Page 154 of End Game

Pride in her team swelled in her chest.

“Are you in the office?”

“Yes, do you need something?”

“Can you leave a note for Gemma, asking her to book a private room at Capella on Nine for a team celebratory dinner next week?”

“She’s here. I’ll pass your request on to her, though it might be a hard one to fulfill on such short notice.”

“Have her talk to Stan. He’ll make room for us.”

“The usual bonus for everyone?”

Kayla responded with a higher amount. This had been a particularly hard win.

“Consider it done.”

“Thanks for the call, Natalie. Now go enjoy the rest of the weekend with that loser you hooked up with.”

“I love you, too.”

Kayla laughed and rejoined Liv.

“Good news?”

“Governor Cabrera signed HB821.”

“Congratulations!” Liv hugged her tight. “Vicky would be so proud of you.”

“She did most of the political legwork. It’s more her win than mine.”

“It’s a win for you both.” Liv released her. “Let’s head back to the Friary and celebrate.”

Kayla opened her mouth to brag about her team’s efforts, when she heard the rumble of a distant motor. She squinted into the distance. “Is that?”

Liv grinned. “Yep.”

Ash and Zeke were headed straight for them, clumps of grass and dirt arcing behind the tires as they descended a hill. They let off the gas a few car lengths away and circled around behind them. Ash pulled up next to her and Zeke next to Liv.

Ash’s enormous smile lit up all the chambers of her heart. “Need a ride?”

“Always.”

She climbed on behind him and circled her arms around his waist. “I love you, G-man.”

“Love you too, World Disrupter.”

Leaning back, he turned his head until their lips connected. He was warmth and hope and love all wrapped in a perfect-for-her body. She couldn’t imagine a happier moment than this.

He drew the kiss to an end and revved the engine. “Hold on.”

“Wait!” She glanced back at her friend, who now sat straddled across Zeke’s lap. The father-to-be’s hand resting on her bump.

When she turned back around, she saw Ash watching the exchange too, a smile playing on his lips. Kayla kissed his shoulder and rested her cheek in the V of his neck, comforted by the fact there would be happier times ahead for them as well.

“Hit it,” she whispered.

Extended Epilogue

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