Page 146 of The Tryst

He says it so easily, so casually.

But I’m floored. I can’t speak for ages. When I finally form words, I say, “You bought the store for me?”

That doesn’t quite make sense.

He shakes his head. “No. The company. Mia was happy to sell it. She wants to spend time with family in Los Angeles. And, as you said, you want to spend time with friends and family here. In New York. So I bought it for you.”

I grab his shirt. “Are you serious?” I’m shaking inside with excitement.

He just grins. “Yes. I didn’t tell you sooner, but I flew back this morning to finalize the offer.”

I knew he didn’t look like he traveled all day. “You’ve been here? In meetings all day?”

“I want you to have everything you want. This is your dream job. Stay in New York and runyourcompany from here with Storm.”

I throw my arms around his neck, and I kiss him fiercely and passionately.

When I let go, I whisper, “I can’t believe you did this.”

“Really? You really can’t believe it?” he asks wryly.

Good point. This is so very him. “Actually, I can,” I say, then I kiss him again on the streets of New York, the home of my great love and me.

EPILOGUE

A SULTRY SUMMER SKY

Layla

Many Months Later

I slide my skull rings on my fingers, then slick on some ruby red lipstick in the hotel room mirror in Miami.

There. I’m ready for today.

I press my lips together and blow a kiss to my reflection as my favorite person in the world comes up behind me, wrapping his strong arms around my waist.

“Beautiful,” Nick says, meeting my gaze in the mirror as he brushes soft kisses to my hair.

He’s always loved kissing my hair. I’ve always loved when he does it. He moves closer to my cheekbone, turning me on but also risking the time I’ve spent making my face look just so for today’s big event.

“Don’t mess up my lipstick though,” I warn playfully.

“Who? Me?” There’s a naughty rumble in his voice as he lays a kiss on my jawline.

“Yes, you. You’re obsessed with wiping it off my lips.”

He raises his face as he lifts a hand to swipe my hair off my neck, then brushes a tender, lingering kiss on my neck that makes my skin tingle.

“I like the way your lips taste,” he says. “And I love the way your lipstick looks when you wrap those red lips around my cock.”

I roll my eyes as I swat his forearm. “I do not have time to get on my knees right now.”

He pouts. But he’s relentless, tugging me closer, so I can feel his hard-on against my ass. “Later then. Or maybe I’ll get on my knees and take care of you,” he suggests, tempting me.

Absolutely tempting me.

But there’s hardly time.

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