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  I was caught off guard by his question. “Not even remotely. I have no interest in working for him again.” I huffed out a long breath. “You know the kind of man I was before I worked here, Graham. I have no desire to fall back into old habits, no matter what carrot he’s dangling. I love my life. My family. My job.” I paused as a thought struck me. “You weren’t really worried about that, were you?”

  “To be honest, I’m more worried you’ll decide to fly off to Toronto. Bentley would love to add you to his company. He has been very straightforward about that many times. All you’d have to do is say the word, and you could write your own ticket with him.”

  “At what cost?” I said. “Drag my wife and children across the country—away from everything familiar and move to a city I like to visit but don’t want to live in? Leave the company that changed my life and gave me all the good things I now have?” I shook my head. “No, Graham. I’m not interested in leaving. Now or in the foreseeable future. You taught me a very valuable lesson called loyalty, and I’m sticking right here—with you.”

  Our gazes locked, the air thick with tension and seriousness. I needed to break the ice.

  “Unless, of course, you want to get rid of me. Then I’ll take Bentley up on the offer. David can go fuck himself. He wants the awards. Screw that—they belong here.” I winked.

  Graham chuckled, my words concluding the serious moment. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “You are a very important, vital part of my company, Richard.”

  “Thank you.”

  “You also know, aside from Terence, all the VPs in the company are family.”

  Terence Gifford came onboard with Graham at the creation of The Gavin Group. He was Graham’s oldest friend and his most trusted ally outside of his family.

  “I’m aware, Graham. I knew that coming in, and frankly, it would have upset the old Richard. But now, I’ve figured out there are more important things. I meant what I said to David. I’m proud of the work I do here. Proud to know that one day my kids can see a campaign I put together and be proud of me. I never had that satisfaction at Anderson Inc. It was simply a game of survival.”

  He nodded in understanding and spoke again. “Terence is leaving.”

  “What? Is he okay?”

  “He’s fine. More than fine. His son and wife are expecting twins. They live in Edmonton, and Terence and his wife Jill have decided to move there and be close for their grandkids.”

  “So, he’s retiring?”

  “Yes.”

  “Good for him.”

  There was a pause. Graham leaned back, now relaxed and confident. “We had a family meeting yesterday afternoon. We discussed Terence and the void that will be left with his departure. We’re going to change things up. Spread out his duties and make some adjustments. And we’re going to hire a new associate.”

  I was confused. Hiring a new associate wouldn’t really fill Terence’s spot. “Okay?”

  “We’d like it if you took him under your wing.”

  I was even more confused. “Sure, Graham, whatever you need.”

  “He’s a bit of a handful. Brad is Laura’s nephew—not long out of school. He interned with a place in Calgary but has decided to come back to BC. I know Laura and her sister have hoped he would end up here. Her sister lives an hour away, which means he’ll be close to her again. Frankly, I was never sure why he insisted on going elsewhere to work when he had the chance to be here, but he was always adamant on forging his own way.” He paused, rubbing his chin in amusement. “Lots of talent—a great instinct for the job. Although at times, he gets ahead of himself. And he thinks he knows it all. Bit of an attitude, to be honest. Sound familiar?”

  I chuckled. “Vaguely. I’m sure I can bring him down a peg or two.”

  Graham grinned. “Don’t crush him. I am rather fond of the boy. However, I think he’d do well to work under you for the first while. See how to put together award-winning campaigns.”

  “I’ll do my best.”

  He leaned back, crossing his legs. “I’m going to give him your office.”

  I sat up straighter, now feeling annoyed. I liked my office. “What? Can’t you give him a different office? Where the hell am I going to work?” I sputtered.

  His eyes danced at my reaction.

  “In the corner office beside mine. Congratulations, Richard. You’re the new VP of The Gavin Group and in charge of all Eastern Canada accounts.” He snickered. “Bentley would have a meltdown if I pulled you from that territory. You do such an amazing job, I’m giving you all those clients to oversee. It’s a growing market for us, thanks to you.”

