Romeo for Hire

by Ali Parker

  Even now, with Ryan too exhausted to move, his very touch sent shocks of electricity shooting down my spine and into my toes. All it took was one look from him, one touch, and I was a goner.

  “Best ever?” Ryan finally whispered.

  I laughed and nodded, my hair sliding across his chest. “Yes,” I said. “That was—”

  I didn’t even have words to express what that moment had meant to me. Everything I felt for Ryan came pouring out of my body. I gave him all that I had and then some, but I didn’t regret it. And I knew I never would.

  “I love you,” he said.

  “I love you too,” It wasn’t close to enough to explain just how deep my feelings for him had become.

  It was more than love. It was everything I never knew I wanted.

  Lying in Ryan’s arms, I let my mind drift toward the future. I closed my eyes and pictured us living in Seattle. Our house would be huge, and it would overlook the water. We would be mere minutes away from downtown where my office would look out over both the city and Mount Rainier. Just the image was enough to bring a smile to my face.

  I snuggled closer to Ryan and thought about the places I wanted to see with him by my side, and with Paisley nipping at our heels.

  “It might be a while before we can move,” I said. “To Seattle, I mean. I don’t know how long construction will take.”

  “That’s okay.” Ryan’s voice was weak from exhaustion. “We’ll move when you’re ready.”

  “Are you sure that’s okay?” I asked, worry coating my voice. “Won’t Max be upset if you quit this new job so soon.”

  “They have branches all over the world,” Ryan said. “We’ll figure it out.”

  I chuckled and kissed his chest. “How can you be so calm?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “You’re never rattled.” I shook my head. “It’s amazing how easily you can adapt to these things. It’s like nothing ever gets to you.”

  “Losing you did,” he said. “When you took off after the banquet, I was a fucking mess.”

  “Really?”

  I hated myself for it, but I was glad to hear that losing me had torn Ryan up. It showed that he never wanted it to happen again.

  “Why do you think I jumped on a plane?” He laughed. “For fun?”

  I hugged him and sighed, letting my body relax. It wasn’t long before sleep overwhelmed us both and my fantasies about Seattle turned smoothly into dreams. They held my attention all through the night, turning easily back to fantasies as my eyes took in the morning light.

  Chapter 89

  Ryan

  Six Months Later

  I rubbed the eraser over the whiteboard and cleared away the marker. Staring at the now empty board, I felt a tug of sadness deep in my gut. My first ad campaign had been launched. The team was all heading out to celebrate our success, but I volunteered to stay behind and clean up. After all, going out for drinks wasn’t nearly as appealing as running home to Candice and Paisley.

  With the table cleared off and the board ready to start fresh on Monday morning, I smiled to myself and turned toward the elevators. I said goodbye to the few people still left on my floor as I hurried through the sliding metal doors and pressed the button for the ground floor.

  The doors closed in front of me, and I took a step backward, leaning against the railing and letting my eyes fall shut.

  I did it.

  My first ad campaign was a success. The bosses loved it. Our team was flying high and ready to start fresh next week, but for me, it meant something entirely different.

  It wasn’t just about the success or the inevitable payday we were all going to see. After six months, I’d finally proven to myself that I belonged here and that taking this job hadn’t been a mistake, that I could really create a future for myself and for my family.

  The elevator doors slid open, and I stepped off, hurrying toward the doors. I had tunnel vision as I barreled outside and quickly made my way across the street. I’d already begun the trek home when a familiar voice called out from behind me.

  Whipping around, I saw my brother darting across traffic.

  “Hey!” he called. “Where’s the damn fire?”

  “What?” I stopped to wait for him.

  He caught up and exhaled dramatically. “I’ve been screaming at you since you left the building,” he said. “What’s the hurry?”

  “Oh, sorry.” I shook my head. “I’m just in a hurry to get home and celebrate. The ad closed today. We’re officially launched.”

  “That’s fucking awesome!”

  Max slapped my back and smiled his approval. I knew it made him happy to see how successful I’d become. Deep down, he had been hesitant to offer me the job in the first place. If I had screwed it up, it would have been his ass on the line.

  “How was it?” he asked. “Your first run?”

  “It was intense,” I admitted. “And way harder than anything I’ve ever done before.”

  Max nodded. He, more than anyone, understood the rigorous work that went into a Wall Street career. I still couldn’t believe I was living it. Working every day in a New York City skyscraper alongside businessmen and women who were lightyears ahead of me. It was insane. Ridiculous. And yet, I loved it.

  I found myself fitting in more and more each day. I didn’t just make friends with these people, I made lasting professional connections that I knew would carry me into whatever career I wanted for myself.

  “So,” Max said pointedly. “I take it that means you don’t regret your decision?”

  “What decision?”

  “To come work with me,” he said. “You seem pretty happy for a man who hated the corporate life until six months ago.”

  “Has it only been six months?” I joked. “God, it feels like longer.”

  Max rolled his eyes. “Seriously, man, are you happy?”

  I thought about my answer before I gave it. My personal life was everything I wanted it to be. I had Candice, and I had Paisley. There was nothing better. But Max didn’t want to hear about how happy I was in love.

