Page 73 of When I Fall In Love

“Whichever way you decide to go, I—we—have your back.” Raiden lets go of my hand and stands. “Apology accepted?”

“I—yes. Of course. I—”

“Good. Got to run. Need to look into some admin before the milking starts. Ethan’s there, so don’t hurry to come over too.”

I try to stand and shake his hand or something, but my legs seem glued to my chair. Raiden waves me off with a smile and takes wide strides out of my office, almost bumping into Derek at the door.

“He might need a minute. A shock to the system, he’s had.” Those are Raiden’s last words and then he’s gone.

What the hell is happening in my life? I glance towards the factory. The scenery is so familiar that even without looking, I know everything is ticking along just perfectly.

I glance to my office door. Britt almost bumps into Derek where he still hovers, waiting for the go-ahead to come inside, his eyes wide, but his lips rolled closed as he tries to contain a laugh.

“Boss. I just had some intel,” Britt stage-whispers from the door.

“Well, you go first then,” Derek says. “What I have to discuss can wait for later.”

I swallow hard and plant my face in my cupped palms. Britt and intel?

That only means one thing.

37

HUNTER

“Don’t stand outside like that. Come in, both of you.” I drop my head back with a groan. Get this over and done with and move on. Somehow I’m not in the least fazed now about the Collingwood Farm sale, where weeks ago it had me so riled up I could barely function.

Britt walks in and drops into one of the chairs at my desk. Derek follows suit and sits in the other empty chair.

“So. Out with it.” I lean back, waiting, drumming softly on the desk with my fingers.

“Jessie let me know that Beaumont has offered eight million for Collingwood Farm.” Britt almost flinches as she says the number.

“Yeah, I’ve heard the same from Jessie,” Derek nods with a sigh.

“When did you speak to her?” I ask and immediately feel stupid. This. This is the reason why Derek is keeping his distance when it comes to his babysitter. Who is now a grown adult and no longer underage. “Fuck. Ignore that. It’s yes to a puppy, by the way.”

“What?” Derek looks confused.

“A puppy?” Britt echoes.

“Yes. It’s yes to a puppy for the office if you want to get Hannah her own for Christmas. You can’t leave the pup at home alone all day. He or she will need company.”

Derek frowns. Clearly he thinks I’ve lost the plot.

“The sale of Collingwood…” Britt starts but trails off as her gaze jogs between Derek’s and mine. “Why do I think it no longer matters?”

“Because it doesn’t.” I stand and show her the door. “Would it be beyond your duties to take the pup out a few times for his or her business, do you think? Derek might be too busy to remember and then—”

“Hey!” Derek interjects. “I’ve potty-trained a human! Don’t insult me.”

“Thanks for the intel, Britt.” I guide her out of the office because she seems a bit stunned. “It’s good to know it’s finally sold. Now we can move on.”

I close the door and lean against it for a moment.

“You for real?” Derek asks.

A slow huff of breath. Another slow inhale. “Yep. I’m for real.”

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