Taking Control Page 18
“Won’t you be busy with your promotion?”
She shook her head. “I told Jake I don’t want the job.”
“You don’t?”
“The strain of being nice was killing me. He says I’m welcome to stay, but I don’t know, maybe I need a change as well.” Her parents had been charity workers, and she’d always harbored a secret dream that she could do something similar, give something back. Maybe it was something she could look into. Later.
He laughed. “So we’ll be footloose and fancy free.”
“The world will be our oyster.”
“We can go anywhere, do anything. Travel. Hey, what about a world tour of the ten highest bungee jumps?”
She opened her mouth to say he’d be on his own, but smiled instead—maybe some of the nice had stuck. “I’ll stand on the sidelines and cheer.”
“Perhaps not, then. I wouldn’t want to jump without you.”
They were quiet for a few minutes. Jess closed her eyes and relaxed back. Ten years ago, it would never have worked between them. Now they had a second chance. Maybe together they could work out what sort of people they wanted to be. She was ready to try. She was drifting into sleep when he spoke again.
“Jess?”
Her eyes flicked open. “Hmm?”
“I know it’s too soon. But one day, I would be truly honored if you would have my baby.”
“Babies,” she murmured and drifted into sleep. “Lots of babies.”
Epilogue
One Month Later
It was done. He’d spent the last month handing over his position as CEO of McCabe Industries to his sister, Tamara. She was scarily competent; he was sure she would do a great job. And their father was on hand to help if needed. Logan had promised to look after Grunt, and there was nothing else to keep Declan here.
As the doors of McCabe Industries closed behind him, he turned back for one last look and caught sight of himself in the glass doors. The businessman was gone. Maybe not for good, but for now. Instead of a suit, he wore jeans and a leather jacket. Way more suitable for what was coming next.
Jess waited for him at the curb, standing beside the gleaming black-and-silver Harley. A belated birthday present, she’d told him. They were off to discover that whole new world.
Jess slid her hand into his. “Are you ready to go?”
“More than ready.”
He swung his leg over the bike. Jess handed him his helmet, then climbed on behind him, sliding close and wrapping her arms around his waist. He switched on the engine, and the machine rumbled to life beneath them.
“Let’s do this then.”
And they were off.
The End
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Acknowledgments
I’m just going to say one thank you this time—to Rob, my husband.
It’s been a tough year for us both. I was diagnosed with breast cancer just before Christmas last year, and we’ve been dealing with the consequences in the months since. Through it all, Rob has been great. He’s driven me around, held my hand, looked after my animals, told me continuously that it will all work out, and nagged at me to keep writing. I have no doubt that without him, this book would never have been written.
So a huge, huge thank you, Rob!
Love you always!
About the Author
Nina Croft grew up in the north of England. After training as an accountant, she spent four years working as a volunteer in Zambia, which left her with a love of the sun and a dislike of nine-to-five work. She then spent a number of years mixing travel (whenever possible) with work (whenever necessary) but has now settled down to a life of writing and picking almonds on a remote farm in the mountains of southern Spain.
Nina writes all types of romance, often mixed with elements of the paranormal and science fiction.
www.ninacroft.com
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