Chapter 23
PAIGE
"No, no, no! That's not how you...ugh, just give me the controller."
I snatch the Xbox controller out of Alex's hands, my brow furrowed in concentration as I navigate Lara Croft through the treacherous jungle terrain.
"Hey!" Alex protests, trying to grab the controller back. "I was doing just fine, thank you very much."
I snort, my eyes never leaving the screen. "Please. You were about to get her killed. Again."
Alex huffs, crossing his arms over his chest. "It's not my fault the controls are so sensitive. And maybe if someone hadn't hogged the controller for the past hour..."
I roll my eyes, pausing the game to look at him. "Oh, I'm sorry. Did you want a turn to lead our beloved heroine to her untimely demise?"
He pouts, his lower lip jutting out. "I wouldn't have gotten her killed. I have excellent hand-eye coordination."
I raise an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at my lips. "Is that so? Care to prove it?"
His eyes darken, his gaze dropping to my mouth. "Gladly."
And then he's leaning in, his lips capturing mine in a kiss that sends heat rushing through my veins. I moan into his mouth, the controller falling forgotten to the couch as I wind my arms around his neck.
We've been holed up in this rented vacation home for the past three days, ostensibly to work on CupidCode together away from the distractions of the office. But if I'm being honest, it's been more pleasure than business.
Not that I'm complaining. After everything we've been through, all the misunderstandings and hurt feelings and near-misses, it's been heaven to just be with Alex. To talk and laugh and yes, fool around, without the weight of the world on our shoulders.
But as much as I'm enjoying our little love nest, I have to admit...I'm starting to go a little stir crazy.
I pull back from the kiss, resting my forehead against Alex's. "Hey. As much as I'm enjoying kicking your ass at Tomb Raider...what do you say we get out of here for a bit? See some actual sunlight?"
Alex grins, his hands sliding down to my hips. "What, are you getting tired of me already?"
I laugh, poking him in the chest. "Hardly. But I'm pretty sure my eyeballs are starting to bleed from staring at screens all day. And I don't know about you, but I could use some fresh air."
Alex nods, his expression softening. "You're right. We have been kind of cooped up in here. What did you have in mind?"
I shrug, a mischievous smile tugging at my lips. "I don't know, maybe a hike? There's supposed to be some gorgeous trails around here."
Alex raises an eyebrow, looking skeptical. "A hike? Really? I thought you were allergic to physical activity that didn't involve a keyboard."
I swat at his shoulder, laughing. "Hey, I'll have you know I'm in excellent shape. I do yoga sometimes."
"Uh huh. And when was the last time you actually went to a yoga class?"
I screw up my face, thinking. "Um...does watching YouTube videos count?"
Alex snorts, shaking his head. "That's what I thought. But okay, if you want to go for a hike, let's go for a hike. Just don't come crying to me when your legs turn to jelly halfway up the mountain."
I grin, pecking him on the lips before standing up and stretching. "Oh, ye of little faith. Just you wait, Spencer. I'm going to hike circles around you."
---
"I hate hiking. Hiking is the worst. Why did I suggest this again?"
I'm panting, my legs burning and my lungs screaming for air as we make our way up yet another steep incline. Alex, damn him, barely seems to be breaking a sweat, his long legs eating up the trail like it's nothing.
He glances back at me, a smug grin on his face. "What was that you were saying about hiking circles around me, Reynolds?"
I glare at him, wiping sweat from my brow. "Shut up. I'm just...pacing myself."
He laughs, slowing down to walk beside me. "Uh huh. Sure you are."
I'm about to retort when my foot catches on a root, sending me stumbling forward with a yelp. But before I can faceplant into the dirt, Alex's arm shoots out, catching me around the waist and hauling me against his chest.
"Whoa there, easy," he murmurs, his breath hot against my ear. "I've got you."
I cling to him, my heart pounding from more than just the near-fall. He's so solid, so strong, his body radiating heat even through his thin t-shirt.
"My hero," I mumble, only half-joking.
He chuckles, his hand smoothing up and down my back. "Anytime, babe. Can't have that brilliant mind of yours getting scrambled by a rogue tree root."
I tilt my head back to look up at him, my breath catching at the tender look in his eyes. "I love you, you know that? Even if you are annoyingly good at everything."
His smile softens, his hand coming up to cup my cheek. "I love you too, Paige. More than I ever thought possible."
