Chapter 39 #2
While the ribs slow-cook, I sink into the couch with my laptop.
I open my manuscript and start editing. Time slips away as I work on the edits, until the oven timer dings, pulling me from my creative trance.
I check my watch—nearly three hours have passed.
I save my work and head to the kitchen, peeking at the ribs—they look perfect, juicy, and caramelized on the edges.
I pull them out and set them aside to rest, then check the mac and cheese.
The top is golden brown, bubbling at the edges. My stomach growls in response.
I should wake Minji, but part of me wants to let her sleep as long as she needs. I know how exhausted she’s been, fighting battles on all fronts. I glance at the clock and it’s almost 9 PM now.
I pad quietly to the bedroom door and ease it open. Minji is still asleep, but she’s shifted position, one arm flung across where I had been sitting. For a moment, I just stand there, taking her in. This is what I want every day, Minji in my bed, safe and at peace.
“Are you watching me sleep? That’s creepy,” she mumbles without opening her eyes.
I laugh softly. “Only a little creepy. Dinner’s ready.”
She stretches like a cat, eyes still closed. “Mmm, I can smell it from here.” When she finally opens her eyes, they’re clear and alert. The nap did her good. “How long was I out?”
“About three hours. Just remember you needed it.”
She sits up, my robe slipping open, and I see the swell of her breast. “Three hours? God, I never nap that long.”
“My bed has magical powers,” I say, leaning against the doorframe. “Or maybe you just felt safe enough to really rest.”
“Maybe,” she admits quietly.
“You can change into one of my shirts and sweatpants if you want. But you’re welcome to stay in the robe. It makes getting to my dessert quicker.” I wink.
She blushes, swings her legs over the edge of the bed. “I’m starving. Those ribs better be as good as advertised.”
“They’ll change your life,” I promise, offering my hand to help her up.
She takes it, and I pull her into my arms, pressing a kiss to her temple. “So you slept well, then?”
“Better than I have in weeks,” she admits against my chest. “No stress dreams about the law firm or losing cases.”
“What did you dream about?”
She pulls back, looking up at me with an expression I can’t quite read. “Us. College. That time we almost…” She trails off, shaking her head. “Never mind. Let’s eat.”
I need to know more about her dream, but I let it go. There will be time for that later. Instead, I lead her to the kitchen, where I’ve set the table with real plates and silverware, leaving behind my usual paper plates to make it special.
“Wow.” She takes in the spread. “You went all out.”
“Only the best for you, Honeybee.” I pull out her chair. “I figured if I’m going to make good on my promises, I might as well go all in.”
Minji settles in, eyeing the glossy ribs and golden mac and cheese with appreciative hunger. I serve her a generous portion, watching her face for that first reaction. She takes a bite, eyes fluttering shut, and lets out a soft, satisfied sound that sends a jolt of heat through me.
“Okay, you weren’t exaggerating,” she admits, reaching for another bite. “These are incredible.”
“Told you.” I can’t help the pride in my voice. Minji takes another bite and closes her eyes, savoring the flavor.
“I might have to keep you around just for your cooking skills,” she teases. “You and Demi’s cooking is top tier.”
As I watch her savor every bite, an idea sparks. “I think you should start your own firm,” I say.
Minji pauses mid-bite, her fork hovering in the air. “What?”
“Your own law firm,” I continue, leaning forward. “You’re brilliant, Minji. You have clients who adore you. Why keep fighting for a partnership when you could build something that’s entirely yours?”
She sets her fork down carefully. “Because starting a firm requires capital, connections, and a lot of risk. I’d need office space, staff, equipment—”
“I could back you.” I interrupt. “Financially, I mean. I could put up the money.”
Her eyes widen. “Aaron, that’s—”
“Before you say it’s crazy, hear me out.” I reach across the table for her hand. “My last two books did really well. Better than well, actually. I’ve been sitting on the money, not sure what to do with it. This would be an investment in you, in something I believe in.”
“You can’t just hand me hundreds of thousands of dollars,” she says, but I notice she hasn’t pulled her hand away.
“Why not? People invest in businesses they believe in every day. And I believe in you, Minji. More than anything.” I squeeze her fingers gently. “Think about it, your name on the door. Your rules. No more assholes stealing your clients or someone dangling partnerships like carrots.”
She’s quiet for a long moment, and I can practically see the calculations running behind her eyes. “It would be a massive undertaking.”
“Yes.”
“I’d need to poach some of my team from Parras.”
“Probably.”
“I’d be competing directly against my former bosses.”
“Sounds like fun to me.”
A smile begins to tug at the corner of her mouth. “It would serve them right, wouldn’t it? Losing me and then watching me succeed without them?”
“Poetic justice at its finest,” I agree, feeling a flutter of hope. She’s actually considering it.
“But using your money…” She hesitates. “That’s a lot to accept from anyone, even you.”
“Consider it a business loan if that makes you more comfortable. With interest, proper paperwork, the whole nine yards.” I lean closer. “Or think of it as me investing in our future together.”
Her eyes snap to mine. “Our future?”
“I’m not going anywhere. I told you that. I love you, Honeybee. I got a second chance with you, and I’ll be damned if you think I’m going to let you get away from me again.” I watch her face carefully, trying to read the complex emotions flitting across her features.
“You really mean that, don’t you?” she says softly.
“Every word.” I lean forward, my food forgotten. “Minji, I’ve spent twelve years wondering what might have happened if I’d fought harder for us back then. If I just went looking for you around campus. I’m not making that mistake again.”
She looks down at our joined hands, her thumb tracing circles on my palm. “I’ll think about it. I’m still not sure if I’m going to quit. So enough about work.” Her eyes darken as she sets her fork down, licking a trace of barbecue sauce from her bottom lip. “Eat up so you can eat dessert.”
“Yes, ma’am.”