Page 103 of Knot Your Baby

“She can’t hurt you anymore,” I hiss, hating Maya for doing this to her. “Or Stone.”

“I know.” She doesn’t sound entirely convinced. “It’s just strange to think of her still there, still part of your daily lives.”

“Not for long,” I promise. “And speaking of Stone Enterprises...” I pause, uncertainty suddenly gripping me.

“You’re finally going to tell us if you’re taking the job?” Miller prompts.

Freya looks between us, curiosity clear. “Job?”

“Thorne’s been trying to get me to join the company for years,” I explain. “Head of security operations. Since the accident, he’s been pushing harder. And now I’m ready.”

“And you’ll be safer,” Freya adds softly.

There it is. The real crux of the matter. Safety versus purpose. Security versus calling. The choice that’s been hanging over me for months—years, really.

“I’m visiting the offices today,” I admit. “Taking a proper look at what I’d be doing.”

“We should come with you,” Miller suddenly suggests. “Give Freya a tour of the place. Let Stone see where his father works.”

I expect Freya to demur, but she brightens. “I’d like that. If it’s not imposing.”

“Not at all,” I assure her, surprised by how much I want them there. “Might even help me decide.”

Rosie returns, this time dropping the ball at Freya’s feet. She laughs, bending awkwardly around Stone to pick it up and throw it—not far, but enough to set Rosie racing away again.

“For what it’s worth,” Freya says, watching the dog, “I think you’d be amazing at whatever you choose. But—” Her serious expression giving way to a mischievous grin. “I also have a business proposition for you, Zane.”

“Oh?”

“You should come work for me at the bakery. We could start a breakfast café section with your pancakes and bacon. You’d be the breakfast king of downtown LA.”

I laugh, imagining it. Being around Freya all day, watching her work her magic with pastries while I handle the savory side of things. It sounds perfect. Too perfect, maybe.

“I’d get no work done,” I admit. “I wouldn’t be able to keep my hands off you.”

“That’s not a problem,” she says with a wink. “We’d have the kitchen to ourselves before opening hours. But I need to find a new place first. Thanks to Thorne, I’ve been paid in full by the insurance company, but now I have to start again.”

Miller and I glance at each other before I say, “Thorne is working on it.”

Chapter 30

Zane

Stone Enterprises occupies thetop eight floors of downtown’s tallest building—glass and steel stretching toward the sky. The company logo is visible for blocks. I’ve been here countless times, but today feels different. I’m deciding if I’m ready to change my life.

It’s changed already with Freya and Stone coming into my life. I suppose this is nothing compared to that.

Miller drives us in his SUV, which he insisted was safer for Stone and Freya than my sports car. Hard to argue that point. Freya sits in the back with the baby, her eyes wide as we pull into the executive parking garage.

“This is... very fancy,” she comments as we exit the vehicle and she stares at the glass elevator ahead.

“Wait till you see Thorne’s office,” I reply, leading them toward the elevator. “Makes the rest of this place look modest.”

The security guard recognizes me immediately, nodding with respect as he buzzes us through without the usual visitor protocols. “Mr. Stone said to send you right up.”

The elevator ascends silently to the executive floor. Miller adjusts Stone’s tiny beanie, while Freya smooths her sundress, suddenly self-conscious.

“You look beautiful,” I tell her quietly. Her cheeks color slightly, but she stands straighter.

---