  “The job is good,” I finally said. “Really good, actually. I never thought I’d like it this much, but I do. I’m actually pretty bummed about leaving.”

  Max jerked his head back with surprise. “Leaving? What the hell are you talking about?”

  “Seattle,” I said blankly. “Max, you knew about that.”

  “Is it happening then?” he asked. “Now?”

  “I don’t know when.” I shrugged. “But I talked to Harrison about it today. He said he’d put in a good word for me with their branch president over there. They’re already expecting my call.”

  “Holy shit.” Max shook his head. “And you did that without talking to me?”

  “Was I supposed to talk to you?”

  Max chuckled. “No, I’m just surprised. It’s not like you to take such initiative.”

  “Ouch.”

  I glared at him, but Max just laughed because we both knew it was true. I’d never been one to jumped forward with both feet. I stood back and waited, weighing my options until the last possible second.

  “It’s Candice,” I said simply. “She brings something out in me. I’m braver with her.”

  “I’m happy for you, little brother.”

  “Thanks.” I grinned. “And thanks for the job. None of this would be happening without you. You know that, right?”

  “Of course.” He grinned back and punched my shoulder.

  We laughed and walked down the sidewalk, saying goodbye as Max peeled off for the parking garage on the next block.

  I usually drove my car to work, but today, I’d decided to walk. It was a long trek from Wall Street to my place, but I didn’t mind. The weather was finally cooling off, and I wanted to enjoy it while it lasted.

  On my way home, I stopped to pick up a bouquet of daisies for Candice and a chocolate bar for Paisley. Neither of them would be home yet, but I wanted to have something special
waiting for them when they arrived.

  No matter how many times I offered to pick Paisley up from her afterschool camp, she always insisted on Candice. It didn’t matter how late Candice got off work, Paisley always wanted to wait for her.

  It had bothered me at first, but as the months passed, I began to see it for what it was, proof that we were a real family and that Paisley finally had a real mother.

  ***

  The front door was unlocked when I finally made it home. Frowning, I pushed it open and stepped inside. A wave of something sweet wafted into my nostrils and made my mouth fill with saliva.

  “Hello?” I called out, quickly making my way to the kitchen.

  “Dad!”

  Paisley ran over and threw her little arms around my waist. She’d grown so much that her head almost reached the top of my stomach.

  I hugged her back before handing over the chocolate bar I brought her. She tore it open and bit off a huge bite before bouncing back over to where Candice was waiting for her at the kitchen table.

  Paisley sat down and pulled her homework to her. Candice pointed out the problem they’d been working on before lifting her eyes to my face with a wink.

  “Those for me?” She glanced at the flowers in my hands.

  “Maybe.”

  She grinned as I walked over to her. Bending down, I placed a quick kiss on her lips and placed the flowers in her hands.

  “Thank you.” She beamed.

  “What’s that smell?” I asked, looking around the room. “It smells amazing.”

  “Cupcakes!” Paisley squealed. “Candice says we’re celebrating.”

  “Is that why you’re home so early?” I asked. “I wasn’t expecting you guys until later.”

  Candice put the flowers on the table and quickly got to her feet. She led me back across the room where she dropped her chin and peered at me from beneath her eyelashes. Keeping her voice down, she made sure Paisley was distracted with her homework before fixing her beautiful brown eyes on my face. With a grin that made her whole face come alive, she leaned forward and kissed me.

  “It’s done.” She pulled away just an inch. “The Seattle branch. It’s done. Finished. Fully operational and ready to go.”

  I was speechless. I thought my day had been incredible, what with the ad campaign ending and Harrison calling the Seattle office for me. I had no idea that Candice would come home with even better news.

  “What does this mean?” I asked. “Are we … are we moving? Now? When?”

  Excitement coursed through my veins unchecked. I could feel myself beginning to shake with joy as Candice’s smile grew even bigger on her face.

  “As soon as you want,” she said. “I told the board I needed time to sort through my affairs, but I was really just stalling. Have you talked to Harrison? Is he going to call Seattle for you?”

  I nodded. “He already did,” I said. “All I have to do is call them when we’re ready.”

  “Now.” Candice beamed. “We’re ready now.”

  “Does Paisley know?” I asked softly.

  Candice shook her head. “That’s what the cupcakes are for,” she said. “I thought we could tell her together. What do you think?”

  As if on cue, the oven timer rang out through the kitchen. Paisley dropped her pencil and darted over to us.

  “Cupcakes!” she shouted. “Can we get them out, Candice? Please?”

  “Yes, but stand back, okay? It’s hot.”

  Candice pulled open the oven door as I tossed her a pot holder. Inching the cupcakes out of the oven, she quickly put them on the counter and lifted the oven door shut with her foot. I grinned, watching her move so gracefully through the kitchen she’d claimed as her own.

  Despite her place being so much nicer, we spent all our nights here. Candice said it was better for Paisley to be somewhere comfortable, but I suspected it was more for Candice than anyone else.

  She loved it here. It was peaceful for her. A reprieve from the demanding life she so often led.

  “We need the frosting,” Paisley ordered.

