Chapter 30: When Everything is Looking Up

“I can’t make sense of this,” I stuttered, my eyes stuck on the title. I glanced up at Brennan, who had returned to the table and taken a seat.

“Before you left, I had these prepared. Grace, you were instrumental in building Wolf Industries.” He paused for a moment. “I want you to help me manage it.”

I looked back down at the contract. Brennan had managed to catch me off guard, completely surprising me.

“I can’t, Brennan. I wouldn’t know where to start.”

Sure, I’d studied business, and I’d been Brennan’s personal assistant for three years. I knew how to support him in that role. But being business partners, essentially co-CEOs, was a whole different ball game.

“Grace, you effortlessly led a meeting with a multimillion-dollar client and got him to sign on the dotted line. You’ve spent three years helping me make all the crucial decisions.

“I’ve never made a move without first seeking your advice. You do know how to do this because you’ve been doing it all along.”

I could feel my eyes welling up, and it wasn’t because Brennan was offering me a job opportunity of a lifetime. It was because I knew he was right.

I’d become comfortable being his personal assistant, in more ways than one. I’d suppressed my own potential, initially because I was attracted to him and later because I enjoyed the job.

I was kidding myself to think that being a personal assistant anywhere else would give me the same satisfaction as working at Wolf Industries. Brennan had gradually given me more responsibility, which is why I’d felt confident enough to lead that meeting.

Despite my feelings about Brennan’s personal life, we had always made a great team.

“You’re crying,” Brennan whispered. He reached over and gently squeezed my hand. “Talk to me.”

I looked up and managed a smile through my tears. So much had happened in the past few weeks, it was almost dizzying to think about it.

Not long ago, I’d convinced myself that I was repulsed by Brennan’s affairs. I’d quit a job I loved because of it.

But now I understood. The crush I’d thought I’d gotten over had only grown. Over time, I’d fallen for him, without even realizing it.

I’d quit because my heartache had unearthed feelings I didn’t want to confront. I couldn’t bear to see Brennan with anyone else but me.

“I think I’ve always loved you from a distance,” I confessed.

“What?” Brennan responded. “I don’t understand.”

I placed my hand on the contract and took a deep breath.

“When I first met you, I was smitten. It felt like the wind had been knocked out of me and that a grand romance was about to unfold. I’d read about sparks, but what I felt with you was more like an explosion.”

I licked my lips and looked back up at Brennan. His eyes were wide, and he shook his head.

“I felt that too,” he admitted. “It scared me.”

My heart pounded. Even though Brennan and I were together now, knowing that he’d felt the same way filled me with an indescribable feeling.

“Why did you hire me if it scared you?”

“You were the best candidate,” he replied. “And I, like a fool, behaved the way I did while you were the perfect personal assistant. And so, we danced around each other for years.

“But one thing never changed. You’re more than a personal assistant to me. Accept the job. I need you—Wolf Industries needs you.”

I looked back down and read through the contract. It was comprehensive, clearly not something Brennan had his lawyer whip up at the last minute. It was fair, just as I knew it would be.

“Pen?” I asked.

Brennan jumped up, and I watched as he rummaged through his kitchen drawers in search of a pen. Finally, he found one and hurried back to the table.

I signed the contract. I’d missed working, and more than that, I’d missed working with Brennan.

“Done,” I said.

Brennan moved closer, sliding off his chair and onto his knees. He cupped my face in his hands and kissed me softly.

“We can go in tomorrow if you’re available. I may have already started renovating the office next door.” He smiled.

“How long have you been planning this?”

“The idea came to me before any of this happened. But I put it into action before my parents arrived.”

I reached up and stroked Brennan’s cheek, feeling the stubble.

“We need to find an OB,” I said. “Maybe we can do that and go to work as well?”

“And pick up your stuff from Belle’s?” Brennan asked, his eyes filled with hope.

I smiled and nodded. “Yes, and pick up my stuff from Belle’s.”

Brennan stood up, and as he did, he wrapped his arms around me and lifted me off the ground. At first, I laughed. He was so happy, and I was so happy. But soon, a wave of nausea washed over me.

I tapped Brennan’s shoulder, and he immediately set me down. I dashed to the bathroom and threw up into the toilet.

I felt Brennan gather my hair and rub my back.

“I told you my cooking was hard to stomach,” he joked.

“This is morning sickness,” I muttered. “I don’t know why they call it that. It comes and goes as it pleases.”

I flushed the toilet and closed the lid. Brennan helped me up. I’d had a toothbrush in both of Brennan’s bathrooms before I’d left, and it was still here. Right next to his. I picked it up and brushed my teeth.

“Do you have everything you need? Vitamins and all?”

I nodded, placing the toothbrush back in the holder. “Just need an OB. I don’t even know where to start.”

“I have a friend who can recommend someone. Or at least someone who can recommend the best. I’ll call them now.”

I nodded and looked down at what I was wearing. Brennan’s work jacket and a sheet.

“I think I’ll take a shower.”

Exiting the bathroom, I strolled down the hallway to Brennan’s room. A smile spread across my face as I stepped inside. It was our room now—wow, that was going to take some getting used to.

My clothes were scattered on the floor. I picked them up and tossed them into the laundry hamper in the bathroom before heading into the closet.

The clothes Brennan had me buy were still in the same spot I’d left them. I selected a pair of leggings and a t-shirt.

I took a long shower. I’d forgotten how great the water pressure was in Brennan’s apartment.

Back home, it was like someone had squashed the plumbing, and the water just dribbled out. A teacher’s salary had never covered renovations, and now that Dad was a retired widower, he had even less for such things.

