Chapter 48
A s the SUV glides along the highway on its way to O’Hare Airport, I find myself with a very loud coworker. Adam’s been on call after call all morning and is still talking away an hour into the ride from the cottage to the airport.
I’m working too. Using my phone as a hotspot for my laptop, I’m emailing with clients and writing and tweaking a press release.
This scene of Adam on the phone and me on my laptop is a little glimpse into what our post-summer life could look like. I like it—this power couple vibe.
I’m not as concentrated as I’d like to be, curious about Adam’s conversations. The calls are all about politics and policy. He’s saying phrases like unrealized capital gains, financial disclosures, and government reporting on each call.
“Politics?” I ask after he ends a call.
“It’s a pet project I’m working on.”
“We have to talk about Summit at some point.”
“We’ll have four hours on the plane to do that with Declan. I need to knock out other things right now.” I’m not used to this professional voice and tone from him.
“Whatever you say, boss ,” I say, flirting with him.
He laughs. “I’m not the one that’s paying you.”
Adam’s phone starts buzzing, and he smiles at me before answering it. I half listen, taking in how commanding, demanding, and inquisitive he is. Adam’s so smart. I smile, watching him. Then, he loudly sighs as he hangs up.
“Stop working so hard,” I tease.
“You’ve been working the whole car ride too.” He grabs my knee, and I love how it makes me feel. Adam’s touch is everything. It’s comforting, loving, caring, and definitely sexy. “You’re not too busy, are you?” he asks, almost concerned.
“No.” I laugh. “I’m getting ahead of things since I won’t be as plugged in at the conference.”
“Wise move.”
“I hope you know how grateful I am for everything you’ve been doing for me.
” I lean into his side, and he puts his arm around my shoulder and pulls me in closer.
“The money from this project and the other clients you’ve introduced me to is helping me so much.
I’m close to having enough to move back to Chicago. ”
He leans back to look me in the eye. “Why do you need money?” he asks before pointing at himself. I laugh, rolling my eyes.
“I thought you were moving in with me?” he tests.
“Adam,” I scold.
“I know. I know. We’ll talk about it in August.” He raises an eyebrow. “That’s in a couple of weeks, you know.”
Moving in with him would be the easy button, but it doesn’t feel right. Our relationship is still so new, and on the heels of our first fight, I don’t like the idea of living with him so soon. We’re still in the discovery phase of our relationship and definitely not ready for that step.
The SUV pulls into departures, and Adam leads us through bag check and security. Allison waves at us as we approach the gate, and I’m excited to get to know her a little more.
“Nice to meet you.” She shakes my hand. I get the spidey sense that she has already online stalked me. There’s no surprise by my age or appearance. She’s probably a few years older, is classically pretty, and dressed more professionally than Adam and me.
Nikola handled my wardrobe; two fully packed suitcases arrived at the cottage the other day. Adam isn’t lying about how convenient his life can be, and I hope I’m not underdressed for the event.
“How was your mom’s birthday?” I ask, remembering that’s why I didn’t meet her at the office.
“We went to tea time at the Langham Hotel. It was amazing.”
“I’ve always wanted to do that!” I smile, and Adam gives me a little surprised look before interlacing his hand with mine.
Boarding the plane, we find our seats in first class, and Allison leaves us for economy.
“We couldn’t have flown private?” I tease Adam.
“Not to this one. They have some climate pledge bullshit,” he says, clearly annoyed.
Could my life with Adam include flying private? Right now, I’m more than excited about the first-class seat. I’ve only been on a plane a couple of times and never in anything but the cheapest seat.
“Summit can be intense about a few things.” Adam squeezes my hand. “If you’re caught flying private, you’re banned from the conference—for life.” He rolls his eyes.
“For life! How can they make you fly with the common folk?” I joke.
“Keeps me grounded.” He kisses me, and our kiss lingers, making me feel a little uncomfortable in this public setting.
It’s not long before Declan joins us, his presence adding a new dynamic to our team. He sits across the aisle, his eyes meeting mine briefly before turning to Adam. He’s wearing one of Shirts button downs. It makes my heart race. Why is he wearing it? Why is he fucking with me like this?
“So, what’s the plan for the keynote?” Declan asks, breaking the silence.
“I think we should focus on innovation and security.” Adam takes the lead, sharing his vision for the discussion. He explains, “We have to emphasize the community aspect of the platform too.”
I chime in, “Your marketing team already provided me with some real user stories we could highlight. I think the once-in-a-generation wealth opportunity will resonate with the audience—especially as you face headwinds.”
Declan nods, clearly impressed. “That’s a solid approach. What about the Q&A session? Any thoughts on how we’ll handle tough questions?”
“We should brainstorm some trigger words,” I say, looking between the two of them. These two fucking hot men, staring at me, listening intently to me … so intently. Focus on the work, I remind myself.
The conversation flows naturally, with each of us contributing our thoughts and insights. The dynamic is professional yet friendly, and I can feel a sense of camaraderie building between the three of us.