  Shock was an understatement at his words, and for a moment, I was speechless. My mouth hung open, and I stared at Graham.

  “Excuse me?” I finally asked.

  He looked amused at my confusion.

  “You heard me correctly, Richard. You are the new VP of The Gavin Group. You’re moving offices, pay grades, positions, and you’ll now own a small piece of stock in the company. Brad will work with you, and you can groom him and let him work on the smaller accounts to get some experience. I don’t think he could have a better mentor.”

  “But-but you never…” I stuttered. “It’s family. You keep the company within the family. I knew that when I came here and when you rehired me. I never expected…” My voice trailed off, amazement still rendering me incapable of coherent speech or thought.

  He sat back, now relaxed and at ease. “I told you in our initial meeting that my company is family, Richard. That the people within the company are thought of that way. I meant it.”

  “I know. I’ve told you often how much I admire the way you run the company. You know what a difference it, you, have made to my life—both professionally and personally.”

  “That’s the difference between you and my other staff, Richard. You have become a part of my life personally. Your family is an extension of my own. Laura dotes on your children the same way she dotes on our grandkids. Jenna and Adam think of you as a surrogate brother. Adrian admires you.” He shrugged. “You have become…more.” He paused, smiling before he spoke again. “Laura and I feel as though you’re an adopted son to us, Richard—the same way Adrian did when he married Jenna. You have made me proud of the man you have become and the man I know you will continue to be. You deserve this.”

  I swallowed hard, my throat constricted. I had to blink several times before I could respond. With Katy and my girls, I was able to show my emotions. The tenderness and love I felt for them were easy for me to express. Katy had shown me how to be real with them. I was still learning when it came to other people. I could joke around with Maddox. Tease Jenna. Hug Laura and allow her to fuss over me. Graham’s acceptance and trust in me overwhelmed me at times because of the deep sense of need it fulfilled within me. The paternal role I’d lacked my entire life that he filled with his encouragement and pride.

  I cleared my throat, but regardless, the words were thick and heavy as I spoke them. “That means more than I can adequately express, Graham.” A grin pulled on my lips, the irony not lost on me—words and ideas were my thing after all, but this was different. Personal and overwhelming. His trust and opinion were paramount to me. I met his steady gaze. “I won’t let you down. Thank you.”

  “I know you won’t. This is the right move for all of us. Call your wife and give her the good news. Come to my office later, and we’ll sign the paperwork.” He chuckled. “Some formalities that have to be done. HR, you know. They insist on this stuff.”

  Standing, I reached across my desk, extending my hand. “Thank you, Graham. This is unexpected and amazing. I’m excited about the entire concept.”

  He shook my hand, his grip firm and strong. He stood and walked toward the door. He turned with a wide smirk. “I’m glad you’re excited, but you might not be thanking me once you meet Brad.”

  I wasn’t concerned. I had dealt with lots of junior executives in the past. I once was one of them. I knew how to handle their brashness. Really, how bad could this kid be? If Graham and Laura were fond of him, and Graham was bringing him into the company, he had to have merit. He probably needed a firm hand from someone who didn’t have a direct family connection. If he was going to be part of my team, I would oversee and encourage him.

  I was grinning as I picked up the phone, anxious to share this news with Katy. Maybe we could get Mrs. Thomas to babysit and I would take her out tonight to celebrate. Dinner and a hotel room for a few hours so I could have her to myself. I grinned at the idea, liking the thought.

  I stared at my wife across the table. The candlelight flickered, the dim glow casting shadows on the walls and highlighting her lovely features. Her beautiful eyes were filled with pride and happiness—and a little glassy from the champagne we had drunk to celebrate my new role.

  “I’m so proud of you, Richard.”

  I tilted my head. “I couldn’t have done this without you, Katy. All of this—my life, my career, my children—is because of you.” I knew as the words left my mouth how true they were. Katy had been the turning point in my life, and without her, nothing would be worthwhile. Because of her, I had changed and become the person I was now. I reached into my pocket and pulled out a long, flat box, sliding it across the table. “For you.”

