Page 68 of Rescued Love

“Nathan,” Nigel breathes out, clearly relieved.

When Nathan looks at me, he must see the worry in my eyes because he shakes his head firmly and hooks his arm around my neck and pulls me against his chest. He keeps his voice neutral, “Is there something I can help you with?”

“I’m sorry to call you, especially since I accepted your resignation, but some things have come out which have caused the circumstances at the firm to change.” I scrunch up my face as I listen to Nigel because his words feel evasive.

Nathan must agree with me because he tersely prompts, “What are you trying to say? Just spit it out,” there’s no malice in his voice, but his words are firm.

Nigel chuckles, a hint of affection in his voice, “This is why I’ve been missing you, Nathan.” Tension fills his tone, “I’m just going to come right out with it. Please understand that I can’t give you all the details and that this conversation must stay confidential.”

Nathan sounds puzzled as hell, “Okay?”

“In the course of Culbert going to trial, it’s been revealed that Marcus became embroiled in a secondary pyramid scheme.” I freeze and I look up at Nathan with wide eyes who looks shocked as hell. He lets out a humorless chuckle, “I know. It’s shocking. It was uncovered that he sought you out to get your signature on some documents with the intention of framing you for misconduct and implicate you in their criminal activity.”

“I,” Nathan starts, shakes his head and swallows hard, “I don’t know what to say, Nigel.”

“I don’t either,” Nigel’s voice is weary. “Not only did I want to tell you that this is being taken care of, and that the firm won’t be representing Culbert or Marcus, but I also have to make you an offer.”

“What do you mean an offer?” Nathan sounds skeptical, which I can more than understand.

I’m starting to feel like I shouldn’t be listening to this conversation. Maybe I should give him some privacy? When I go to step away, Nathan tightens his hold on me, his eyes intent when he shakes his head.

“I’d like to extend an employment offer to you.” I swear I can feel the concussion from the bomb Nigel has just dropped. “Not only do we want you to come back but want to offer you a partner position and increase your salary by 40% from what you were being paid before.”

Nathan’s mouth drops open, and I have to look away from him. That’s an incredible offer. I know it is.

Tears well up in my eyes as fear grips me.

Is he going to take it? Is he going to leave me?

The thought makes it feel like a chasm opens in my chest. I hate the feeling.

Nathan clears his throat, but I can’t make myself look at him. “Nigel,” his voice is calm, even, and breaks my heart a little bit, “that’s an amazing offer.” He grips my chin gently between his thumb and forefinger and tips my head up so that I’m looking into his eyes. His beautiful brown eyes. “There is no way I can accept,” his voice is firm, serious, and without any hesitation. “I’m happy and I’m building a future with the woman I’m going to make my wife.”

My eyes get so big that they feel like they’re going to pop out of my head.

Nigel sighs, “I understand. I figured that would be your answer, but I would have regretted not reaching out.”

“I wish you the best of luck.” Nathan smiles at me like I’m not impersonating a statue. “Thank you for being an amazing mentor,” there’s warmth in my man’s voice and gratitude.

“Please, don’t be a stranger,” there’s a plea in Nigel’s voice.

I think they say a few more things, but I’m not paying attention. I’m pretty sure Nathan has made my brain short circuit.

After he hangs up and tucks his phone away, he cups my cheeks, his gaze boring into mine. “I’m serious, Kitten. When wemove into this house, I’ll be slipping a ring on your finger and making you my wife. I’m not waiting or holding back.”

I swallow hard and find myself nodding slowly. “Are you going to ask me?”

“Nope,” he pops the p. “I don’t need to ask because I’m it for you just like you’re it for me.”

“Cocky,” I accuse him and he only smirks.

He kisses me softly and my heart bursts with the amount of love I have for this man. “I love you,” I whisper against his lips.

When he pulls back it’s to grace with me with a huge smile. “I love you,” his voice is earnest. “Now, we have one more stop to make before I can take you home and strip you and worship your body.”

I arch an eyebrow in question as he starts to lead me out of the house, the house where I can see us living and loving for the rest of our lives. I can’t wait.

“We have a kitten to adopt.”