Page 97 of King of Deception

“What? I was about to do that.”

“It’s your day, babe. Besides, I had a little help.”

“Where are you now?”

“At your place, actually. We’re almost done setting up.”

“Aww, you guys didn’t have to.”

“We want to.”

“You want me to owe you.”

“Hell, yeah. When I’m made editor, you’ll return the favor.”

“You got it. Anything missing that I can grab on the way?”

“Only your pretty little ass. Oh, wait. That came out wrong.”

“Bye, Lexi!”

A minute later, I received a voice message from Vanessa on the ladies’ group chat. “Congratulations!” she squealed. “We’re so excited and partially… already drunk. We’re on our way!”

Giggling to myself, I drove home, overwhelmed with excitement.

The last time I felt so accomplished was when I got myself that job without help or recommendation from anyone. And here I was again, building a promising career all on my own.

When I stepped into my apartment, it was nearly unrecognizable. The furniture has been rearranged to accommodate more people somehow, and elegant decorations adorned every nook and corner. A giant balloon read, ‘You’re the Boss’ floated over the kitchen counter.

Turning around, I searched for Alex. He was standing by the counter, helping James with the mixers.

I widened my eyes. “What did you guys do to the place?”

“Well, that wasn’t entirely us,” James gestured with his chin behind me, and I spun on my heel to find Abel standing right there.

“Hello, boss,” he grinned before planting a quick kiss on my lips. “Congratulations, babe. I couldn’t be prouder.”

Leaping up to hug him, I encircled his neck with my arms and let out a girlish yelp, “I did it! I really did it!”

“I had no doubt that you would.”

My parents soon arrived, and as soon as mom laid eyes on Abel, she pulled me back out the door before he saw her. “Oh my God, is that Abel?”

“Yeah, I sent you our picture.”

“Gosh, he looks even better in real life,” she winked, coyly giggling. “You weren’t wrong about him.”

“Mom!”

“What? I’ve got eyes. Now, introduce us.” Going in, she pulled me by the hand and, on the other side, dragged Dad along.

I was beyond happy, mingling and talking to my friends with Abel by my side. But then, when a moment of quiet surrounded the two of us together, he took my hand and said with a low voice, “Come with me.”

“Where?”

“The balcony,” he explained as he led me toward the glass door.

Outside, the night was warm, and the moon was showing off its full glory. Silver light covered the city, and the horizon was breathtaking.

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