s wonderful. After all, I hired the best to organize it.”
My cheeks heat under his compliment and hungry stare. He steps closer, so close that our chests are touching. “I knew if I wanted to give you your space I had to arrive right at the last minute from Vegas. I’ve been trying. Now that I have you back in my arms, I’m going to apologize now because the rest of the night I’m not going to be able to take my hands off you.”
“I’m okay with that.”
“Good.” A slow, delicious smile spreads across his handsome face.
“Thank you for the rose.”
“I’m proud of you. And just so you know, I wasn’t stalking. It was public information that I came across. I hope you don’t mind I sent the rose. I wanted to congratulate you.”
I release a small squeak as his hand slides down my back and presses me closer against him. “I’ve missed you so fucking much.”
My lips quiver. “Same. I had some things I wanted to work out before fully giving myself to you.”
He flashes me a sexy crooked smile. “You’ve always been mine. Never stopped being mine, Little Bit. You’re mine, forever.”
“So fucking cocky.”
“Confident.” He quips. “But I’m glad you’re on board now. It’ll make everything much easier.”
“A willing participant does help in a relationship.”
I wrap my arms around him and hug him tightly. I inhale the familiar scent of him and relish the wonderful heat radiating from his strong body as I fit against him perfectly. “Everything is right again,” he says against the top of my head.
Nick takes me by the hand and begins to lead me away, but I stop him. “Wait. I need to tell you something.”
The love I feel for him is overwhelming and scary. But I know it’s real. It’s the type of love that’s worth taking the gamble of trusting another person. When I first open my mouth, no words come out. I try again. “I – I love you,” I choke out. Then more forcefully, I speak with determination. “I love you, Nick.”
His voice becomes husky and fierce. “I love you, Maeve.”
Nick leads me to where the party is happening. We walk past the slot machines and tables. People are everywhere. There’s a grand ballroom with one of the country’s leading DJs hyping the room. Nick sends a text and the music immediately changes from an upbeat melody to a slow romantic one. “Dance with me.”
I melt into his arms. The beginning of our relationship might’ve been strange, and we’re far from a typical relationship, but I’m certain this is where I’m meant to be. I look up at him and smile as we sway to the music. “You said you always win?”
“Yes?”
“I won.”
His smile is one of victory. He leans down and kisses me until I’m breathless. This relationship came about in the most bizarre way. It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions, full of twists and turns that’s included a diarrhea disaster, blackmail, fake relationship becoming real, murder, torture, threats, and somewhere along the way self-discovery. In the end, we both won the game.