by Kimi Flores
“Is this about the job offer?” I saw the worry in his eyes and could only imagine what was going through that head of his. Although he’d already offered his support and even said he’d go with me, I was sure his first choice didn’t include uprooting his life.
With my hand on his lap, I began, “It is about my career, but not exactly about that job offer.” I waited a second to let that sink in. “Remember when I said I’d been toying with an idea, but wanted to do a little more research?”
He nodded, the apprehension clearly showing in his jawline and eyes.
My heart pounded and the elation bubbling up in my stomach almost made me woozy. “You are now looking at the CEO of Bennett HR Consulting.”
He blinked a few times. “You opened your own business?”
My head bobbed up and down enthusiastically, and I couldn’t wipe the grin from my face if I tried. “It’s an online consulting firm. Even though the business is technically mine, I’ve teamed up with a few former colleagues who are willing to work on commission. I’ve also partnered with a handful of my university classmates who live in different parts of the country and are more familiar with the labor laws in their states. I can take the jobs that work for me and subcontract others that would work best for them and they’ve agreed to do the same for me.”
His eyes were as wide as saucers. “That’s incredible news, Tess. I’m blown away with how much you’ve accomplished in such a short period of time.” He pulled me into a hug. Squeezing tighter, he whispered into my ear, “You really are amazing.”
Even though the hug was a bit awkward since we were sitting, I melted into him at his appraisal.
I pulled away to look in his eyes. “I even have a client.” I bounced up and down in my seat while clapping my hands.
“Really? That’s incredible!” His eyes were glowing, proving how thrilled he was and I felt like the luckiest woman alive that he was really in this with me.
Unable to contain my own excitement, I held my hands up. “And, the best part is, my first client is my previous employer. So now, they’re going to pay me a consultant’s price to do the job they laid me off from, all while I’m snuggled on the couch next to you, working in my comfy clothes.” Moving my hands to his chest, I added, “Oh, but there will be a little bit of travel here and there.”
He nodded, like he was slowly taking it in and acknowledging everything I was saying. “That I can handle, but home base will still be Hope Falls?”
Fidgeting with the zipper on his jacket, I nodded and peeked up. With a subtle suggestive tone, I added, “And I’d really love it if you ever wanted to come with me.”
Completely focused on the facts, he shouted, “Are you kidding? I’d love to travel with you. If I have my laptop and internet connection, I can work anywhere you’ll be.”
I almost laughed. He’d seemed so relieved with the news, he didn’t even catch my innuendo.
Biting my bottom lip, I stared up at him. There was one more thing I wanted to share, it was a big step, but I was confident we were in this together. He must’ve sensed there was more because he asked, “Is there something else?”
“Yeah—” I took off my mittens, reached inside my jacket pocket and felt for the bag Andie had given me. When I held it out to him, he removed his gloves and accepted it.
“What’s this?” He rolled it around in his hand curiously.
“An early Christmas gift.”
My stomach did flip-flops like it had back on the slope. Both Elliott and I were talking about a future together, but even knowing that, a very tiny part of me was scared. I refused to give in to that feeling though. Tired of pushing my love life to the side, I straightened my back as I watched him pull the keychain and attached key out.
He stared at the custom designed pewter porch swing image on the front of the keychain as he rubbed his fingers on the back. Realizing there was an inscription on the other side, he flipped it over. His features softened as he read the words I’d had Andie engrave into the metal, especially for him. “Thank you for giving me back my dreams.”
With awe in his eyes, he continued to scan the message again and again. His Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed hard.
Teary-eyed, I reached out and touched the key, having to clear my throat that was thick with emotion. “This opens my front door and welcomes you completely into my life, where I hope I can one day help you find your dreams.”
Getting up, he reached for my hands, intertwined our fingers and tugged until I was standing in front of him. Focusing all of his attention on my face, he admitted, “Tess, ever since the day I met you, I’ve been dreaming about the future. Our future.”
Feeling my shoulders relax and playfulness return, my eyebrows drew together as I gave him a dubious look.
“Okay.” He rolled his eyes and squeezed my hands. “Maybe not that first day, but shortly after.” His award-winning smile made its appearance, and I felt myself fall even deeper into him. Into us.
Drawing me toward his body, he kissed the tip of my nose and I snuggled into his chest as a funny thought came to me. “Oh, and just for the record. I’m your last girl next door. I don’t think Mr. Johnson would take too kindly to you flirting with his wife.” I threw my head back, laughing after referring to our seventy-year-old neighbors.
“You and that smartass mouth.” He leaned in and kissed me before biting my bottom lip. “And for the record, I don’t have a thing for every girl next door. Just the stubborn one who smokes up her house with wet firewood, has a freezer packed with Tater Tots, and who I’d love to spend the rest of my days with.”
I sucked in a sharp breath at his bold claim, but secretly, I couldn’t have been happier than I was at that moment. Feeling brazen myself, I asked, “What about your nights?”
Wrapped in each other’s arms, we began to feel tiny snowflakes land on our faces. “Oh, those too, believe me. Hopefully starting tonight?”
Nodding then looking up to the sky, I closed my eyes. “Merry Christmas, Elliott,” I said softly. “It’s been a great night, huh?” Better than great now that I’d finally found someone to share my life with. Someone who made me feel on top of the world in a way I’d never experienced.
He lowered his lips to mine and gave me a hasty kiss. “Baby, the night has only begun. I think it’s time we go home and you model that new lingerie you were teasing me about.”
I was so proud of myself for holding in the cackle I’d wanted to let out and wondered how he’d react if I came strutting out of the bathroom wearing nothing but my new long john underwear.
The heat in his eyes told me it didn’t matter what I’d put on because it would quickly disappear. So, I willingly went as he directed us toward his truck.
When I’d first decided to make this move to Hope Falls, I’d never expected to find my person. The one who would encourage me to pursue my wishes and support whatever they turned out to be. Now, I had my dream job and there was no doubt in my mind I was quickly falling in love.
Although, I believe I can accomplish anything I set my mind to all on my own, with Elliott in my life now, the possibilities are endless.
The End
About the Author
Kimi Flores/K.A. Hunter lives in Southern California with her husband and their two boys. When she's not reading, writing, or hanging out with family and friends, Kimi spends her time in the kitchen trying to come up with vegan meals that don't taste like cardboard.
Currently, she writes contemporary romance stories under her name Kimi Flores and grittier romantic suspense novels under the pen name K.A. Hunter.
Volunteering is extremely important to her, and she and her family work with several local non-profit organizations. A portion of her sales will always go to charity.
You can follow Kimi at:
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Additional Romance novels
by Kimi Flores
Intertwined Hearts, An Exceptional Twist, Tangled Paths, Grafted Vines,
& Unexpected Promises: a Hope Falls novella
(coming in 2018) Making Ripples
Romantic Suspense titles by K.A. Hunter
Relinquished & Indemnity
(coming in 2018) Confliction