And it’s in that moment that I know. There is no way I was revenge. The truth behind Jay’s pleading is right there in my daughter’s gaze.

  Our story began that day. When a boy walked into a coffee shop and what he saw stole his attention. Reminded him that life was about more than revenge. The day a girl stood at the counter and locked eyes with her future. When she met a man who made her question so much while also giving her the space to find the answers herself.

  Our parents had nothing to do with how we were brought together. No, that was the stars. And if I allow our parents to tear us apart, if I allow their tortured history to destroy what that couple from the coffee shop fought so hard for, then I’ll be fighting against the stars.

  45

  LOVE ME AGAIN BY JOHN NEWMAN

  Jay

  I run my hands through my hair and groan as I look over the numbers again. Something doesn’t add up. After the merger with the Jameses, I volunteered to go through the financials, since I’m familiar with both companies.

  But I can’t find any evidence of the things Theo was supposed to put in place or the plans we made. Either Cash has run this company into the ground in mere months, or we have a much bigger problem.

  The truth, though, is that I’m using this as a distraction. I’ve been waiting for Cat to call me and tell me how her conversation went with Chloe. Will my daughter want to meet me? Will she allow me to get to know her?

  I don’t even know how to talk to a kid, let alone one who likely hates me.

  Cat hasn’t spoken to me since we left Grace’s office. I told her I’d let her stay in her apartment if she allowed security to monitor her building. I didn’t tell her that I’m the security. I sit outside with my security guard every night, just waiting for the moment she finally gives in. My neck hurts from sleeping in the car. Hopefully, she comes around sooner rather than later.

  “Mr. Hanson,” Elyse says through the intercom.

  “Yes,” I reply, thankful for the interruption. My thoughts are spiraling again.

  “Ms. James is here to see you. Shall I send her in?”

  My heart jumps at the sound of her name. “Yes, send her back.” While I wait, I clear my desk and run a hand through my hair. I can only imagine what a mess it is. I’ve probably tugged on it a hundred times today. Then I blow my breath into my hand, checking that I smell okay.

  I grab a mint just in case.

  As the door to my office opens, I snatch the first thing I can find on my desk to make myself look busy and grimace when I realize I’ve picked up the stapler. I squeeze it a few times, because what the fuck else am I going to do?

  “You okay over there?” she says, zeroing in on my hand.

  I squeeze it a few more times and smirk. “Just working out my hands. I was getting a cramp. Don’t you do this? If not, you should. It’s totally good for your fingers…and you know how I need to keep my fingers strong.”

  Her face contorts as she scrutinizes me. “Are you okay?”

  No.

  “Who me? I’m fine. Why are you acting so weird?”

  She lets out a nervous laugh and points to the chair. “Can I sit, or should I leave you alone to finish your workout?”

  I drop the stapler like it’s got rabies and the staples I’ve needlessly set free scatter across my desk. “All done.” I turn my attention to her. “So, uh, to what do I owe the pleasure?”

  She clears her throat, crosses her legs, and places her hands flat against her knee. “Well, um, I came to say that I think I was wrong.”

  “About?”

  “Grace.”

  Surprised by the topic, I lean back in my chair and observe her for a moment. I want to ask her about Chloe, but maybe she’s trying to let me down easy. Maybe Chloe wants nothing to do with me, and Cat is buttering me up with this. I rub my hand over my face and silence my racing thoughts. When I focus on Cat again, she’s looking at me like I’m insane.

  “Really? Why do you say that?”

  She licks her lips, and my eyes track her tongue before it darts back. “I had lunch with her and Tessa. They told me everything. I’m…I’m sorry I didn’t listen.”

  “That’s hard for you, huh?” I tease, feigning a levity I don’t feel. Hoping she can’t see how I’m dying inside and silently begging her to get to what I really want to know.

  She rolls her eyes. “I admit I didn’t handle everything well. But to be fair, you sprang a lot of shit on me.”

