“You’re right, I did. But things changed this past year. I saw what happens when a place is badly run. How morale can suffer. I also saw how being treated well can change an employee’s outlook on their job. Their loyalty. I don’t want to give anyone else the opportunity to tell me how to live my life—or who I can love.” He ran a hand through his hair. “I’ll be a good boss. I don’t have to give up what I do. I’ll have you, and we’ll hire a good office manager. Someone who treats the staff well. With my reputation, and the people I’m going to hire, we’ll put this place on the map in no time.”
“I know you will,” I assured him.
He grinned. “All the people coming to me with job offers right now can hire my company. They’ll get the whole experience.”
I eyed the space. “Um, how long until you think that will happen?”
“This is step one. I’m putting in the offer today. I’ve already got a contractor in mind, and we’ll start right away. I can work from home or a rented space. Anyone I hire can do the same. That part is easy. I think we’ll be in the space in about six months, and until then, we’ll find a spot we can meet. With the internet I can meet with anyone, anytime at the touch of a button. Our last day with Parson’s is in two weeks. As soon as we are done, MM Designs is full steam ahead.”
I smiled. “Step one? Got another three-step plan going on?”
He chuckled. “Yep.”
/> I beamed at him. “I’m so proud of you, Mitch.”
He crossed the room, taking my hand. “There’s another reason, Mandy.”
“Oh?”
“Toronto is your home, and you love it here. I love it here. I want to build my life with you, so this is the place it’s going to happen. We’ll start with the company and then we’ll build our life together.”
“I like the sound of that.”
He huffed out a long breath and played with my fingers. He was serious and edgy—a mood I didn’t often see with Mitch.
“What is it?”
“I want something, Mandy. Something only you can give me.”
His voice made me nervous. I tried to make him smile.
“A blow job? Now?” I looked around. “I’d prefer to wait until I don’t have to be worried about being pooped on by pigeons, but if you insist…” I shrugged.
He threw back his head in laughter and hugged me fast. “I’ll take you up on that later.”
I giggled. “What do you want then?”
“I want to buy a place to live.”
“Oh. Move out of your rented place?”
“Yes.”
“Okay. And you need my help to find a place?”
He slid his hand up my arm and around the back of my neck. “I want you to choose the place, because I want you to live there with me.”
“You-you want me to move in with you?” I sputtered. He had hinted often, but he’d never come right out and said so until now.
“I want more than that, but it’s a good start.”
“More?” I repeated.
“I want to marry you. Have kids. Holidays. Memories. Grandkids. I want all of it with you.”
I could only mouth the word wow.
He gripped my neck, pulling me close and resting his forehead to mine. “I’m trying to slow my roll here, Mandy, but you need to know the whole picture. I know it’s too much to ask right now, but please think about moving in with me. I want you with me all the time. Here at the office. Beside me at home. Asleep next to me at night. Please come and live with me.”