Page 132 of The Innovator

“Okay.” My eyes sparkled. “When can I see the three floors?”

“It’s getting dark, so you won’t be able to appreciate its beauty. We can see it tomorrow. I’ve got plans for you tonight.”

“What kind of plans?”

“Plans that involve you moving all your stuff into my house. I made plenty of room for you. What do you say?”

I ran my fingers along his square jaw that he’d recently shaved. “Well, since you made this building for me, I suppose I could comply andobeyyou.” My hand slid under his suit jacket, stopping at the top of his waistband. “I’ve got some new creations for you too. I wrote a few bedtime stories during our breakup that you might enjoy.” I pressed my fingers to his lips.

“Like what?” he asked as we walked back to the parking garage at City Hall.

“Like where I obey your every command,” I purred.

“And?” He walked faster, pulling me along.

I laughed at our speed walking, my joy echoing all around us.

“I also learned some new lap dances.”

He scooped me into his arms and ran toward the parking garage. “We need to get home now!”

With his powerful arms carrying me and the beating of his heart speaking to mine, I became the luckiest woman alive.

EPILOGUE

SIX MONTHS LATER

Grayson

On a warm April afternoon, I went to get sushi to bring back to The Prism for Natalie.Work had resumed for me, but I kept a light schedule so I could help her acclimate to her new office space.

The headquarters for Momentum took up the three floors I’d reserved for her in The Prism. Forthe past several months, she’d been designing the interior space, picking out paint colors for the walls, choosing the flooring, ordering light fixtures, reviewing office furniture, and so on. I enjoyed seeing her add little details to make the space her own.

Remi leased out a floor for Audri’s Epiphanii jewelry line. She loved the location and the idea that she could visit Natalie for creative discussions. I would’ve let Audri use the space for free, but Remi wanted to keep business separate from family matters.

Insurance companies, media groups, and law firms occupied several floors. The rest of the building was composed of luxurious apartments. The top floor of The Prism was reserved for me. I didn’t know what I wanted to do with it yet. Right now, it was another office space, allowing me to visit Natalie whenever I wanted. It could also be a potential meeting area for WaterFyre Rising discussions with my friends. I was in no rush, and I wanted the view of the city from the top.

With the lunch bag in my hand, I stood on the sidewalk in front of Momentum’s flagship store, which was scheduled to open before the holidays. The retail space took up three-quarters of the ground level and Audri’s jewelry store took up the rest. She didn’t need as much space as Natalie’s apparel and accessory line. Everything worked out beautifully.

Looking at the clothing fixtures and mannequins that were lined up against the wall waiting to be assembled, satisfaction spread in my chest. My woman and my sisterwere displaying their hearts and souls to the world, and I was glad to be part of that.

I saluted the three men installing the light fixtures at the sales counter.

The passageways under the building were also renovated to be more functional. It was closed to everyone except me and my boys. Natalie saw what I’d done to the space and approved of the renovation. It looked nothing like the place that had imprisoned her. That room had been transformed into an office space for future use.

The tunnels led to one main channel guided us to an empty warehouse by the river. The warehouse had been owned by someone who had died at Club Diablo. I bought the property from the city when they took it over. The city had no clue about the tunnel, and I had no intention of sharing that detail. I wasn’t sure what I’d do with the warehouse yet. There was no rush.

I walked into the main entrance and took the elevator up to Natalie’s floor.

Natalie got three floors in The Prism. Floor forty-one was reserved for her office. She had the entire floor to herself, which included a conference room, design area, a lounge area with a reading nook, and open space for whatever she wanted to do. Floors forty-two and forty-three contained design studios, employee offices, showrooms, storage, a swatch and trim library, and anything else she wanted.

Walking on the hardwood floors, I made my way to her office, which had a nice setup already. Simple furniture adorned the open space. I’d sectioned off an area for a spa if she decided to have one on her floor.

I heard her talking on the phone and made my way over.

“We’ll get together before your trip, Kiera. I’m sorry to hear about your mom. If you need anything, let me know. We’re here for you. We can help.”

Natalie’s voicewas like a dose of joy for my body. I sounded sappy, like some of my friends, but I guess that was the beauty of being in love. It changed a man, smoothed out his edges, allowing him to see beauty in places it had once been lacking.

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