Page 114 of Pin-up Girl

I didn’t suspect she was actually upset. “You’d rather I stopped you before we got to the orgasms?”

“Absolutely not.” She grinned.

I twisted in my seat to kiss her again. “Fuck, I love you.”

“Says the man I just sucked off.”

I pressed my forehead to hers. “I love you regardless. I fell for Peach before I had any idea you were Aubrey, and I loved you even more after I realized who you were.”

“I love you too,” she said. “For so many reasons. Especially because you gave me the time to figure it out. I love you even without the orgasms.”

“But the orgasms don’t hurt.”

She pulled away enough to fix me with a wicked grin. “Sometimes they do, but only if you do it right.”

I chuckled. “Do you want to know my big secret?”

“You know I do.”

“I bought the building.” It was nice to finally say it. “The abandoned factory at the edge of town. That’s where we’re going to meet Clint tonight.”

Aubrey looked stunned. “You bought a building in two weeks?”

“The owners were motivated to sell, and I paid cash. There wasn’t much motivation. I was hoping this afternoon, you and I could talk about a few clothing ideas I have.”

“Really?” Her grin was broad and bright. “Yeah. Of course. Yes.”

As we finished the drive to Haddarville, I explained some more about the kind of designs I was looking for, and she mused out loud. When we reached town, we grabbed a table at the back of Kingu Kafe and kept talking and brainstorming. I had an idea of what I wanted to create when it came to basic requirements, but I needed her to make it functional and fashionable.

As the sun sank lower in the sky, she and I drove over to the warehouse and I sent Clint a message asking him to meet us there. He promised to be there as soon as he dropped Dee off at her friend’s for the night.

I’d already had an inspector in here. I knew what was structurally sound and what would need to go. I pointed some of that out to Aubrey, but I wanted to share the rest when they were both here.

When Clint arrived, I gave him the good news, and he looked as excited as Aubrey had. “That’s amazing. To make your new fabric?”

“Our new fabric.” It was as much his design as mine. “And I want to do this differently than last time. I don’t want to build the kind of empire I did before. I need to keep control, target the clothing to kids, and make sure those who don’t have a budget for high end medical monitoring equipment can still use what we make. Here’s the catch.” I had a good idea what Clint’s answer would be, but I was still nervous about asking.

Clint waved his hand, urging me to keep talking.

“I need someone who’s better at peopling than I am, to be our face. To handle negotiations. And it would help if that person understood the product,” I said.

Clint’s smile grew. “You mean me.”

“You said you’d do it if you had the chance. This is your chance, will you?”

“What about my job?”

That wasn’t the answer I expected. “You don’t give it up. This isn’t full time, but I do need you.”

“My answer is yes,” Clint said. “I can’t believe you pulled this off. Or rather, I can, because if anyone could it’s you, but… wow. You’re really going to start over. With this new, amazing thing.”

“I am. And with both of you.” I loved saying that. “You both inspired me. You both helped me get here.” I sighed happily. “I’ve been lost for a long time, even before I was let go from my company. The two of you… I found me because of your help. I love you, Clint. For so long.” That was the first time I’d said that to him and it felt good. “I had to leave to figure that out, but I’m glad I came back.”

Clint kissed me. “I love you too. I’m glad you’re back too.” His kisses increased in intensity. “I don’t have pretty words for it, but I love you desperately and completely. As much as I do Aubrey, but in a different way.”

I knew what he meant. And that this was the next step for all of us in an incredible life. I was happier than words could say that I got to do this with Clint and Aubrey. I never would have imagined this was possible, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

epilogue / sebastian

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