Page 94 of About Last Knight

Jackson shakes his head. “Your company is too big. She’ll get more hands-on experience with management at my office.”

Reagan shakes her head. “When I don’t feel like going in, she can sit in my chair. No one will notice the difference. You want to play CEO, Jade?”

Jade looks between Jackson and Reagan, eventually landing her eyes on Reagan. “Would I get to work with Carter?”

Carter nearly chokes, but Reagan just smiles. “I’ll throw in a weekly lunch with Carter.”

Jade holds out her hand. “Deal.”

Reagan laughs as they shake hands. Darian smiles at me and I smile back.

Melissa

We’ve left Jackson and Darian’s house and are on our way to drop Jade off at Amanda’s. I turn back to her in the car. “Was everything okay today? I know it’s a big, overwhelming, loud family. It’s okay if it was too much for you.”

Jade smiles. “It was amazing. More than I could have dreamed. I all of a sudden have an enormous family. I’m honestly thrilled about it. Christmas this year is going to be epic.” She pauses for a moment. “I did realize, however, that I have an exceptionally attractive, very funny, very inappropriate, yet bizarrely affectionate family.”

I laugh. She has no idea. They were all on their best behavior for her today. “You’ll get used them. It took me a while too. It’s a little easier when they’re separate and not all together. They feed off of each other. Trevor and Reagan in particular. They’re two peas in a pod.”

Jade laughs. “Reagan was really sweet to me. Obviously, it was awesome that she offered me the job. I’m excited about that. She also pulled me aside at some point and invited me to her birthday party in a few weeks.”

I smile. “That was nice of her. It’s actually a pretty big party at a fancy downtown hotel. We were invited too. If you want, we can all go together. We can even go dress shopping beforehand.”

Her face lights up. “Sounds good.”

“I was thinking of asking them if they’d mind if I brought my nephew. He’s new in town and doesn’t know many people. Hopefully he’s making friends at school, but I imagine they’re younger than him and this might be a nice opportunity to meet people his age.”

Declan smiles at me. “That’s a good idea. I’m sure they’ll be happy to have him. He’s working with Jackson, Trevor, and Payton now, right?”

I nod. “Yes, Jackson said he’s just finishing up the training aspect and is now ready to start the real work. He said the training coordinators were impressed with Lance. I’m glad it’s working out. With Skylar having left, it sounds like Jackson may slot Lance into her old position, which is fantastic.”

Declan nods. “Skylar is loving working with Reagan and Carter every day.” He looks back at Jade. “Sweetie, you’ll be working with all of them. I’m so excited about it.”

Jade nods and then looks out the window for a few moments and sighs. “Carter isreallygood-looking. Like, the best-looking man I’ve ever seen in my life. Brody too. Where did my cousins find these guys? I want one just like them.”

Declan has a look of disgust. I fail miserably at trying to hide my smile.

Declan growls, “They’re both more than twice your age. Perhaps you should date boys your own age. Or better yet, don’t date until you’re thirty.”

Jade rolls her eyes and mumbles, “I prefer older, more mature men.”

Declan looks like his head might explode. Jade smiles at me. I can’t hold in my laugh any longer.

She puts her hand on Declan’s shoulder. “Relax, Dad. I’m just messing with you. You’re such an easy target.” She turns to me when Declan isn’t looking and mouths, “I do like older guys.” And then she places her finger to her lips indicating I need to keep quiet about it. Oh boy. This girl’s going to be a handful, just like her father.

We drop Jade back at Amanda’s and then head to my place. We walk in the door to see Mrs. Bevil spread out on the lobby floor. I look at Jerry. “What happened?”

“Mrs. Bevil’s dog had an accident, and Mrs. Bevil slipped and fell right into it.”

I can’t help but grin. I see the corner of Jerry’s mouth lift, and he gives me a wink as he helps Mrs. Bevil to stand.

We step into the elevator, and as soon as the doors close, Declan pushes me to the wall and kisses me. I initially start to push him away, but then I can’t think of a single reason to do so. I grab his shirt and give into the kiss.

He presses himself onto me. I have no idea what’s got him worked up, but I’m not complaining.

As soon as the elevator doors open into my living room, he picks me up. He carries me into the bedroom and sets me on my feet.

We’re staring each other, only inches apart, nearly out of breath from the kiss.

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