We stand there for a long moment, just staring into each other's eyes like a couple of sappy romance novel characters. But I can't bring myself to care about the cliche. Not when my heart feels so full, so ready to burst with everything I feel for this man.
"We should probably keep going," Alex says softly, his thumb stroking over my cheekbone. "We're almost to the top, and I hear the view is incredible."
I nod, reluctantly stepping out of his embrace. "Lead the way, mountain man."
He grins, taking my hand and lacing our fingers together as we continue up the trail.
And he's right, damn him. The view from the top is breathtaking, the rolling hills and lush valleys stretching out before us like something out of a postcard.
But as beautiful as the scenery is, I can't seem to take my eyes off Alex. The way the sun glints off his hair, the way his smile lights up his whole face as he takes in the view.
The way he looks at me, like I'm the most precious thing in the world.
"Penny for your thoughts?" he asks, catching me staring.
I shake my head, a soft smile tugging at my lips. "Just thinking about how lucky I am. To be here, with you."
His expression melts, his eyes going soft and warm. "I'm the lucky one, Paige. You've given me so much, shown me what it means to really love someone. I don't know what I did to deserve you."
I step closer, winding my arms around his waist. "You deserve everything, Alex. You're kind and smart and funny and so, so good. I'm just glad I finally pulled my head out of my ass long enough to see it."
He laughs, his arms coming up to wrap around me. "Well, I'm glad too. And for the record...I kind of like your ass. Head firmly in place and all."
I grin, leaning up to brush my lips against his. "Mmm. Flattery will get you everywhere, Spencer."
He hums into the kiss, his hands sliding down to cup said ass. "Is that so? In that case...have I mentioned how much I admire your brilliant mind? Or your sharp wit? Or the way you look in those tiny shorts?"
I laugh against his mouth, my hands fisting in his shirt. "Keep talking like that and we might not make it back down this mountain."
He pulls back, his eyes dark and heated. "Is that a promise?"
I shiver, arousal zipping through me like an electrical current. "More like a guarantee."
He grins, wolfishly, before swooping down to claim my mouth in a kiss that leaves me weak in the knees. We make out like teenagers at the top of the mountain, all wandering hands and nipping teeth, until we're both panting and flushed.
"We should...we should head back," I manage to gasp out, my head spinning.
Alex nods, his chest heaving. "Yeah. Yeah, we should. Before I throw you down and have my way with you right here."
I grin, stepping back and taking his hand. "Tempting. But I think I'd prefer a bed. And maybe some room service."
He laughs, letting me tug him back towards the trail. "You had me at room service."
We make our way back down the mountain, stealing kisses and laughing at inside jokes. And as we walk, hand in hand, I can't help but marvel at how far we've come.
From enemies to lovers, from coworkers to partners in every sense of the word. It hasn't been easy, and I know we still have a lot to figure out. But I also know that there's no one else I'd rather do it with.
No one else I'd rather build a life with, byte by byte.
---
"I still can't believe you got Hollis to agree to those terms."
I'm lounging on the bed in our suite, my head in Alex's lap as he runs his fingers through my hair. We're both pleasantly exhausted from our hike (and the rather athletic sex that followed), basking in the afterglow and talking shop.
Alex shrugs, a satisfied smile tugging at his lips. "What can I say? I can be very persuasive when I want to be."
I snort, poking him in the stomach. "More like stubborn. I thought his head was going to explode when you told him we weren't budging on the intellectual property rights."
He grins, unrepentant. "Hey, you're the one who said no outside investors. I was just backing your play."
I soften, my heart swelling in my chest. "I know. And I appreciate it, Alex. Really. I know it wasn't easy for you to stand up to Hollis like that."
He sobers, his hand stilling in my hair. "I would do anything for you, Paige. I hope you know that by now."
I swallow hard around the lump in my throat, my eyes stinging. "I do. And I would do the same for you. Always."
His smile is soft, tender, his fingers resuming their gentle stroking. "I know, baby. I know."
We lapse into silence, both of us lost in our thoughts. It's still a little surreal, sometimes, to think about how much has changed in such a short time.
A few months ago, I was convinced that Alex was my worst enemy, that he was out to destroy everything I'd worked so hard for. And now...now he's my partner, in business and in life.
My lover, my best friend, my other half.
"Whatcha thinking about, Reynolds?” he asks, breaking into my musings.
I smile up at him, my heart so full it feels like it might burst. "You. Me. This. All of it."
He cocks his head, his expression curious. "Oh yeah? Care to share with the class?"