  She stared at the box, worrying the inside of her lip. It still amused me that, after all this time, she wasn’t used to being spoiled. Every gift I gave her was greeted with the same surprise and delight. It didn’t matter how big or small, she loved it. It made giving them to her all that more enjoyable.

  “Take it, sweetheart.” I pushed it closer.

  Her eyes widened as she picked up the box and opened the lid. She lifted her gaze to mine then back to the box. “Richa
rd…”

  She removed the diamond and sapphire bracelet from the box, the gems glinting in the light. “It’s lovely!”

  I reached across the table and fastened the clasp around her wrist.

  “The blue reminded me of your eyes, Katy. I love how they look at me—the way they see me.” I held her hand, staring at the glittering jewels. “I wanted to give you something to mark today.”

  She blinked at the tears forming in her eyes. “Thank you, my darling. I will treasure it always.”

  I leaned close and kissed the tender, thin skin of her wrist. “I’ll treasure you.”

  Her gaze was luminous as she regarded me. “Take me home, Richard. I need to be alone with you.”

  “I got a room here, and I told Mrs. Thomas we’d be really late. She said she’d sleep in the guestroom.” I winked. “I want you loud tonight.”

  “Take me upstairs.”

  I signaled for the check.

  We barely made it into the room. Katy was all over me in the elevator, her body molded to mine, her mouth hungry and demanding. I fumbled with the key, finally getting her into the room. I pressed her against the wall, lifting her and wrapping her legs around my waist.

  “You want it dirty, sweetheart?”

  “Yes,” she moaned, sliding her hand between us and cupping my erection. “Hard, fast, and dirty. Fuck me, Richard.” She nipped my jaw. “Take me.”

  I groaned low in my throat. I loved it when she let go. When she got vocal and told me what she wanted.

  “Tell me.”

  “I want you to take me right here. Fill me with your cock.” She dragged her mouth up my neck, sucking in my earlobe and biting down. “Play with me, Richard. Possess me.”

  I set her on her feet and, in seconds, had her out of her pretty little dress. I threw it over my shoulder, my suit jacket following it, and stared at her, my chest heaving with my labored breaths. Lace and satin covered her breasts, her nipples pebbled under the diaphanous material. She pressed her thighs together with a moan.

  “I’m aching for you, Richard. Put out the fire.”

  I dropped to my knees, lifting her leg over my shoulder. “I will, baby.”

  Her head fell back against the door as I licked and bit my way up her leg, brushing my fingers over the dampness of the satin between her legs. I wrapped my fingers around the lace at her hips and tugged hard. It gave way under my strength, baring her to me. She slid down a little, widening the space, grasping at my head. I licked at her, moaning at her wetness.

  “You want me, baby?”

  “Please.”

  I didn’t bother with more teasing. She didn’t need it, and I was too impatient. I slid my hands across her thighs and opened her up to my mouth. I licked and sucked, latching on to her clit, swirling my tongue over it the way she liked. She cried out, grabbing my hair and pulling me closer. I buried deep, pressing harder. I slipped two fingers inside her, pumping, then added a third. She gasped, her voice pleading as she called my name. I slipped my free hand from her hip and, using her wetness, I pushed a finger into her tight ass, knowing how wild that made her.

  She gripped my head, clutching at me frantically. “More, Richard! Oh my God, give me more!”

  My cock grew harder at her pleas. I added another finger to her ass and began to finger-fuck her in earnest, my hands and tongue working in tandem. She thrashed above me, her voice keening, her body vibrating. My wife was beautiful in her need, her desire for me a total turn-on. I ached to be inside her, to feel her warmth and the way her pussy clenched around me.

  She cried out, fisting my hair hard and moaning my name. I gentled my touch, drawing out her orgasm until she collapsed against the wall. Then I stood and met her gaze.

  “Here or the bed, Katy?”

  With a sexy smirk, she turned to the wall and spread her legs. “Take me here, Richard. Now.”

