“I will.”
“And don’t let my dad get all bummed out about me leaving.”
“I won’t. Just be sure to call.”
I nod, knowing that, deep down, she’s referring to the six months I spent giving him the silent treatment, ironically because he owned a sex club, and I thought that was some sort of moral offense.
Then, Charlie opens her arms, and I step in to give her a quick hug. It’s not as awkward as it used to be, but I mean…she is still my ex-girlfriend.
Technically, now my stepmom, but I’m not ever, ever going to revisit that thought or even dare to say it out loud. Although I’m aware Sophie will make a joke out of it for the rest of our lives.
And that’s it. All the hugs have been had, and the goodbyes have been said.
I look at Maggie, just as she looks back at me. I’m so ready to get into the car and go, as if the rest of our lives is somewhere on that highway. There’s not a thread of uncertainty there anymore.
I spent the past five years wishing I knew who I was or what I wanted in my life, but I was too busy shutting doors without opening any. Sure, there’s a lot more to my life than just being hers and I’m the one responsible for paving my own path, but knowing she’ll be at my side, for whatever we face, means I’m not alone anymore. I have someone who sees the good and the bad. Someone capable of tough love and mercy.
Someone who will punish me when I need it.
And I look forward to every single second.
Rule #41: Remind him who he belongs to.
Maggie’s epilogue
One year later
“Oh, I know it’s not a competition, Emerson. I’m just calling to point out that the Fire Palace now officially has more members than Salacious.”
“You’re gloating,” he replies dryly on the other end of the call. “Besides, you started with a pre-established market, so technically, you had a head start.”
I laugh. “Oh, you’re scrambling for excuses, Mr. Grant. I know it’s hard to admit I’m doing better than you, but you always were a sucker for praise. You’re doing a very good job running your club,” I say in a teasing tone.
“I’m hanging up now,” he replies, and I hear the smile in his voice.
“All right, all right. I’m done teasing you. I’ll see you next week.”
“See you next week,” he adds. “Tell my son to text me back.”
Just then, I turn the corner, heading toward the office when I spot Beau standing there, staring down at his phone in his tight black-on-black suit with his auburn locks perfectly styled with just the right amount hanging over his brow. It points like an arrow to the vertical scar on his forehead. He looks too good for words, and I pause as I watch him for a moment.
“I will,” I reply quietly to Emerson. When the line goes dead, I slip the earbud out and slide it into the pocket of my pants before crossing the long hall. When he hears the click of my heels, Beau looks up and smiles at me as he watches me approach.
“Enjoy that?” he asks with a coy smile.
“What are you talking about?”
“Rubbing it in my dad’s face. I know what you’ve been up to.”
As I step up to him, his hands wrap around my waist and he pulls me tightly against him. Sandwiching me between him and the wall, he lays a hungry kiss on my lips, making my knees go weak. I let him kiss me for a while, grinding himself against me just as a door opens down the hall and a couple walk out.
Beau pulls his mouth away as we watch them disappear around the corner. Then he looks back down at me, biting his bottom lip before dropping his lips back to mine.