  I blow out a breath and steeple my hands below my chin. “I did. And for the record, Kitten, I’m sorry too. I wish I could change the past.”

  She nods. “I know. My point is…maybe we could start over?”

  “I’m not following.”

  “We’re going to be married,” she says, swallowing thickly. “If that’s still what you want.” She looks out the window before meeting my eyes. “I mean, if you just wanted the company, I understand.”

  “I want you,” I blurt with far less finesse than I’m known for. Then I swallow my fears and put my heart on the line. “You’re it for me, Cat. You are the only thing I want. You and Chloe…if she’s open to meeting me, that is.”

  Cat drops her gaze to the floor, and my stomach plummets. But then she drags her focus back to me, and I’m hit with a look I wasn’t ready for. Happiness. Maybe even relief. As if, maybe, just maybe, I said the right thing for once.

  “She’d like to meet you.”

  “She would?” I practically shout in disbelief, bolting upright in my chair, which causes it to roll away from the desk.

  She shakes her head, but her eyes remain bright. “Yes, but you have to play it cool.”

  “I’m cool.” With a scoff, I give her the coolest look I have and hit her with a smolder.

  She laughs and shuts her eyes. “No. No, you are not. But it’s okay. I’m not cool when it comes to her either.”

  My chest squeezes at the smile on her face as I settle into easy banter with my favorite person. It’s like coming home. A soft blanket that’s worn in all the right places. “You’re not?”

  She shakes her head. “Not at all. Just don’t go demanding we move in with you right away,” she taunts.

  I lean back in my chair and lace my fingers behind my head. “Not right away. But eventually, yes, you’ll move in with me.”

  She puffs out a tedious breath. “We aren’t uprooting Chloe any more than she already has been.”

  “Cat, my place is huge. She’ll have her pick of rooms, a pool on the roof, the hot tub.” I waggle my brows. Okay, maybe that incentive is more for my fiancée. She always did love the hot tub.

  Her exhale is harsh instead of airy like I hoped. “I could have all those things too, Jay. I’m not marrying you for your money.”

  I chuckle softly. At least she’s dropped the being forced into marriage bit. She’s almost got me convinced that she wants it too—that she wants us too.

  “I’m aware, Kitten. Fuck, am I aware. I just…” I scrub a hand through my hair. “I want to give Chloe everything. I’ve missed out on so much.”

  She gives me a soft smile, her lip tipping up as if she’s in on her own joke. “I’d like to say all she wants is your time, but she does like the finer things in life…” She laughs and gets this far-off look. “Last week, Cynthia took her to Sienna Langfield’s shop, and she hasn’t stopped talking about it.”

  “She likes fashion?” I’m desperate for any information she’ll give me about our daughter.

  Cat’s smile grows. It’s full of pride, and she wears it so fucking well. I love seeing her like this. Easy. It all comes so damn easy to her. There’s something so beautiful about that. Cat has struggled her entire life trying to figure out who she is, what she is, who she wants to be, but there is no struggle when it comes to her role as a mother.

  “She loves fashion. And music…” She peeks up at me through her black lashes, and a moment passes between us. Music. It’s always been our thing.

  “I can work with that.” I rub my hand over my mouth and blow out a steady breath, then add, “Thank you, Cat.”

  “For what?” Her brows knit together.

  I ache to smooth out those lines, to kiss that very spot.

  “For sharing. I know this isn’t easy, and I know it’s not the life you envisioned…” I study the wood grain of my desk. I can’t look at her, or I’ll lose my nerve. “But I hope you’ll give us a chance. Give me a chance.” True hope ignites in me for the first time. Not just a spark, but a real flame, small as it may be. I risk a look at her to gauge her reaction, hope daring to peek out after a decade in hiding.

  She holds my gaze, her eyes more amber than their usual whiskey color, and I get lost in a dream that life could be different for us. That she and Chloe and I can be a real family. She clears her throat and finally speaks. All my focus is fixed on her lips as the words form. “I’d like that. But if I’m being honest, I’m still not sure I trust you.”

