Page 162 of The Grumpy Boss Agreement

At the back of the theater, the doors open, and people start to crowd in. The babble doesn’t even reach my ears, though.

“I love you, Sav. So damn much.”

I touch his face. “God, Cole. I love you so much that it hurts.”

His kiss is magical and healing, and like gulping in fresh air after being under the water for much too long.

I’m lost in Cole, drowning in his love. And in this moment, nothing else matters.

39

Cole

The morning sun glints off the moving truck as I heave another box inside. I wipe sweat from my brow and glance over at Savannah. She's laughing with my dad and stepmom while they carry a dresser towards the house. Her smile makes my heart skip a beat.

I never pictured myself with someone so vibrant and warm. Somehow it works between us. She challenges me to loosen up, and I keep her grounded.

"Daydreaming over there?" Savannah teases. She walks over with two glasses of sweet tea.

I grin and take a glass. "Just thinking about how happy I am."

She smiles and brushes a kiss over my lips. "Me too."

I pull her close, deepening the kiss. Her body melts against mine.

A throat loudly clears behind us. We break apart to see Mrs. Brown smirking with a gift basket. The older woman is not someone that I feel comfortable around, but Sav seems to like her a lot. And I’ll cede all opinions on people to Sav for now.

I’m still eating humble pie this week.

"Well, well, no more hiding I see!" Mrs. Brown thrusts the basket at us. "A little housewarming gift for the happy couple. But don't forget, your new project proposal is due soon."

"Thank you so much!" Savannah gushes. Mrs. Brown waves and hustles down the driveway.

I snake an arm around Savannah's waist. "I guess the secret's out."

She nuzzles my cheek. "I want to tell the whole world."

“That’s good. Because we’re on CSAT every damn day now.” I pause, squinting at Sav. I accuse her mockingly. “You swear you’re not CSAT?”

“No!” She swats my arm. “We’ve talked about this. I already said that I’m not CSAT and I don’t know who it is.”

I grunt. “Just checking. Whoever it is, they get the most embarrassing photos. I want them to move on to fresher meat.”

Savannah notices the look on my face and comes over. "Everything okay?"

I smile and pull her into my arms. "Couldn't be better. My future is right here."

She kisses me softly, joy shimmering in her eyes. “You know just what to say to soften me up.”

“I like you like this, all soft and willing.”

She grins and moves away. “Just wait till you see me tonight, when I’m so very grateful to you for your help moving my boxes. I’ll be extra amenable to any advances.”

She wiggles her eyebrows.

“Ooh. I can’t fucking wait. Just give me a taste.”

Her lips twitch. “No dessert until you’ve cleaned your plate, Cole. Do the heavy lifting and just know that you’ll be rewarded.”

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