I grinned and turned off the shower. With my new income, I’d pay off his mortgage.

Once I was dressed, I ventured out into the dining room. Brennan was still on the phone, his laptop open in front of him.

“Tomorrow at noon? We can do that.” Brennan glanced at me and smiled. “Thank you, Dr. Harber. I really appreciate you seeing us at such short notice. Yes. See you then. Bye.”

Brennan put his phone down and waved me over to where he sat. I walked around and took the seat next to him.

He swiveled his laptop and showed me a picture of a woman, with long black hair and warm green eyes. Her name, Dr. Harber, was written underneath her picture.

“I made an appointment. I hope that’s okay? We don’t have to pick her. My friend said she is the best, and she said she’d make an opening for us, so I took it. But we can cancel.”

Brennan’s words tumbled out in a rush. I’d never seen him like this before, so anxious and unsure of himself. I placed my hand over his and leaned in to plant a kiss on his cheek.

“Relax, I’m sure she is perfect,” I reassured him.

Brennan spent the rest of the evening reading up about the first trimester of pregnancy while I dozed off with my head in his lap.

***

When I woke in the morning, Brennan and I were sprawled on the sofa. He’d covered us with the throw blanket and was sleeping peacefully beside me.

We’d wasted so much time dancing around each other that now it seemed so pointless. We’d both been scared for our own reasons, but we’d stood in our own way.

I smiled. At least that part was over. Everything was out in the open, there were no secrets between us.

“Enjoying the show?” Brennan asked sleepily, without opening his eyes. “I can feel you watching me.”

I stifled a chuckle and lifted my left hand to his face, tracing my fingers along his jawline. His eyes flickered open and locked onto mine.

“I missed waking up next to you,” I whispered.

“So did I.”

Brennan’s lips brushed mine. I knew the moment could easily ignite, leading to a morning of unadulterated fun. But Brennan and I had plans.

“We need to get dressed,” I murmured.

“Ugh,” Brennan replied, tightening his grip around me.

I placed another chaste kiss on his lips before forcing myself to sit up. Brennan’s arms were still around me. His grip as firm as ever.

“Fine,” he said, finally loosening his grip. “If you say so.”

It was nearing 9:30 a.m. before we were both ready to leave. I checked my phone as we left the apartment. I had a message from Belle.

Belle

I’ve left a key at the desk, I’m with my new boyfriend at his place for a couple of days. So happy for you babe!

I smiled and shoved my phone into my pocket.

“I called ahead. Melody is going to have coffees waiting in my office. We can go over the next few weeks’ meetings. By the time you start, I’ll make sure your office is ready.”

Brennan pressed the button on the elevator. I looked up at him and smiled.

Yesterday, returning to work hadn’t even been on the table. Now Brennan was entrusting me with his business. It almost felt like a dream.

“When am I starting?” I asked softly, linking my arm through his.

“As soon as you want!” Brennan exclaimed. “Monday?”

“Sounds perfect,” I replied.

In three days I’d be back at Wolf Industries, albeit in a slightly different role. The doors pinged open, and we stepped inside. As they closed, a wave of dread began to wash over me.

I sucked in a breath and lifted my hand to the collar of my jacket, loosening it. Brennan’s hand slipped from my link and wrapped around my waist.

“You okay?” he asked softly.

“What if everyone thinks I slept my way to the top?” I blurted out. It seemed suspicious that I was going to run the place with Brennan now that we were a couple.

“Well, if they think that, it was a long-winded approach. You worked as my PA for more than three years, Grace.”

I sighed. “And all it took to get promoted was a sex fest.”

Brennan clicked his tongue and pulled me closer. “That’s not why.”

“~I~ know that,” I whispered. “You know how gossip spreads. Maybe, just for now…we keep this quiet at the office?”

Brennan’s grip loosened slightly. He huffed, but I knew he was going to agree. The elevator doors opened in the parking garage, and he slipped his hand in mine.

“Fine. Just for now.”

We drove to the office first. Lucy eyed me as Brennan and I walked in together. I knew instantly that it didn’t matter if we kept it quiet. Her gaze said all it needed to. She knew.

“Morning, Lucy,” I said softly as we walked past the desk.

“Morning, Ms. Reynolds, Mr. Wolf.”

~Ms. Reynolds?~ Yesterday she called me Grace. Once we were past the desk, I tugged on Brennan’s elbow.

“Ouch!” he yelped, although I’d barely touched him.

“Why is Lucy calling me ‘Ms. Reynolds?’”

“Melody must’ve sent out the memo by now,” Brennan said, trying to sound innocent. But I could hear the grin in his voice.

I clenched my jaw and shook my head. “What memo?”

“I put one together. Just a little introduction about you being my co-CEO. Nothing official. That’ll happen when you officially start.”

“Brennan,” I warned him. “We might as well have strolled in here making out.”

He halted and grabbed my hand, pulling me close to him.

“Really? Is that an invitation?”

I couldn’t help myself. Being next to him, I turned into a puddle, my mind unable to form coherent thoughts. Suddenly, I didn’t give a damn about what anyone thought of our relationship or how unprofessional we looked being this close in the office.

I grinned and shook my head. “You’re playing a dangerous game, Mr. Wolf.”

“I love you,” he whispered. “I want the whole world to know.”

I smiled and laid my hand on his chest. “Alright.”

I stood on my tiptoes and kissed him. It was a simple kiss, a peck to ease his mind. To let him know I wasn’t going to make him pretend we weren’t a couple.

Hand in hand, we walked into the office. I could hear the whispers, but suddenly, I found I didn’t care.