Page 72 of Built of Illusions

His frown deepened. “They’re all idiots. You’re an amazing person, Josie. I love you and I want to be with you for as long as you can put up with me. Which I hope is forever. Wherever you want to be, I’ll be there too.”

The dam burst and tears flowed down her cheeks. “Then let’s move to Midnight Lake.”

He blinked. “But your house. Your gallery.”

“It’s just a house. And a gallery. Like you said, we can figure out the details. I love the lodge and the people. Not as much as I love you, but it felt more like home than anywhere I’ve ever been, including this house. I’d like to make Midnight Lake a home with you.”

Nico growled that sexy growl she loved so much and suddenly she was flat on her back, covered by her own two-hundred pound sexy blanket. The kiss started at hot and passed nuclear in moments.

When Nico leaned up, he studied her seriously. “You’re sure?”

“A hundred percent sure.”

He grinned. “You won’t regret it, Josie. I’ll make sure of it.”

She wriggled against his erection. “You’re off to a good start.”

Chapter 24

Work Of Art

A month later

Nico shook Kent Jackson’s hand. His boss stood at about six and a half feet of intimidating muscle and his handshake was always a test.

The big man sighed. “You’re dropping like damn flies. What is it about Vermont that is luring you all there? And you’re taking my best sketch artist with you.”

Nico grinned. “Family.”

Jackson sighed. “Can’t fight against family. I hear the group is maintaining connections with the FBI. Contracting out? You interested in that?”

Nico nodded. “I want to settle in there, but I’d definitely be willing to help if you need me. You’ve always had my back and it’s been both an honor and a pleasure working with you.”

“Same to you, Rivera. I’ll be in touch. Tell Ms. Ellis the same thing. You take good care of her.”

“That’s the plan.”

Nico was stopped multiple times as he made his way to his office. He’d made a lot of great connections with the other agents in the building, but his step was light with anticipation as he walked into the space he’d shared with Roman for the last few years.

His partner stood up when he entered. “This is it. Any regrets?”

“Not a one.”

Roman grinned. “Good. That’s how you know it’s right. Not that I had any doubts. Going to miss working with you, though.”

“Same. We’ve made a good team, Roman. You ever want a change, you might want to pop up to Vermont and see how we do things there.”

Roman grinned. “Might take you up on that one day. If nothing else, I’d love to see what you’re building up there.”

“You’re more than welcome any time. No invitation required. But you’ll get plenty of those as well. See you later?”

“Wouldn’t miss it.”

Nico stowed the boxes in his trunk and headed across town to Josie’s. She’d been nervous when he left. He hoped she’d been able to sink into some project to help her nerves. He’d planned to be home earlier, but there’d been too many people to thank and then lunch had turned into an impromptu goodbye party.

He would miss everything about his job, but the excitement of the new job and life ahead was so much bigger, so much brighter.

The biggest downside would be moving so far away from his parents. But they were happy for him and thrilled about Josie. She’d fit right in with them, like he’d known she would.

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