  I didn’t need a second invitation. I held her hips, lifting her and sinking into her heat. She groaned as I filled her, reaching back to wrap her arms around my neck. I played with her breasts, pulling and pinching at her nipples as I drove into her. She was slick, hot, and perfect around me. I licked and bit my way up her neck, moaning hot dirty words into her ear.

  “I love fucking you.”

  “Your pussy is perfect, Katy. And mine. All mine.”

  “Fuck,” I groaned as her hand dropped and clutched at my ass, her blunt nails sinking into my skin. “Like that. Just like that, baby. So fucking good.”

  I slid one hand to her clit, pressing and stroking as I felt my balls begin to tighten.

  “Come all over my cock, Katy.” I moaned as I felt my orgasm start to wind its way through my body. “Come for me again.”

  She tightened around me, setting me off. I wrapped her up, thrusting and cursing as I shook and emptied myself inside her. Her answering whimpers were breathy and low, and she whispered my name like a prayer. I collapsed onto her back, leaning heavily against her, her body trapped between me and the wall. I kissed her skin, murmuring my adoration for her, and finally eased away, catching her in my arms and carrying her to the shower.

  The warm water streamed around us. We didn’t talk much, but we kissed and smiled as we soaped each other clean, letting the water rinse us off before wrapping up in towels and snuggling on the bed, the heated passion sated and contentment surrounding us. These were the moments I loved. Allowing both sides of myself to be free with Katy and feel her respond to me.

  “You want to stay?” I asked quietly.

  “For a little while. I want to be home when the girls wake up.”

  I pressed a kiss to her head. I was good with that.

  “Sleep for a bit, sweetheart.”

  She snuggled closer. “I love you, Richard.”

  I held her tighter.

  “With all my heart, Katy.”

  4

  Richard

  The next morning, I was still high from the evening with my wife. We had slept for a while, then I had made love to her again before we drove home in the early hours of the morning, dawn beginning to break as we arrived home. We snuck into the house like a couple of kids worried about being caught breaking curfew by their parents, and we tiptoed upstairs. Our girls were sleeping, safe and sound, and Mrs. Thomas snored away in the guest room, the monitor beside her blinking and ready to alert her should the girls need her.

  I tucked Katy into our bed and went for a run. As I pounded the pavement through our quiet neighborhood, I contemplated my life over the past few years. How it had changed. How I had changed. Contentment and happiness were two emotions I never expected to find in this life. Love was another one.

  Katy gave them all to me.

  Her gentleness, the sweetness that resided in her soul, had transformed the terse, emotionless man I had been into a person I barely recognized—and respected a lot more than the person I had been. When I looked in the mirror, I liked my reflection. I no longer saw a bitter, empty, and jaded man. Now I was a husband, father, friend. I loved and nurtured those around me, and it was returned to me tenfold.

  Five years ago, if I had been told this would be my life today, I would have laughed loudly at the absurd idea of it all.

  Now, I was grateful and unable to fathom life any other way.

  I showered, filled my travel mug with coffee, kissed a still-sleeping Katy goodbye, and headed into the office. I had a busy day ahead of me, including plans to go over for my new office space. Graham insisted it be remodeled to suit me, and I was excited to see the drawings. I knew it would be in keeping with the understated elegance of the building in general, but it would be brighter and laid out differently from what Terence had liked. He was older and preferred dim lighting and heavy furniture. My space needed to be open, with lots of room for campaign ideas I liked to have access to. A smaller desk. More comfortable, modern furniture. I had discussed it with the designer Graham liked, and she was coming in today to show me her sketches.

  I sipped my coffee and looked over my day. I had a few meetings with clients, a new potential one in Toronto that Amy had set up a phone conference with, and I had a campaign I needed to finish. I pulled up the files on my computer to study the concepts. The client was proving to be hard to nail down, but I thought I had finally crafted the right images and words. I worked for a while, tweaking and adjusting, saved the file, and sent it to print.