  “But you’re open to trying? To letting this be something more than just an arrangement?”

  “Yes.” Her answer is quick but quiet. Like she couldn’t keep it from slipping out. She appears almost surprised by it.

  “Fuck, why can’t you two just move in with me? God, I want to skip all the awkward parts and get to the good.”

  “Jay,” she laughs, “I said I’d try. We aren’t even dating yet.”

  I smirk. “You’re my fiancée, Kitten. I think we’re past the dating.”

  “But that’s my point,” she murmurs, pushing her hair behind her ear. “We never got to date. Not even back then. I was always your dirty little secret.”

  I fling myself back in my chair and ball my hands into fists on the armrests. “No, you weren’t. We may have liked things dirty, Cat, and I know for a fact you still do,” I growl, “but make no mistake, I told the people who mattered.”

  She arches a brow. “Not my brother, who was allegedly your best friend.”

  I blow out a breath. This won’t be easy. “I really did like Carter. At times it put me at war with myself, but I was dedicated to my father. To our revenge.”

  Her chin stiffens. “And me?”

  “You were everything. You are everything. And I know it will take a long time to prove it to you, and I know I’ve made millions of mistakes and will likely make more, but trust me when I say that I’m going to make it right. I’ll give you the future you deserve. One you both deserve.”

  Her eyes glisten with unshed tears as she gives me a slight nod.

  Giving in to the need to be closer, I stand and settle myself in front of my desk with one ankle crossed over the other.

  In the chair in front of me, Cat runs her tongue along her lips and gives me a thorough once-over. Every inch of me her eyes rake over ignites until I’m afraid I’ll burn the building down.

  “Better stop looking at me like that if you don’t want me to bend you over this desk right now.”

  A surprised laugh escapes her. “And how am I looking at you?”

  “Like you want me to bend you over this desk and do dirty things to you with these fingers I’ve been working so hard on.” I wiggle my fingers.

  She guffaws but quickly schools her expression. “There will be no bending anyone over any desks.”

  “Oh yeah?” I challenge.

  “We’re dating, Jay. Getting to know one another. Building a foundation.” She lectures me like she’s the teacher, and I’m the wayward student.

  Fuck, she’s hot when she bosses me around.

  “When can I meet her? Tonight?” I ask, dropping my palms to my desk and angling closer to her.

  She shakes her head, but she’s smiling the whole time, her eyes sparkling with humor. “Can’t. I’m going out with Grace to discuss my dates.”

  I groan and run my hand over my face. “I take it back. That’s the worst idea I’ve ever had. I don’t want you dating anyone but me. Even if it’s fake.”

  She laughs and stands. And then suddenly she’s pressing her body to mine. With one hand planted on my chest, she brushes her lips against my cheek and whispers, “Petit à petit, l’oiseau fait son nid.”

  It’s so surprising I don’t even have a chance to wrap my arms around her before she’s pulling away.

  “What does that mean?”

  Her eyes dance. “Literally? Little by little, the bird makes its nest.”

  I bark out a laugh. “Why the hell did you say it? I mean it was sexy as fuck.”

  She smirks. “It means slowly but surely, Mr. Hanson. Patience.”

  “The only French I know is ménage à trois.”

  She giggles. “This is going to be so much fun, Mr. Hanson.”

  My heart stutters, and a bolt of desire races through me. “Let the games begin, future Mrs. Hanson.”

  From my spot at the bar, I have an unobstructed view of the entrance, allowing me to monitor every person who enters the restaurant. But it’s Kevin who spots them. “Kitten. Five o’clock,” he practically shouts, nudging me in the ribs.

  Garreth swirls the liquid in his rocks glass, the ice inside clanking. “You aren’t a fucking spy. Just say you see Cat sitting in the corner.”

  “And don’t ever use that fucking nickname again,” I say, shooting him a warning glare.

  Kevin downs his drink. “Well, aren’t you two a good time? Why am I here again?”

