Page 76 of Daring Destiny
“Yep.” I nod, feeling the grin stretch across my face. “Cognify’s letting go of the claim on Reuniverse. It’s over, Astrid. We’re free.”
She stares at the paper for a second then glances at me, her eyes glistening. “How did you…?”
“You inspired me. It wasn’t easy.” I sit next to her and run a hand through my hair. “We managed to negotiate a buyout when we found all of the documentation around the acquisition. It wasn’t going to go well for them and we all agreed my heart’s not in it after all of this bullshit they’ve put me through over the past couple of years. So, we keep our company. I give up half my equity in CognifyAI and I’ll take over as the Chairman of the board. I’m losing some money, but no golden handcuffs. No five-year commitment. I walk away with life-changing money and get to focus on Reuniverse with you.”
Astrid’s silent for a moment. I can see her trying to process everything. “I don’t even know what to say. This is exactly what we wanted. I think we manifested this shit.”
I take her hand and squeeze it. “I know. The caveat is, they want to announce after the IPO. I’ll stay in my current role through June.”
“That’s totally doable.” She nestles against me.
“And, perfect timing.” I play with a lock of her hair. “We can launch Reuniverse at the reunion, work with Jason if we choose, or keep it small and manageable. Either way, I want to build it with you.”
Tears well up in her eyes, which she blinks back and replaces with a smile. “I’m so proud of you. I know how hard this has been.”
“There’s something else.” I swallow roughly because my nerves kick in. “Now that things are going to change, we should, you know, resume discussions about our future.”
Astrid sinks against me and strokes my cheek. “Oh, yeah?”
“Yeah. I was thinking it’s time we found our forever home and moved in together. If you’re up for it.” I feel a surge of relief at getting the words out. Like everything in my life has been leading to this moment.
Her eyes light up and she actually giggles. “Brennan McGloughlin, are you asking me to shack up with you?”
“Well, I guess so.” I chuckle. “First, I’d like to squeeze in a short vacation to celebrate, if you’re up for it. Before your busy season kicks in. No matter what, by June I want you with me. Not only on weekends. Not in between business trips. Every. Fucking. Day.”
She doesn’t hesitate. “Yes. Absolutely yes.”
Our lips press together in a deep, persistent kiss and the tension of everything we’ve been through melts away.
We’re moving forward. Our future isn’t something I have to fight for anymore. It’s there. Waiting for us to step into it.
“Happy New Year, A.” I stand and pull her up with me. Lead her to the stairs to her bedroom. “I think it’s time for a celebratory night of orgasms, don’t you think?”
Astrid slaps my ass. “Abso-fucking-lutely. Lead the way.”
thirty-one
Astrid
Three Weeks Later
I’veneverhadavacation like this.
Not in my entire adult life, and I’ve been missing out. Big time.
When Brennan surprised me with a week-long trip to Maui, I couldn’t believe it. It’s the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me. Seriously.
We’re back in the hotel room after a long day of splashing in the ocean and lying in the sun. I’m sprawled out on the bed in my bikini, my skin is warm and a little salty from the ocean.
Brennan stands by the sliding glass door, fiddling with the blinds as the sun dips slightly lower on the horizon. A warm, golden light fills the room, illuminating his tan skin. His hair is still damp and the way it curls slightly at the ends makes him look softer. More relaxed.
I’ve never loved anyone more.
“What do you think?” He glances over at me. “Stay here forever? Get jobs selling overpriced coconuts to tourists?”
I roll onto my stomach and prop myself up on my elbows. “We’d make a killing. You’ll be the tech genius who figures out how to turn coconuts into WiFi routers and I’ll be the one convincing people they need them.”
“Or…” He saunters over to me. “We could skip the coconuts and get a house on the beach here. I don’t give a shit about sunburns if it means getting to see you in a bikini every day.”