Page 37 of Talk About… History

“Thank you, sir, I can’t wait to hear back from you,” I said, shaking his extended hand. He gave me a wink and went back to the council room, hopefully to fight for fair pay and benefits.

Either way, I did it.

Mary let out a squeal of excitement and rushed forward to give me a hug.

“Sorry, I’m a hugger, I’m just so happy for you! That was amazing work. Now go celebrate! Mayor Adams is on your side, you’re in good hands.”

“Thank you,” I said, grabbing my stuff and following her back to the front doors. I gave her one last wave before stepping outside and stopping, stunned to see so many people waiting for me.

Cohen was still there, getting more than a few glances from the others. So was Sidney, Grace, my mom, and all three of my brothers.

“Well?” Cameron demanded in his harsh way of speaking. “Did you get it?”

“I did,” I said, laughing as they cheered. Nash and Mama rushed forward to crush me in a hug.

“Good, now let’s go celebrate. First round is on Cameron!” Sidney cheered. She turned to Cohen. “All friends are welcome, you joining us?”

He turned my way, silently asking for my permission. I knew right then if I said no he’d leave without holding it against me, and that was why I said yes.

I had so many people who cared about me, and right now I wanted to embrace everything I had… including him.

“I’d love for you to come.”

Avery

Whitaker Brews was the only place in town to truly celebrate. At least if we wanted to have a real toast.

“We should have opened up the kitchen, turned this into a proper pub,” Nash said as we walked in. “I was too nervous over this to eat.”

“Oh, really?” I asked, laughing because I knew damn well he ate today.

Me on the other hand? Not a chance.

“Pizza all around? We have two hours before opening,” Maverick said, giving me his signature raised eyebrow. That was my sign to answer.

“Only if I get something spicy,” I said. Maverick was always a tough guy… unless it came to spice. Nash, Cam, and I made it our mission to eat all things spicy, occasionally slipping something into his food.

“If you keep it to yourself, you can eat the whole thing for all I care,” he grumbled, heading for the bar and grabbing the phone.

“Wait, are you picky? What’s your pizza of choice?” I asked Cohen.

“I’m not picky at all,” he admitted. “Regular pizza still feels like I’m being a rebel. If you knew my parents you’d understand.”

“Let’s grab a drink and you can tell me about them,” I offered, sliding my hand in his and leading him toward the bar. He looked shocked, but happy, at the simple touch.

My ability to get close to him still surprised me but I was rolling with it. I took Sadie’s words to heart and refused to let my exes ruin anything with Cohen.

Because our scent match was not a fluke. He knew nothing about me, in fact, I found his shop, not the other way around.

“What can I make you?” Nash asked, sliding behind the bar right as we walked up. He was eyeing Cohen with that calculating, cold way only a brother could.

“Nash, this is Cohen,” I said, giving him a look that begged him to behave. “He volunteered to do my first interview; that resulted in me landing that job.”

I grinned at my mate and his expression shifted from uncomfortable to sweet. Reaching over, I squeezed his hand before letting it go.

“I’ll have a glass of champagne. Cohen?”

“Same,” he offered, pulling out his wallet.

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