Page 78 of Boss of Her

“So she knows about us?” Jade glanced around at the photographers packing up their equipment. “I guess everyone knows about us now. Or they will once those photos get out.”

“Yes, and I apologize for putting you on the spot. I didn’t plan it, but when I saw you in the crowd, looking up at me, I had to seize the chance to tell you how I felt, to say the words I’ve wanted to say to you for so long.” She took Jade’s hands in hers. “I’ve said it before, but I’m sorry for hurting you. I can’t undo that. What I can do is promise you I’ll never do anything to hurt you again. And I’ll do everything in my power to keep you from hurting.”

“I know you will. And I need to apologize too. After having some time to think about it, I understand why you reacted the way you did, especially with everything you’ve been through. So I’m sorry too. And Simone?”

“Yes?”

“I love you, too.”

Simone drew her in and kissed her again, gentle, soft, and slow. As Jade dissolved into her lips, her heart sang.

It was finally whole again.

CHAPTER 34

Simone stepped through her front door and shut it behind her. “Jade?” she called. “I’m home.”

As she hung up her coat, Jade appeared, greeting her with a fiery kiss.

“Someone is in a good mood this evening,” Simone murmured. “I take it your first day at your new job went well?”

“It went great.” Jade took her hand and pulled her over to the couch, drawing her down onto it. “It’s a little different from working for you. The company is huge, and I’m reporting to the whole executive team, not just the CEO. But there are lots of opportunities to advance my career. If I play my cards right, I might make Chief of Staff, eventually.”

“I’m glad the job is working out,” Simone said.

“Well, it isn’t all sunshine and roses. The VP is a real hardass. Everyone is afraid of him. Not me though. I can handle it.” A playful grin spread across Jade’s lips. “After all, I spent three months working for Simone Weiss.”

“And you did an excellent job of it, too. I have half a mind to steal you back and have you come work for me again.” She draped her arm around Jade’s shoulders. “But I’d only hold youback. You’re meant for far bigger things. And as you chase those dreams, I’ll be right here to support you however I can.”

Jade let out a contented sigh. “I could never have asked for a better girlfriend. Honestly, I still can’t believe this is real. That I get to be with you, and we don’t have to sneak around. That we get to live together. That I get to fall asleep next to you every night.”

Moving in together had been the natural next step for them. Jade had already been looking at new apartments, so Simone had suggested she move into her Beverly Hills home with her instead. Jade hadn’t hesitated to accept her offer.

“I have the perfect girlfriend,” she said. “The perfect job. The perfect life. It’s like some kind of dream.”

Simone traced her fingers down Jade’s arm. “If this is a dream, I never want to wake up.”

Jade leaned against her shoulder, nestling into her. But after a few seconds, she sat up straight, her fingers fidgeting in her lap.

“I almost forgot,” she said. “I have news. It’s about Philippa.”

Simone tensed. Just the sound of the woman’s name was enough to set her on edge.

But she kept her voice calm. “Did you finally hear back from your grad school?”

Jade nodded. “Up until now, all they’ve been able to tell me is that the issue is under investigation. But I got a call today from the person handling the case. She said that the reason things have taken so long is because another student already reported her. Acurrentstudent. And my report on top of hers was enough to push the school to take things seriously. Between the two of us, they have enough evidence to take action against Philippa. She’s been fired from her job. And with everything on record, she’ll never get another teaching position again.”

“That’s wonderful news. How are you feeling about it?”

“Good, I think. This has all been pretty stressful, so it’s a relief to finally have some kind of resolution. I’m just glad she’s faced justice.”

“And all because of you.” Simone took Jade’s hand, lacing her fingers through hers. “I know none of this has been easy, but you’ve been braver than anyone could hope to be.Youmade this happen. You should be proud of yourself.”

“It wasn’t all me. It was you who gave me the push I needed to make that choice. And not just to face Philippa and tell people what she did. The choice to move forward. The choice to open my heart again.”

“And I’m happy you did. Because having you in my life, having you as mine, means the world to me. I love you more than words can describe.”

“I will never get tired of hearing you say that,” Jade purred.

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