Page 122 of Emergence and Ascendance

It was just after four when we landed in Crescent Falls and I was exhausted but in the best way. Christian and I made good use of the bedroom on the jet, then I spent the rest of the time catching up on emails. I thought about how my father brushed off my mother's death and chose business over being a support system for his children.

There was nothing I was currently dealing with that couldn't wait, allowing me time to grieve, but I truly had made peace with my father no longer being here, so I chose not to care. In a way, it felt like a silent slap in the face to him for being such a horrible person for most of my life.

I brought a few more things with me because I planned on diving into this project, which meant staying in Crescent Falls for a bit longer than intended. Part of that had to do with Christian. Even if I didn't speak the affirmation out loud, I enjoyed the idea of spending more time with him. When he asked about the things I was packing, he only joked, making a comment about being grateful he invested time on redesigning the closets to be able to accommodate everything I was shoving into my suitcases. I also didn't miss the way he casually referenced me having more stuff in his closet than he owned.

Even if I should have asked for clarification, I didn't. I simply accepted an invitation to stay as long as I wanted, and for now, that was good enough. While he unloaded my things from the jetand placed them in the SUV Miles arrived in, I sat in the back seat texting Alex and Val to let them know I'd made it safely.

Once the guys were done packing my things inside, Miles settled in the driver's seat and Christian opened the rear door and leaned inside. "If you need anything, call me."

"You're not coming?"

"No, I need to make a few stops before I head to the house. I have my vehicle here."

I narrowed my eyes. "Which one?"

He grinned. "My Range."

"Smart man."

Christian leaned in closer, gripped my chin, and delivered a kiss. "I'll text you the door code but Miles also has one. He can let you in."

I nodded. "I'm starting to think you're getting a little too comfortable with this arrangement."

"I am very comfortable. Is that a problem?"

"No but I'm going to have to figure out some long-term accommodations."

Christian chuckled and kissed me again. "If you need me, call."

"Did you hear what I said?"

"Yes, Scot, I heard you. We'll talk when I get home."

I didn't get a chance to respond because he shut the door and tapped the top. Miles was pulling away seconds later.

"Well since your boss doesn't want to talk about that, maybe you and I should, since you'll be the one hauling my stuff to a new place at some point in the near future."

I shifted my eyes to the rearview and waited until Miles gave me his. He smiled smugly but didn't speak.

"Are you not going to comment?"

"About?"

"Having to double move me."

He chuckled and shook his head. "Christian pays me well."

I narrowed my eyes. "You know that's not what I'm asking."

"Then what are you asking, Ms. Whitney?"

"Scotlyn."

"What are you asking, Scotlyn?"

God, am I shamelessly interrogating Christian's driver searching for confirmation that… Shit, what am I seeking confirmation for?

That this is not temporary…

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