Page 34 of My Forbidden Boss

»If we’re both here anyway...« she said.

»Can we talk?« I completed the sentence.

She nodded and pointed to the bench on the porch. We walked over and sat down. I couldn’t help it and reached for her hand, which I placed on my thigh, holding it in place.

»I’m really sorry. I didn’t know how to react, but we can’t continue like this,« she said and my heart knotted up.

»You’re right. But before you continue, I want to tell you something...« I gathered all my courage and turned to her. »There was always something between us, something that went beyond mere attraction. It’s hard to explain, but you completed me. I felt so comfortable with you, maybe more comfortable than I ever felt in my life. I’m hopelessly in love with you, Brianna Sullivan, and I would do anything to make this work between us.«

Bri looked moved as her fingers tightened around mine and she moved a little closer to me. »You’re in love?«

»One hundred percent.«

The smile she showed was worth more than any achievement. »I am in love with you too, Wesley Crush. So much so, it’s driving me crazy,« she whispered. I was the happiest man in the world and pulled her to me without a second thought. When our lips met, it was as if I could breathe again.

»Still, we have to talk about my resignation,« she said, pulling away slightly.

»You don’t have to resign. I’m looking for a CEO who suits you and the company, and I’ll step back so as not to influence you.«

»You don’t have to,« she retorted. »Isabelle managed to get me an interesting job at a start-up in Queens. It’s long overdue for me to take a plunge into something new.«

»Really?«

»Really. But thanks for your offer.

»So that means no more shared lunch breaks?« I attempted a joke.

The sparkle in her eyes consumed me. »If we meet in the middle, Queens isn’t that far away.«

Once more, I pulled her towards me for a kiss. »I can hardly wait. I love you,« I whispered, and Bri rewarded me with a breathtaking smile.

»I love you.«

»Finally!« We turned abruptly towards the front door. Leaning against the door frame, Elliot stood with his arms crossed over his chest, a crooked smile on his face. »Sorry for eavesdropping, but you two are so sweet, it’s cavity-inducing.« He rolled his eyes and Bri had to laugh.

I got up and walked towards him. He didn’t flinch as I extended my hand to him. »I’m sorry that we lied to you, it was wrong.«

»No, it wasn’t.« He shook his head and finally high-fived me. »I’ve been a real jerk in the past few months and got what I deserved.« He pulled me into a hug. »Welcome to the family, but you’ve always been a part of it, actually.«

Elliot gave me a few friendly pats on the back before pulling away. »If you ever hurt her, friend or not, I will take you down.«

»Sure,« I replied laughing. »First, you need to get back in shape.«

Elliot grinned widely and Brianna appeared by my side. I wrapped my arm around her shoulders and kissed the top of her head.

A car drove onto the driveway, and we all turned around. »What’s going on here?« Giulia got out of the car, her eyes darting between us all.

»Wes and Bri are now together,« Elliot called out to her. »And I’m moving out next week, Mom!«

Her expression shifted from baffled to delighted. »That’s wonderful. Well, not the moving out part, you’re welcome to stay, sweetheart.«

»Come on, don’t play it down, I’ve heard you and Dad whispering. It’s time.«

»If you say so.« She approached Bri and me with open arms, enveloping us both in a hug. Elliot also wrapped his arms around us, squeezing me a bit too tightly.

»I hope you won’t regret becoming part of this family,« Bri laughed.

»Never.«

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