Total pages in book: 37
Estimated words: 33979 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 170(@200wpm)___ 136(@250wpm)___ 113(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 33979 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 170(@200wpm)___ 136(@250wpm)___ 113(@300wpm)
“Miranda, this is Toren. Toren this is Miranda,” Indy introduces us. I hold my hand out to shake hers, only being cordial because this is Indy’s boss. My woman is not fragile, she’s not uncertain, she’s taking this situation by the balls and showing me that she can take on anything by storm.
“Nice to meet you.” The words taste sour on my tongue. Playing nice isn’t my strong suit, and this wasn’t at all what I came to expect, but I’ll do it for now, for Indy.
“Oh, sorry. Yes, it’s nice to meet you as well.” For someone who seemed to need me more than ever, she sure has a funny way of showing it.
“Miranda, this is T.N., as in Toren Navarro.” The lightbulb clicks in her head once Indy reiterates who I am. Our hand shake is over, and I’m watching it all unfold. The authority and control leave her. Still don’t mean I gotta like her, not when my woman clearly gets the brunt of her personality.
“Right, do you mind if I steal Indy away for a moment? We have a few things to go over. Please feel free to take a look around the gallery.” Miranda clearly didn’t like Indy’s response.
“Miranda, I’m going to give Toren a tour, and then I’ll meet you in your office.” Indy’s voice didn’t rise. It didn’t need to; it’s clear and concise.
“Excuse me?” Miranda blinks in confusion.
“I just walked in. I want to make sure Toren sees the place, figures out what pieces to create for the space, and then I’ll get started on what needs to be taken care of.” Good for Indy. Good for fucking me because I think I’ll stick around a bit longer after she shows me around just in case.
“Make sure that you do. We’re behind as it is,” Miranda says with a sneer. It’s time for me to wade in.
“I can leave,” Indy says before I can interject.
“You wouldn’t.” My girl’s back bone must not be something her boss is used to seeing.
“Try me.” Indy shrugs.
“She’s not the only one.” I step forward slightly, protecting not only Indy but myself. There’s a reason I read the contract more than a few times and had provisions made. “I’ll go right along with her.” I finish the statement without a drop of hesitation. I see the shift in Miranda, calculating, flipping back and forth on what she might say. “I might’ve signed the contract, but the money hasn’t been spent.” Her jaw tightens. “And you know there are clauses. Two weeks, I can pull out and keep my anonymity” It hits exactly where I intended, maintaining control of the situation.
“You’re overreacting.” Miranda tries to diffuse the conversation in some weird, concocted form.
“You’re overstepping,” I say with finality. A beat of silence stretches through the three of us. Indy exhales beside me, but tension leaves me by only a fraction.
“Come on, let’s take that tour,” Indy breaks through. Miranda nods, realizing that she’s defeated. Thank fuck. I’m happier than shit to know that I’ll only be working with Indy. Miranda’s a certified grade-A cunt.
The space opens up around them once she leaves, Indy’s hand tugs at mine, and we walk around the floor. I study the area, seeing a few areas for larger pieces, alcoves for the smaller batches, and in the middle, I’ll probably have to get creative with the platform that’s set up.
“Thank you,” Indy says after a few minutes. She’s used to fighting and not being able to stand up to Miranda. That’ll be ending from this point forward. I’ll also have Jett wade in if need be; my cousin’s tongue is sharp, but her attention to detail is even sharper. She’ll put Miranda in her place in a way the boss lady doesn’t see coming, and everyone, Indy included, won’t feel any blowback.
“For what?” I ask.
“For backing me up.” She looks up at me.
“I didn’t back you up, cherry. That would imply you need saving. I’m standing with you.” Always. The words settle between us, and I’m gifted the sweetest smile in the world. “Love you, Indy. Love you deep in my bones.” So much for saving that for later. Her eyes flicker for a second, going to my mouth and then back up.
“I love you, too.” I lean in, slow, controlled, giving her a chance to pull away. When she doesn’t, I give her a soft kiss, not demanding, not consuming, not that I don’t want it. I want it so badly that I’d lift her off her feet, carry her a to closed-off area, and show her exactly what I want.
“Fuck yeah,” I say when I pull back. “We’re picking that up when you get home tonight.” Indy nods in response. She gets me, all of me. For-fucking-ever.
Epilogue
INDY
Six Months Later
My phone alerts me to a text message. I glance down at it and see who it is. Plus, it gives me a break from overanalyzing everything on my to-do list for tonight’s event.