by Lydia Rowan
She looked into his eyes, dread and confusion filling her as his words sunk in.
“Never, not even on my best day, will I ever be as good, as kind, as fucking amazing as you are.”
She gave him what she knew was a quizzical look.
“I’m serious. I make money. You make people, including hard cases like me, better. There’s no comparison.”
The tone of his voice and force of his words left no doubt of his sincerity. She leaned down and put her arms around his neck, resting her head on his shoulder. She was enveloped in his warmth and basked in the feel of him, strong and solid, in her arms. She lifted her head and looked into his eyes, seeing the hope, the love, that she knew was reflected in her own.
“I love you, Leighton.”
“I love you too, Layla. With all my heart.”
Epilogue
Six Months Later...
“I thought I’d never get you alone again, Mrs. Means,” Leighton said as he walked through his office, Layla’s hand in his, after having finally said good-bye to the last of the guests.
“Hmmm, that’s going to take some getting used to, but it has a nice ring.”
“Yes it does.”
He stooped and pulled her into a deep embrace, before he dipped her, mimicking the last step of the wedding dance they’d just shared. She laughed and leaned back, knowing, and fully believing, that he’d never let her fall.
“Nice moves, Mr. Means,” she said, “but let me up. I have some moves of my own to share.”
He lifted one corner of his mouth. “I can’t wait, and fortunately for me, I don’t have to.”
“Ahh, there’s my husband. I was wondering where he’d gone.”
“What do you mean?” he asked as he pulled her close, sprinkled kisses on her shoulders and neck.
“Well, you were on your best behavior today. You made polite chatter, didn’t yell at anyone even once, and even had a quiet moment with Smythe, your sworn enemy. Your mother was pleased as punch.”
“She just never thought she’d see the day, and besides, you let her invite all of her society pals.”
Layla shrugged. “Why not? My friends where there, and,” she linked her arms around his neck and kissed him, “most importantly, so were you. Nothing else matters. Though I do think your mother was scandalized that we had a wedding an office building, and my dress is off the rack.” She gestured down at the simple white satin sheath she wore.
“Most beautiful dress I’ve ever seen,” he said as he tightened his arms around her waist. “And of course I was on my best behavior. I have you as my wife. What could I possibly be upset about?”
“Smart man,” she said with a laugh as she stretched up to kiss him again.
“And, I’ll have to admit, I owe Smythe a lot. Without him, I might not have found you.”
With that he swept her up in his arms, the surprise making her stomach drop and forcing out a strained giggle.
“Leighton, you put me down this instant! You’re going to break your back!”
“Shush, woman.” He kissed her hard and fast on the lips. “Let me fulfill the tradition.”
He carried her into his apartment and through to his bedroom before finally letting her down.
“I know this isn’t our home, but it seemed appropriate.”
He held her gaze with his, his eyes glittering with lust and something much deeper.
“I love you.” He said the words quietly, reverently, and with a sincerity she would never doubt.
“I love you, too.”
“And now,” he said as he walked her over to the bed and lay her down, covering her with the broad expanse of his shoulders, “I have you where you belong.”
“Good, because beneath you is right where I want to be.”
Also by Lydia Rowan
Beneath the Boss
Beneath the Boss (Book One)
Beneath the Boss (Book Two)
Beneath the Boss (Book Three)
Beneath the Boss (Omnibus)
Guardian's Heart
Heart of Danger
Victor for Valentine's
Heart of Healing
Standalone
Feel & Obey