“Love is rare, Natalie. Bank jobs are plentiful.”
A nervous laugh escaped. “Is this your polite way of asking me to leave after what happened? Oh, shit.” I sat back, faking a gasp and clasping my chest. “Am I being fired?”
“God, no. You’re an asset.” He reached for my hand, squeezing gently. “Best job decision I ever made.”
He was too easy. Clearly the guy was a romantic, and I couldn’t wait to see how this played out. “Then why this conversation? I just got this promotion. This is a huge opportunity.”
After a long pause and a deep breath, Caleb asked, “Do you love Cole?”
“Yes.”
“Do you love him more than you love Whisper Springs?”
Silly question, but I’d humor my boss. I was the reason he’d been beaten half to death, after all. “Yes.”
“Do you love him more than your apartment?”
“Of course.” I refrained from rolling my eyes.
“Do you love him more than the thrill you get landing a client, surpassing your monthly goals, or being top dog at your job?”
“Yes.” I bit my lip to contain a giggle.
Caleb’s voice lowered to a scolding father level. “Would you love him if he lived in a cardboard box under a bridge?”
“I would.” I crossed my arms, pinched my brows, and teased, “What’s your point?”
With a huff, he growled, “Do you love him more than your pride, Natalie?”
“I can’t imagine loving anyone or anything more than I love Cole.” As the words left my lips, my pulse quickened. Saying those words out loud empowered me somehow. “I love him even more than I love Barolo.”
“What?” He laughed, then winced.
Time to let him off the hook. “I appreciate your concern, Caleb. But honestly? I came here to ask a favor. Oh, and to give my notice.”
Natalie
March 1st.
My birthday.
Our birthday.
Palms sweaty, gut churning, I re-read the string of texts.
Me:I’m so sorry. I can’t get out of this business trip. They threw it at me last minute.
Cole:Fuck, sunshine. It’s our first birthday together.
Me:I tried to get out of it. You’re mad. Please don’t be mad. I’ll make it up to you next weekend.
Cole:Where’s the meeting? I’ll come to you.
Me:I’d love that, but Caleb says it’s a quick trip. We’ll be in the air most of the time.
Cole:Caleb? You’re traveling alone with Caleb?
Me:No. Mr. Sanchez, Caleb’s boss, will be there, too.