Page 103 of Kiss Me Forever

The crowd erupted in cheers again.

"Shanghai, that's so exciting. I've never been," Donna said.

"Neither have I," Megan replied. "I was on a summer trip in Europe before grad school, but I was never in Asia. That seems so far away."

No fucking kidding.My thoughts were driving me crazy.

I didn't get to speak to Megan for the next hour because everyone else wanted to do so. I kept watching her patiently right until it was time for her to leave for her dinner.

“I'll walk you out," I said in a tone that didn't allow for any argument.

"Thanks," she muttered.

As we left the meeting room, the team was still celebrating. She'd left the file on the table. Once we were out of the room, I closed the door.

"For fuck's sake, I've wanted to talk to you for hours."

"Really? I did too," she said.

"Listen to me." I took her hand, pulling her right in front of the elevators so we were out of view from everyone. I cupped her face with both hands. "You have no idea how proud I am of you right now."

"Thanks. I know we haven't discussed this scenario at all. I just didn't think it would happen," she said. "They haven't given overseas internships in—"

"Five years," we said at the same time.

Her shoulders dropped. "Yes, exactly."

"This is an amazing opportunity. You could learn a lot."

"Are you trying to talk me out of your job offer, boss?" The corners of her mouth twitched up in a smile, but there was apprehension in her eyes.

"I want you to consider all your options. I want you to do something that will make you happy, not just for right now but years down the road. If you go to Shanghai, I’ll still be happy about it. We can make our relationship work." It wouldn’t be the same, though, and we both knew it. My throat clenched, but I forced myself to continue speaking. "I want you to put things in balance the way you always do. Try to figure out what you would have decided before you met me."

"That's not so easy," she murmured.

"Right now, it's not easy, but I'm trying to do the right thing here. So don't sabotage me."

"But I kind of want to sabotage you. You always have... interesting reactions when I do that."

"Megan, I'm serious," I said.

"Don't be, okay? This is already an unexpected turn. And it's the one time you choose to be so serious."

I kissed her forehead and took a step back, looking her in the eyes. "It's an important matter. I'm always serious about things like that. Will that shitty ex of yours be at the dinner with the committee?”

“Yes.”

Needless to say, I was not happy about that. “Call me if you need someone to punch him.”

The elevator opened just as Klaus and Derrick came out of the meeting room.

"Goodbye, winner," Klaus said. "Have fun at your dinner, but don’t forget us, okay?"

"Boss, that job offer you gave her better be mighty impressive so she stays with us," Derrick added.

I put my hands in my pockets, looking at Megan right until the elevator doors closed.

Fucking hell. I need a flute of champagne.

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