  I moved to get it out of the pantry when Candice stopped me with a look. She cleared her throat and wiggled her eyebrows, glancing between me and Paisley.

  “They have to cool first,” Candice said. “Otherwise, the frosting will just melt all over the place.”

  “Plus,” I added. “Candice and I have something we need to talk to you about anyway.”

  “You do?” Paisley frowned. “What is it?”

  I grinned and motioned for them to join me at the table. Candice could barely contain herself as she skipped over and plopped down in her usual chair.

  Paisley looked nervous but excited. She could tell from our faces that we were happy about whatever was coming and that was enough for her. Her green eyes shifted from my face to Candice’s and then back again.

  “Okay.” I cleared my throat. “Do you remember us talking about Seattle, Pea? And how we all wanted to move there one day? When the time was right?”

  Paisley nodded. “Yes,” she said. “And Candice said I could have a really big room and maybe even a snake.”

  “I don’t remember the snake part,” Candice said quickly.

  I laughed and shook my head, too happy for anything to deter me. Even the thought of Paisley owning a snake was exciting so long as it happened in Seattle.

  “Well,” I said. “It looks like Candice’s company is finally done with all their work, and now, we can move.”

  Paisley’s jaw dropped. Her eyes widened, and she slowly got to her feet. She stood there, frozen in shock, as her little mind processed the news. We’d been showing her pictures of Seattle for six months, so I knew it was only a matter of time before her excitement exploded over us all.

  And sure enough, seconds later, she was bouncing around the kitchen with her fists in the air.

  Her grin was wide and bright, her eyes twinkling with joy. She squealed and yelled, proclaiming to the world that we were finally moving, that we were finally going to be a family.

  And a beginning was exactly what the move represented to Paisley, the start of something she’d always wanted, a real family.

  Epilogue

  Candice

  Two Months Later

  It was a rare sunshine-filled day in Seattle, Washington. The sun’s rays seeped through the curtains of my and Ryan’s bedroom, coaxing me to awaken and start the day.

  Lately, I’d been so busy at work that no matter how tired I was, I would jump out of bed first thing in the morning, but today, I only wanted to relax. It was my first free Saturday in two months, and I longed to stay in bed all day.

  But the sound of tiny footsteps drew my attention, telling me that lounging around all day wasn’t an option. There was a five-year-old who desperately needed my focus, and I was all too excited to give it to her.

  Sitting up in bed, I pushed myself back against the pillows and stifled a yawn behind my hand. Ryan and Paisley came into the bedroom, each carrying a small plate full of food.

  Paisley grinned and handed me the plate. She hopped onto the bed beside me, then took the plate back from me and set it on her lap. Popping a chocolate chip in her mouth, she smiled a chocolate smile while Ryan moved beside me.

  “Good morning,” he said. “How’d you sleep?”

  “Great,” I said, and it was true. I’d fallen asleep the second my head hit the pillow. Exhaustion had become my default setting, but I didn’t mind. Anything to make the move to Seattle seamless.

  “Here.” Ryan handed me his plate. It was filled with bacon and fruit, piled on top of each other in a messy, haphazard way.

  I laughed at the effort he put in, knowing that presentation had never been Ryan’s strong suit. It was ironic though, considering how well his job in advertising was going.

  “Do you have to work today?” Ryan asked while we ate.

  “No.” I shook my head. “It’s my first official day off in two months, and I cannot wait.”

&nbs
p; “You don’t have to work at all?” Paisley demanded.

  “Nope.” I ruffled her hair. “Not at all.”

  Her smile melted my heart, as it always did when she directed it at me. I’d spent the last two months trying to make her transition easy. She’d moved schools in the middle of kindergarten and left her Uncle Max behind all for me. All because I’d wanted a change.

  Paisley was incredible about it. She acted years beyond her age, but I still worried about her so often that I forced the board to approve an in-office daycare for those of us with children.

  It would be up and running within the next week, so Paisley could spend her afternoons at the office every day after school. And, if Ryan and I ever both worked on the weekends, she would have somewhere safe and fun to play where I could still check in on her from time to time.

  The board had been resistant at first, but I insisted. Paisley was more important than a job anyway.

  “When does Leslie get in?” Ryan asked.

  “Tomorrow morning,” I said. “First thing. And Max?”

  “Afternoon,” he said. “His apartment isn’t available until next week, though, so he’ll have to stay with us until then.”

  “That’s fine.” I shrugged. “That’s what the guest room is for.”

  Ryan smiled and brushed my hair off my shoulder. While we ate, we talked about all the things we wanted to show Max and Leslie when they arrived. In the two months since we moved, no one had made the trip to visit us. For Max and Leslie to come at the same time was more than exciting. None of us could wait.

  “Do you think she’s still seeing Kason?” I asked darkly.

  Ryan nodded. “I talked to him last week, and he was on his way to her place,” he said. “I told him to be careful, but—”

  “But we both know he won’t.”

  I sighed and laid my head back against the wall. Leslie and Kason had been a source of worry for both Ryan and me for months now. We couldn’t stand the thought that they might hurt each other, but they seemed determined to push their own limits. All we could do was stand back and watch it unfold.