Chapter 38
DESMOND
“Goodbye. And drive safe,” I said as we stood on the curb outside my apartment building and waved to Brody before he drove away.
It was almost nine at night, and we’d had a fantastic dinner. Now, as I walked back into the building and into the elevator, I turned to Ava.
“Every time I meet Brody, I start thinking about the people who make the products that help him. His medical alert bracelet, for example. I’ve always wanted to move to health care, but I kept telling myself that it was never a good time.”
She nodded as we got into my apartment and shut the door.
We made for the balcony, setting our phones on the round table, and Ava poured us each a glass of red merlot.
I took a sip. It was earthy and smooth, and I leaned against the glass railing, looking out at the bright night skyline, feeling more relaxed than I’d been in a long time.
Everything about this night had been wonderful, just like the woman next to me.
“It sounds right up your alley, darling. I could totally see you doing it.”
I ran my thumb over the palm of her free hand, thoughtful. “It would mean that I could step down from Luxe Hotels and run a different business. One where you aren’t an employee, tied down by rules.”
I saw it in her—a brief widening of eyes before a smile took over.
“So, Desmond McKinley has been worrying about the future after all,” she said, setting her glass aside before turning around and placing both her hands around my waist.
“We could go out in public all the time. I would not be bound to a company policy that prevented us from seeing each other.”
“Owning a different business would take a long time, wouldn’t it?” she asked, reaching out to cup my cheek with the palm of her hand.
It was dark out, the stars twinkling in the hazy New York sky, and we were contemplating a more solid future together.
I nodded, putting my glass down on the table. “A year, at max.” I leaned in closer to her, nuzzling her cheek. “Do you think you could wait that long to go public?”
I put my finger on her chin and looked deep into her eyes. I was defenseless now, and Ava had the power to ruin me if she wanted to. I was giving her the permission to do that.
“I think it sounds wonderful,” she replied, sending a shiver down my back.
I tipped her chin up and bent down over her lips.
I was in this with Ava, and there was no going back.