Page 89 of Arrogant Boss

“I’m scared, Atlas. Scared to death of you waking up and not wanting me anymore, of you leaving me again.”

“I know, and I’m sorry. I promise I won’t leave you again. I want it all with you: the career, the family, the house. Everything.”

I haven’t been fair to him either, because I disregarded his feelings as well. I didn’t realize that by not admitting I love him, it hurt his feelings. I’ve been selfish too.

“I’m sorry, too, Atlas. I didn’t realize how important it was for you to hear I love you and I’m sorry I hurt you, too. I’m sorry I made you feel like I didn’t love you, like I didn’t trust you enough to love me. I hurt you because I was scared, and we were both mean to each other.”

“I know, Boots, and I forgive you. I will always forgive you.”

He plants his lips against mine, and this time I don’t fight back. Instead, I sling my arms around his shoulders, deepening the kiss, before I pull away.

“I’m still learning how to love myself, Atlas.”

He tucks a strand of fine hair behind my ear. “Then let me love you for the both of us.”

I glance down at the wooden floors then back at him. “I don’t know. It could take a while.”

He kisses me on the lips and scoops me up in his arms like I’m a newborn baby. “I don’t care. I’m going to spend the rest of my life loving you.”

Happy tears stream down my face. “I love you.”

“I love you too, Lake.”

Three Months Later…

Shortly after we leftKauai, we started our own clothing company. The first outlet opens in the fall, and we’ve already selected a few pieces that’s going to be in the winter selection. Preorders for my summer collection are sold out, and we’re already working in fifteen locations across the country. A few investors decide to invest in my business with Atlas, and when we’re not working on my new lingerie business, Love Me, we’re working on our bridal store that’s opening next year.

I sit out on the balcony and draw pictures of a wedding dress. Every week, I’ve been dropping hints that I want to get married, emailing him pictures of different wedding dresses I’ve been designing. Maybe I’m moving too fast and he isn’t ready for that, because he would only say he either likes the dresses or not.

The light glows in our penthouse, and we’re celebrating our housewarming party. Well, penthouse-warming party. We bought a new penthouse in the Upper West Side, and it’s lovely with a quiet neighborhood and friendly neighbors.

“Your picture of the wedding dress is nice.”

I let out a squeal, and I turn my head and glance up at Atlas. He wears a crisp suit, the first few buttons are undone, and his dress pants are snug around his waist.

“Stop sneaking up on me.”

He leans down and kisses my forehead before he takes a seat across from me. The sun hangs low between the skyscrapers, and the sky bleeds orange and purple.

“You’re missing your own party,” he states.

“Well… I need to finish my drawing.”

“Your father keeps calling me, asking to speak to you,” Atlas states.

I shrug. “I still don’t want to talk to him.”

“Talk to him when you’re ready.”

He pats his legs, so I stand up and wiggle myself onto his lap. I wrap my arms around his shoulders and plant a kiss on his nose.

“What about your father?”

“I got him kicked off the board, so he won’t speak to me for a while, but he’ll be fine. The board members decided not to take him back apparently, he causes too much chaos. My mother loves her room, by the way.”

When we came back from Hawaii, she moved in with us shortly and served William divorce papers. She told me my love for Atlas inspired her to move on with her life, to be with someone who treats her right, and she hopes someone will love her the way Atlas loves me. She’s been a joy to live with so far, and she makes me feel as if she’s my second mother.

“I love your mom, but she keeps asking me when we are going to have babies.” I shake my head. “I have so much to accomplish before we have kids.”

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