For the first time in his existence, he’d shed happy tears. “You’re too good to me. You’re spending too much.”
“It’s only money, not you.” She cupped his butt and pulled him into her. “As far as me spoiling you, just you wait.”
She set him up with her real estate agent and interior designer. The agent had helped him rent a spacious office on the forty-ninth floor, directly below Alexandra’s company.
Ranson liked having her on top whether they were out of bed or in. She was a tigress in that position.
The interior designer suggested muted browns and tans for the décor. Blah, ech colors. “I want blue.”
She nodded. “What shade?”
He pulled up Alexandra’s photo on his smartphone. He’d shot the picture at a restaurant during their six-month anniversary celebration. Her luminous smile humbled and wowed him as it always did. “Exactly like her eyes. You can make part of the stuff lighter or darker, but mainly this shade.”
“Yes, sir.”
Once the office was finished, he hired Sesinando as his assistant. The guy was awesome with paperwork. Who would’ve guessed? They met with Alexandra’s attorney and financial advisor to set up full medical, dental, and vision for the genies they’d place, defined pensions—none of that 401k shit—just in case anyone wanted to retire, and a union.
Never again would a mortal abuse a genie. Those who ordered their services had strict rules to abide. If they broke even one, they were banned for life from ever hiring another “wish maker,” what Ranson and the others called themselves now. Their slogan was “We’ll get you what you want faster than Amazon drones and next day service from FedEx and USPS combined.”
Sesinando still worried mortals would simply opt to rent a new, manufactured genie they could exploit. “Cheap labor never goes out of style.”
“It will now.”
With Alexandra’s help, Ranson organized the new genies, too. His kind was now part of organized labor, free at last and happy.
Their animated chatter filled the agency. Staffers tested new arrivals on personality, talents, strengths, and weaknesses to match them as closely as possible with mortal bosses.
Personal stylists brainstormed with male and female genies concerning clothing, jewelry, and hair styles for day and evening gigs, formal or casual milieus. Only the best for those who signed up with the agency.
Sesinando hurried into Ranson’s office, papers cradled to his chest. “More documents for you to sign.”
“Bring ’em on.”
The conversations in the main office died down then cheers and whistles sounded.
Ranson smiled. Alexandra had arrived for their lunch date. No matter how many times the genies saw her, they always offered her a hero’s welcome for giving them a life. He bypassed Sesinando. “The documents will have to wait till later.”
“Of course.”
A female genie with red hair hugged Alexandra, after which a blond male genie pulled her into his arms.
She caught Ranson’s eye and grinned.
Her joy was more important to him than his next breath. His entire being knelt to her as the only woman he’d ever love.
Since buying his contract and this place, she’d let her hair return to its natural brunette shade, saying she wanted to be real for him.
Even if she’d worn a multi-colored mohawk or shaved her head, he wouldn’t have minded.
She told him her boobs would be next. “Will it bother you if I have the implants removed?”
A little. “Your body, your choice. Whatever you want.”
Laughter rushed from her. “Uh-huh. You like them, don’t you?”
He couldn’t lie.
She promised to keep the things. “One other matter….”
“I thought you said your eyes are real.”
She smacked his butt. “They are. But if you want to call me Milly every now and again, I won’t complain.”
His smile matched hers. “Count on it.”
He cleared his throat loudly now. “Ah, guys?”
The genies backed away from her. She ran into his arms and hugged him as hard as she always did. “I like your friends.”
“I love you.”
Color tinted her cheeks. Affection softened her gaze. “I know. Never stop saying it.”
“You either.”
“I won’t.” She brushed her lips over his. “I adore you.”
Sniggers and giggles filled the room.
Hmm. “We better get to lunch before the restaurant gives away our reservation.” He spoke to the room in general. “Be back in two hours.”
“Maybe three.” Alexandra wriggled her eyebrows.
He held her close. “Bad, bad girl. Come along, Milly.”
“Yes, Mr. Redford.” She waved bye to the others.
With his arm around her waist, Ranson escorted her into the hall. After eons, his mind was finally free, his heart light.
And the best was yet to come.
About the Author
Tina Donahue is an Amazon and international bestselling novelist writing passionate romance for every taste – “heat with heart” – for traditional publishers and indie. Booklist, Publisher’s Weekly, Romantic Times, and numerous online sites have praised her work. She’s won Readers’ Choice Awards, RWA awards - Holt Medallion and NEC, and won a Book of the Year award. She’s featured in the Novel & Short Story Writer’s Market. Before penning romances, she worked in Story Direction for a Hollywood production company. You can find her online at:
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Mystic Realms: A Limited Edition Collection Page 208