Page 71 of Long Time Coming

Being whisked away for lunch, I somehow imagined it being more couple-y. We’re alone and free to kiss as much as we want. But we’re not. I don’t like the start of our secret relationship being heavy like this. “What’s going on, Tagger? Please talk to me.”

Rubbing his palm over my knee, he watches it instead of looking at me. “I have a flight tomorrow morning at six o’clock.”

The fruit is suddenly unappealing. I set the fork and bowl back in the box and turn to face him. “I thought you were here longer?”

“My flight was originally for Wednesday.”

“Today is Sunday,” I reply dumbly as if he doesn’t already know.

“This was out of my control, babe.” He finally dares to look into my eyes. “I had a meeting added to my schedule that I’m expected to attend at four o’clock tomorrow in the city.”

Searching his greens, I can’t find a lie to contradict him. “And if you miss it?”

“I won’t.”

“What if you do?”

“I’m not missing it,” he says with such finality that I’m almost intimidated to continue questioning him.Almost.Few people intimidate me.Even fewer men.Yet he does, and I’m not sure why, other than it feels like we’re on unequal footing. “I’ll be cutting it close, but I’ll be there.”

“Okay,” I say like I hold any power.

I do. I control how I react to bumps in the road. Anyway, he wasn’t asking for my opinion. The decision was made regardless of how I felt. So what am I fighting against? Is his life in New York now the enemy? That’s not going to change. He’s already making it clear that it will win every time.

Either I adapt or there is noweanymore. It’s that simple.

He tilts to the side to catch my eyes. When I look at him, I can’t muster a smile, and I know he can tell. He says, “Like I said, I’m sorry. It’s not something that was planned. I booked my ticket for Wednesday to spend more time here. But this meeting is important for my career.”

“I wouldn’t know what that’s like. I’m just a ranch hand around these parts.”

“You’re more than that, but this isn’t a reflection of my life versus yours. Babe?” He takes my hands in his and holds them between us. “I’m just as disappointed. Yesterday meant a lot to me, and the time we spent together was incredible. But this is just a blip.”

It just feels like this is bigger than it is, like some elaborate plan set in motion behind my back. “Is that why you brought me out here? To break the news and let me down easy?” Don’t do this, Chris.I trust him. I have no reason not to. “You would stay if you could. I know that, babe.”

“I brought you here to seduce you with pasta salad and me as dessert.” He lies down, bringing me with him. I slide into his arms because that’s where I want to be most right now, especially if we’re on borrowed time. After placing a kiss on my collarbone and then on my neck, he asks, “How can I make it up to you?”

Manifesting really comes through for you when you need it most. Eyeing his mouth, I tap his bottom lip and grin. “I have an idea how you can make me feel better.”

CHAPTER 25

Tagger

I lick my lips,wishing I could still taste her.

The moonlight shone over us as if we had all night. We didn’t, but we sure made the most of it. When she rode me, a halo of stars hung over her head. My angel with a little devil inside. I grin, looking down in a failed attempt to rub it away before anyone notices.

“Tagger?”

I look up at Keith, free of any remaining grin. “Yes?” I ask, searching my boss’s face for any clue as to what was asked of me. Nothing tips me off in the right direction, so I look across the table at the client. She smiles politely, but the tapping of her fingers gives away her impatience.

Kendra clears her throat, and whispers, “Risk.”

“Critical separations of long- and short-term investments are partnered with your company’s risk tolerance levels. The strategies I’ve developed under Keith’s expertise have produced outstanding and trackable results . . .” I spout out the pitch I’ve been giving for years. “Our two-pronged approach to investor relations will cultivate a broader understanding of where you want to be in the market—seen, as well as driving innovations. This is my specialty. Putting your trust in managing your assets will grow the profitability of your financial sector, keeping your employees and your board of directors happy.”

The client leans forward, resting her elbows on the table, and clasps her hands together. I’ve piqued her interest. I’ll have her and the entire team she brought with her signing on the dotted line within the hour. She asks, “You can guarantee that?”

“It’s investments,” I reply with a wry grin. “There are no guarantees. Only reputations and I’ve built a formidable and client-first career that shows my track record in commercial asset management.”

“He gives me too much credit,” Keith adds. “I can tell you that Tagger is your guy. He’s developed a tactic that’s based on consistency, which we value, as well as profitable results.” His faith in me early on allowed me to build my career to top-tier portfolio management. “He’s the best we have, besides me.” He chuckles. As if cued, so does everyone else.

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