One Year Later...

“Lex, you gotta come see this,” Taryn said, poking her head into the kitchen.

Lexi looked up from the table where she had been helping Patrick with his homework. After school, her kids got off at the same bus stop Taryn’s kids did and hung out here with their dad until she finished her workday at the Goddess.

“Stay here, guys. I’ll be right back.”

Lexi followed Taryn out into the bar area, which was surprisingly quiet, except for the flat screens broadcasting the local news. All eyes were peeled on the televisions, and when Lexi looked up, she saw why.

“Turn it up, Jake,” someone called.

Jake grabbed the remote, and soon, the reporter’s voice filled the bar.

“I’m here with Pine Ridge native and former CEO of Dumas Industries, Spencer Dumas, who has graciously agreed to an exclusive live interview via satellite from his private island in the Caribbean. Thanks for joining us, Mr. Dumas.”

Spencer smiled at the camera, looking every bit the playboy billionaire he was. “My pleasure, Gerry.”

“Mr. Dumas, your exclusive adults-only resort, Sate, garnered worldwide attention recently when international film star Kayden Cassidy credited another Northeastern Pennsylvania native, Kayla O’Connell, with saving his life. Can you tell us what happened?”

“I could”—he grinned—“but I think Kayden already covered that pretty thoroughly in his interview.”

“Ms. O’Connell is an employee of yours?”

“Yes, she is Director of Public Relations for Sate and my right hand. We couldn’t function without her.”

“Mr. Cassidy claims she was tending bar at the time, and that her quick response saved his life when he choked on an olive.”

“Ms. O’Connell enjoys getting behind the bar occasionally. She’s damn good at it, and the customers love her.” Spencer’s grin grew as he tugged Kayla next to him.

“Is that true, Ms. O’Connell?”

“I don’t know about that,” Kayla answered, laughing, “but I do love it. I learned everything I know about bartending, and a few other things”—she winked—“at Jake’s Irish Pub, where I worked for several years.”

A cheer went up from the bar patrons.

“Hey, Callaghans, if you’re listening, no hard feelings, aye?”

“Mr. Dumas, you shocked a lot of people when you stepped down as CEO of Dumas Industries and divested yourself from the company. Any regrets?”

Spencer grinned. “Only that I didn’t do it sooner.”

“Any words of advice for the new CEO?”

“I wish my brother Phillip and his beautiful fiancée Chelsea every happiness and continued success.”

They wrapped up the interview by providing some stunning photos of Sate and some of its many amenities.

Jake turned the volume back down and conversations resumed.

Lexi shot Ian an “I told you so” look then went back into the private kitchen with Taryn.

“What do you think?” Ian asked Jake quietly.

“Me? I don’t know. What am I supposed to think?”

“Lex believes Kayla has changed.”

“Maybe she has.”

“Lex also says that maybe Kayla isn’t the only one who should be sorry about what happened.”

Jake looked at his brother. “Maybe she’s right about that, too.”

“Of course she’s right,” Jack Callaghan said, lifting his beer. “You both have daughters of your own now, and lovely lasses they are. It won’t be long before the young bucks will be casting eyes their way.”

Jake growled, and Ian’s expression went hard.

“Like hell.”

Jack smiled knowingly. “Then I suggest you be very clear to your daughters, and your sons, about how a lass should be treated. And do it now while they’re still young enough to listen.”

* * *

“Now you’re even more famous,” Kayla said, wrapping her arms around Spencer’s waist after he disconnected the video link. “Or is that infamous?”

He laughed. “Probably both. It’s great publicity for Sate, though. We are booked solid through next Christmas. I knew hiring you was a good idea.”

“Does that mean you’re going to give me a raise?” she teased.

“I was thinking more along the lines of a bonus.”

“A bonus, huh?” She licked under his jaw, delighting in the way his hands flexed on her ass. “I think you have given me quite a few bonuses already.”

“Yes, well, this would kind of build on that.”

“Oh? Are you going to let me pick out some new toys?”

“Not exactly,” he told her, “but we can include that in negotiations.”

“Then what?”

“I’ve been thinking ...”

“You’re always thinking.”

“Kayla.” Spencer moved his hands up to her shoulders. “Let me finish, okay?”

She stopped kissing his neck, a heavy feeling filling her stomach with the seriousness of his tone. “Okay.”

“Maybe you should sit down.”

That heavy feeling turned into a solid lead ball. “I don’t think I want to.”

“Do it anyway. Please.”

She sank down onto the plush office chair, preparing herself for the worst. “Okay, I’m sitting.”

“The thing is, Kayla, I’ve never really had a serious relationship before, and certainly never an exclusive one. But ... this past year, with you, well, it’s been ... great. And I wasn’t kidding when I said Sate needs you.”

“Go on,” she said carefully.

“I know we said we weren’t going to make any promises, but the truth is, I want to make things more ... permanent.”

“Permanent?”

“Yes.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “A merger, if you will. You and I, we understand each other. Complement each other. We have the same goals, like the same things, fulfill each other’s needs. You could say no,” he added, “and we can continue as we are.”

“Or ...?”

“Or,” he said, going down on one knee, “you could accept this.” He extracted a stunning diamond ring from his pocket and held it out to her.

Kayla’s heart pounded in disbelief at the sight of Spencer on bended knee before her. “Spencer! Are you asking me to marry you?”

“That depends on whether or not you say yes. If so, then yes. If not, then consider it a bonus incentive for staying on and remaining exclusive.” His lips curled up in a wicked smile. “No pressure.”

“No pressure,” she whispered.

Kayla looked into the eyes of the man who had somehow reached into her heart and took command of it as easily and as skillfully as he had her body. The past year had been like living in a dream. She had the perfect job, in the perfect place, and was in love with the perfect man ... for her.

She felt her lips curving into a smile. “On one condition,” she told him.

“Name it.”

“We don’t invite our parents to the wedding.”

He laughed and slipped the ring onto her finger. “It’s a deal.”