“I always do. You know that.” He smiled. “You’d be dealing with high-level clients. Discreet and referred only. You don’t advertise, and you don’t chase work. The work comes to you.”
“Okay. I accept.” Paige smiled.
“Excellent.” Gabriel glanced at his watch. “I have a meeting with someone in an hour, so I need to get going. Traffic around here is a total bitch. I’ll be in touch. It was finally nice to meet you in person, Parker.”
As soon as Gabriel left, I placed my hands on my hips and stared at Paige.
“You’re actually considering this? I thought it was just going to be a job here or there?”
“I think that’s what you wanted to hear, Hamilton. I’m not going back to who I was.”
“I know that,” I said.
“And I’m not going to sit still pretending I’m someone I’m not either. We’ve had this discussion before. You made me a promise. Or was that you saying what I wanted to hear so I’d stay?” Her irritated tone frightened me.
“No. Of course not.” I walked over and wrapped my arms around her. “I love you so much.”
“And I love you.” She broke our embrace. “You told me to trust a little each day, and that’s what I’ve done. Now it’s your turn.”
She was right.
“You know what I’m capable of, and you know I can take care of myself,” she said.
“I know that all too well, sweetheart. But?—”
“But what, Parker?” She folded her arms and tightened her jaw.
“You need to let me take care of you sometimes. That’s all I ask. Deal?”
Her face softened, and a small smile framed her beautiful lips.
“Deal. I really need to take a bath to wash the stench of the day off me. You can take care of me by joining me.” She smiled.
“Nothing would give me more pleasure.” I brushed my lips against hers.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Six Months Later
Parker
“I can’t believe this day has finally arrived.” I grinned, straightening Julian’s bowtie.
“Are you nervous?” Roman asked him.
“Nah. Maybe a little.”
Roman hooked his arm around me. “Any marriage plans in the future for you and Paige?”
“At some point.” I smiled. “I don’t think she’s ready to commit to marriage.”
The door to the suite opened, and the event coordinator stepped inside. “It’s time.” She smiled.
It was a beautiful ceremony in the Crystal Gardens of the Beverly Hills Hotel. Once pictures were taken, we headed to the Crystal Ballroom for the reception.
“Have I told you how beautiful you look in that dress?” I gripped Paige’s hips.
“Have I told you how much I hate the color pink?” She smirked.