Page 115 of Miss Trust

“Neither was she. And the best part is you could do the job either from here or at the club.” Frankly, I loved the idea she might be able to accompany me to the club at least on some nights. Perhaps someday, after Penny was feeling up to it, we could travel to my other homes around the world.

She bit her lip. “Why would you give me a job with so much responsibility?”

Still with the “why.” I noticed she asked why whenever she didn’t completely trust in herself or believe good things could happen to her. “Because you’re smart, trustworthy, and you work hard. Carmen already said you’re a fast learner. You’ve already demonstrated with the remodel you’re pretty good at thinking of creative ways to save money. I think you could also advise me where it could be better spent, both at the home and in my business.”

“What about what others might think about me being your girlfriend and you exhibiting favoritism?”

“This isn’t a democracy where they get a say. And more importantly, you’re not just my girlfriend. I intend to share my life, my business, my everything with you.”

She let out a shaky breath. “Sometimes you overwhelm me.”

“The feeling is quite mutual, babe.”

She crinkled her nose. “Oh, no, that nickname won’t do. Try again.”

“Darling.”

She giggled. “Nope.”

“Baby, honey, sweetie.”

“Gah, none of those, please.”

“How about sex goddess when we’re in bed, Tory when we’re in public, Victoria when I’m serious, and stubborn when we’re fighting.”

“I can get used to those. And, you already know the names I’ll call you. It’ll either be Chance or asshole.”

“What would you call me right now?”

“Chance. As in I’m glad I took a chance on letting you talk me into this job I’m now fired from.”

He chuckled. “I’m just glad I was persuasive. You had me doubting my abilities.”

“Turns out you do your best work in under three minutes.”

He flipped me over, kissing me softly. “We may need to put that to the test.”

“The timer starts now.”