Page 177 of Love Unwritten

“After the Strawberry Festival.”

“So you’ll still be around until then?”

“Yup. I wouldn’t miss Nico’s performance for anything.” Her smile is small but sure.

I don’t want her to go, but I also want what is best for her. She is brilliant and talented, and it’s time someone recognizes that, even if that person happens to be Cole.

I want Ellie to shine like she was meant to, but that isn’t possible if she stays with me in the dark.

It hurts like hell to know I will have to let her go, but at the same time, I understand it is the best decision for her, which makes it the right choice for me.

Even if it feels wrong now.

My head may be spinning, but my heart is calm. No skipped beats. No racing pulse. No blood whooshing in my ears or temples throbbing. Honestly, if it weren’t for the fact that I’m still breathing, I would question if it was working properly.

My smile is honest. “I’m happy for you.”

Her brows hike up toward her hairline. “You are?”

I nod despite the tension in my neck. “I’m incredibly proud as well. I knew you were talented, but to score a job working for Cole? That’s a career-making opportunity.”

“Um…”

I walk over and pull her into my arms. “It’s okay to be happy about this.”

Her face crumples. “But I feel so conflicted.”

“I can help make the decision easier.”

“How?”

My hand finds the small of her back. “For starters, I’m not going to make you a competitive offer.”

“You’re not?” She tilts her head.

“No.”

A frown appears between her brows. “You could at least look torn up about me leaving.”

I am, but in a way, I feel free to do what I want now that we no longer have her job or Nico standing between us, and that in itself is a reason to celebrate.

I wrap my hand around the back of her neck. “Elle?”

“Yeah?”

“You know I like you, right?” I brush my thumb across her cheek.

“Well, I did hear you tell Nico that a few days ago, yes.” She looks confused as she tries to follow my train of thought.

“Remember that in a second, okay?”

“Wha—”

“You’re fired.”

Her protest dies when I crush my lips against her and kiss her like I’ve been wanting to.

Like I’ve been dying to.