Page 125 of L.O.V.E

“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.

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