Page 95 of That First Night
I nod. “How can I not? I mean, come on, you’re the relationship guru of the family. If it feels this good, then I shouldn’t let it go right?”
“You’re learning.” He laughs. “Have you told her you love her yet?”
“No.” I shake my head. “I almost did this morning, but my fucking phone interrupted us.”
“Probably for the best. Don’t tell her you love her after you unload inside of her, bro.”
“How do you know I was even inside of her today?”
“I saw how you looked when you walked in this morning,” he scoffs. “Practically fucking skipping in here.”
“Touché.” I nod and smile. “So is Avery coming with you tonight?”
He groans as he leans back on the couch. “Don’t get me started. This is a fucking disaster waiting to happen.”
“I’m sure it will all work out. Hopefully in your favor.”
“Speak it into existence for me, bro.” He rolls his eyes before he checks his watch. “I have to bounce. I have to stop at the jeweler.”
“For what?”
“A ring.” He shrugs his shoulders. “If she’s going to play the role of my fake fiancé, I kind of have to buy her a ring.”
I shake my head and laugh. “You’re so fucked.”
“You fucking think?” he curses as he walks out of my office.
The next few hours, I make myself busy getting caught up on emails. The last order of business was signing the deal for 67th and Columbus. I want to do this for Peyton because she deserves it. From the moment I first saw her with James at the park, I knew she was special and patient with kids. As time went on, I realized she is the perfect fit for a nanny role. I can’t exactly fire her and let her go get another nanny job, though.
That’s selfish of me, right?
But… another nannying job would mean her moving to live with another family and a job as a nanny provides very little time off. It’s a job for a single woman, that’s for sure. And after tonight, Peyton won't be a single woman.
This morningI love youalmost slipped from my lips. Not that I’m second guessing myself, but I just want it to be the right time. She deserves the grand gesture, a room full of roses and everything life has to offer when those three little words escape my lips.
The contract for the deal was left untitled, something I was able to work my way around. I want this to fully be Peyton’s project and help her fulfill her dream of owning a daycare center with whatever name she chooses for it.
After I signed the contract, I packed up to head to the florist to grab a bouquet of roses and head home. When I arrived at the penthouse, the team was scattered everywhere but Peyton was nowhere to be found. Asking one of the women who was messing with a steamer in the living room, it’s confirmed she’s in her room having her hair done. So I take that time to put the roses in a vase before I head to my room to get myself ready.
An hour later, I’m back downstairs and the team looks like they are packed up to head out.
“We’re heading out, Mr. Ford,” one of the men says.
I give him a tight nod. “Thank you.”
“My pleasure.” He nods back. “She’s simply stunning. Her beautiful features made our jobs so easy to do.”
“She really is,” I reply.
“She’s just putting her dress and shoes on,” another woman comments. “She said she will be out soon, Mr. Ford.”
“Thank you again. I will have my assistant take care of the bill.”
“Thank you, Mr. Ford.” They all say in unison.
They grab their belongings and scurry into the elevator, leaving me standing in the living room alone in silence. James has been at Emiline’s since yesterday morning and is spending the whole weekend with her. I take another minute to adjust my cufflinks. I traded in my navy-blue suit for a black tuxedo. I had this custom made seven years ago and it’s my go to suit for events like this.
I move to the bar cart sitting right outside of the kitchen and pour myself a glass of whiskey. I take a long sip of the brown liquid and then swirl it around the ice in the cup. Nerves are getting the best of me as I wait for her. As I wait for her to come out so I can fire her... and tell her I fucking love her.
