More Than Hate You (More Than Words)

I swallow back my raging desire and promise myself that, as soon as we’ve concluded business, we’ll devote all weekend simply to each other…and doing our best to make him a father.

For now, I smooth down my dress, shrug back into my blazer, then whistle.

The bedroom door opens, and Evan walks in. “Hey, buddy.”

“Hey!” He’s clearly thrilled to see his best friend. “Congrats on your merger.”

“Thanks.” He pats my back with brotherly affection. “We’re planning on doing great things. We could do them even better if you were on our team.”

“We’d love for you to be our CFO,” I spell it out. “There’s no one we trust more.”

“Exactly,” Evan puts in.

Sebastian looks floored. “You’re sure?”

“One hundred percent,” Evan assures. “It will be like your old job but with more responsibility. It will definitely be more intense. So, of course, you’ll be better compensated.

“If I’m being honest, I was already pretty overpaid,” Sebastian admits.

Evan shakes his head. “You were worth every penny and more. What do you say?”

“We need you,” I add softly.

He shakes Evan’s hand as he pulls me in for a hug. “As long as I get some of those husband benefits in the office every so often, it’s a deal.”

Evan holds up his hands. “Dude, I got nothing to do with that, and I don’t want to know.”

“Since that’s my department, it’s a rousing hell yes from me.” I smile wide and throw my arms around my husband.

“Then absolutely yes! I’d love to be your CFO. There’s no job I want more. I’ll be in the office on Monday.” Then Sebastian frowns. “Wait, where will this new company be headquartered?”

“Here,” I tell him. “With a significant presence in Dallas. Easier and cheaper for supporting mainland customers. Plus, most of our employees don’t want to leave their homes and extended families.”

“Makes sense.” Sebastian nods. “But where are we living?”

“Where do you want to live?”

“Wherever you want, baby. I just want to be with you.”

I smile in sublime happiness. “Same here. We’ll figure it out.”

“I like it.” He turns to Evan. “I’m happy to be back with you, man.”

“Happy to have you back. You have no idea…”

“I’ve missed you, too. But what are the chances you’ll fuck off and let me be alone with my wife for the weekend?”

Evan laughs and pulls his keys from his pocket. “No need to ask me twice. Welcome back, man.”

Sebastian pulls him in for a bro-hug. “Thanks. It’s great to be back.”

With that, Evan leaves, and I’m alone again with Sebastian.

“So about that job as husband with the daddy upgrade…” he begins.

Grinning, I lean in to kiss him. “I think we should get started right now.”

“I couldn’t agree more.” He hooks his arm under my knees, lifting me against his chest, and heads straight for the bedroom. “Hey, since I’m on the payroll again and we’re on the same team, who inside Stratus was leaking information to you? I never found out.”