“Technically he’s got more time in than I do, considering that I left…” I nod. “Yeah, I think he’d be a good fit. Why are you asking me anyway? You’re the boss.”
“That’s another thing I wanted to talk to you about.” He leans back in his chair. “I want to sell you your shares—the ones you sold me to pay Hudson’s debt.”
“Heh, no offense, Bram.” I look away and laugh. “I can’t really afford them.”
“You don’t have to pay me right now.” He holds up his hand. “I talked with the legal department, and they said we can set up a contract that will essentially let the shares pay for themselves. Ten percent of the earnings will go into an account until they’re paid off. The rest will go to you.”
“Bram, come on.” I shake my head. “That’s far too generous. I don’t deserve that, not after leaving you in a lurch like I did when I left.”
“The contract is already drawn up. It’s a done deal.” He shrugs.
“I haven’t signed it…” I raise an eyebrow.
“No, but your paycheck gets directly deposited every month. That’s where your portion is going whether you sign it or not.” He laughs. “I’m also going to start giving you about half of my workload—so you’re going to earn it, trust me.”
“I guess you do need to be there for Kiana and the baby.” I sigh. “Okay, I’ll sign the damn contract. The shares are going to Kiana anyway, after I’m gone.”
“You sure about that?” Bram raises an eyebrow. “Ainsley may want Kiana to have a little brother or sister one day.”
“Oh lord…” I lean back in my chair. “Another baby? I don’t know, man. I think I’m too old for that shit.”
“If I can do it, so can you.” Bram stands and taps on my desk. “Go ahead and get out of here. I don’t want you to be late for dinner.”
“Alright.” I stand and extend my hand. “Thank you, Bram. I mean that.”
We shake hands, and I watch Bram walk out of my office. I can’t believe I ever doubted he was anything other than my best friend. Yeah, it was shocking as hell to find out he was involved with my daughter, but she couldn’t be with a better man. I’m willing to admit when I make a mistake. I’ll torture myself more than anyone else ever could.
I leave the office and head to my apartment. There is an excitement inside me that I can’t quell. I always feel that when Ainsley is on her way. She texts me as soon as she gets to the parking lot, and I wait by the door until I see her through the peephole.
“Hello, gorgeous.” I smile as I open the door and pull her into my arms.
“Hello yourself.” She grins.
Our lips meet immediately. Every kiss between us is explosive, but the ones we share after being apart for a couple of weeks are always the best. I struggle not to pull her toward the bedroom. I want to so fucking bad, but we have to be at Bram’s house in an hour. We simply don’t have time.
“So, I was thinking…” Ainsley leans back as soon as our lips part. “You said we don’t have plans tomorrow night, right?”
“Nope, just tonight,” I confirm with a nod.
“What if we took another dance class? I looked it up online, and I found one that offers a variety of options. It won’t be just the two of us like last time, but it could still be fun.” She smiles and tilts her head slightly.
“We can do that.” I laugh. “As long as you are willing try something on for me after get back here.”
“Try something on?” She raises an eyebrow.
“It’s hanging on the back of the bathroom door. Why don’t you go have a look?” I point.
“Okay…” She gives me a side-eyed glance and then walks into the bathroom. “What is this?”
“You don’t like it?” I watch as she walks out of the bathroom holding a cheerleader outfit.
“It’s awesome, but…” She gives me a confused stare. “You usually aren’t the one suggesting this.”
“No.” I take a step toward her. “But you’ve been suggesting it less and less. I know you still enjoy it, and we said we were going to make sure we gave the fantasies and real-life equal time. I’m going to hold up my end of that bargain.”
“Thank you!” She smiles and gives me a hug.
“Just so you know…” I hold her close and press my lips to her ear. “You’re going to be in trouble with Principal Brooks and your daddy this weekend.”