  Garreth sips his drink, watching me over the rim. “The same reason we’ve all become puppets for my little brother. Because of her.” He nods in Cat’s direction.

  Despite my brother’s annoyance with me, I can’t help but smile at the woman across the room. Her lips are painted a deep red and her cheeks are highlighted by bronzer, but tonight her hair is what draws my attention. She cut it.

  And it’s drastic.

  She’s always had long, dark hair that sways as she walks. But the woman I can’t take my eyes off sits at a small table with Grace, martini in hand, with hair cut to her chin. The new style highlights her long neck, tempting me to march over there and press a kiss up every inch.

  “Fucking gorgeous,” I mutter, mesmerized, before taking another sip of my drink and leaving the men at the bar.

  I don’t miss the good-natured grumble Garreth lets out. Yeah, he’s right. I’m fucking gone for her. Have been for a long, long time.

  No point in denying it. My brother knows the truth, anyhow. Every single decision we’ve made over the last decade has been in preparation for this moment.

  The moment I finally take back what’s mine.

  They haven’t spotted me yet, so I pause nearby when Grace asks Cat what she’s looking for in a man.

  Cat peruses the patrons around her, focused and determined, and when she’s found what she’s looking for, her eyes light up. But fuck, it’s not me she’s pointing at. It’s a couple engrossed in conversation at the bar.

  “Him,” she says.

  The fuck?

  He’s good-looking, sure, in that dark, broody way, I suppose. But he looks like an uptight asshole to me.

  “Why him?” Grace asks.

  Yeah. Why him? What’s she got against hot blond men with a sense of humor and impeccable taste in fashion?

  Cat’s red lips turn up in a smile. “He’s looking at her like my brother looked at you. Not a woman in this room could tear his gaze away. I want to be that for someone. I want someone to feel that way about me. But I want him to almost lose control in his thirst for me. I want him hungry. Desperate for me. Find me that, Grace. Anything less isn’t worth my time.”

  My heart pounds in my chest. Yeah, she’s ready.

  “Got it. One insanely hot, narcissistic asshole coming up,” Grace teases.

  I can’t help but laugh. Loudly. “Did someone summon me?”

  Cat’s eyes dart to mine, and she shakes her head, but the smile remains on her face. That’s right, baby, I’m here. I’m the one you’ve been looking for. And I swear to God her eyes are saying the exact same thing. She knows it, and I know it. Fucking finally, we’re both on the same damn page.

  “You ladies enjoying dinner?” I ask as I squeeze Grace’s shoulder. I lean down and kiss her cheek and whisper in her ear. “Is she playing nice?”

  She laughs and motions to the chair beside her. “We’re fine. Join us for dinner? Or do you have a date tonight?”

  Before replying, I move to the object of my desire and press a kiss to the spot just below her ear. “Completely. Irrevocably. Head over fucking heels. Our life begins tomorrow, Kitten. You own me,” I whisper.

  She bites her lip and shakes her head, but her eyes are wide and filled with wonder.

  Turning back to Grace, I reply, “Can’t. Just wanted to stop and say hi to my two favorite girls. Make sure you’re playing nice.” I wink at Grace and then look back at Cat, because honestly, I can’t take my damn eyes off her. “I’d ask you to join us for a drink after dinner, but I don’t want my friends looking at either of you the way I know they will.”

  Grace pouts. “After all I’ve been through, you’d deny me a fun night of no strings attached?”

  “Don’t even think about it, Gracie. You deserve better than all of them. You deserve better than everyone in this damn restaurant.”

  “Thanks, Jay. Enjoy your drinks.”

  Before I walk away, I pin Cat with a look and mouth, “Only you.”

  Then I stride back to the guys, because tonight is the last night before my life begins again. And I’m going to enjoy it.

  46

  CARDIGAN BY TAYLOR SWIFT

  Cat

  “I need you to dress me,” I shout as I walk into the models’ closet.

  Inside, Dexter has Sophie pressed up against the wall. One hand is splayed across her breast, and the other grips her hip tightly.