He’s definitely not happy about the job, but I left out the fact that it’s here. It was my way of confirming he didn’t know about the offer.
“You took a job?” The light in his eyes dim.
“Yes. It’s a great company. They have fantastic benefits, and the pay is good. The best perk is that I’ll be able to hook up with the president at lunch.”
His face goes from confusion to realization.
“You got a job here?” The light is back. His eyes sparkle like gemstones in the sun. “I’m not surprised. You’re a capable woman. What position did you get?”
“I’m Trevor’s assistant.”
“Hmm. That man gets to see you more than I do. Is it wrong for me to feel jealous?”
“That man would rather see you than me. He has specific tastes, and you’re right up his alley.”
“I never guessed, but hearing that makes him the perfect man for you to work with.”
The changes in Damon’s demeanor make me dizzy. I see concern, happiness, wickedness, anger, and now elation. I love elation the best.
Chapter Twenty-Four
“Katarina Cross,” the chancellor calls, and the roar of my fan club is deafening. Who would have thought I’d have so many people attending my graduation? The same roar happens when Emma climbs the stairs to receive her diploma.
We gather after the ceremony to take obligatory pictures.
My parents beam with pride as they hug me. We rotate through the group, making sure everyone gets their picture taken with the graduates. This will be the first picture Damon and I take together.
Damon’s mom surprises me with her attendance, but she doesn’t stay long because she has patients to attend to. Instead, we agree to meet for dinner the next night. Damon’s not invited because Rose wants me all to herself, and that makes him uncomfortable and unhappy.
As the crowd dies down, we go to Anthony Haywood’s to celebrate. Anthony set up a private room in the back for us.
He makes the day special for Emma. Seeing them together, warms my heart. They’re in love, and Anthony makes no secret of it when he pulls her into his arms and tells her.
I stand to the side and watch them bask in love’s glow. It occurs to me Damon may never say those three words I long to hear.
Can I be in a relationship where I’ll never hear him say, I love you?
I can’t imagine it. My life is centered around love. Love of family. Love of friends.
“A penny for your thoughts,” Damon says. “You look troubled.”
I glance at Emma and sigh.
“They look happy and in love, don’t they?”
“I know little about love, but they do look happy and content.”
I face him. “Do you think happy and content are enough? Is that what you want in your life? Are you okay with just being content?”
“Is content a bad thing?” His forehead furrows. “I thought you were happy?”
“I am happy, for now.” My heart sinks. It won’t be okay forever.
We stay through dinner and dessert and the opening of presents. Even I have gifts.
Rose gave me a day at the spa. My parents gave me a check for five thousand dollars and said it was left over from the college fund they’d set up when I was a kid. Trevor gave me a hard time, but he brought flowers and a card.
“I’m tired, can you take me home?”
Damon studies me but nods and walks me to his car.
Back home, I change and climb into bed.
The day exhausted me, and my emotions ran the gamut: There was relief that I graduated. Joy at seeing my family. Jealousy as my best friend stared lovingly into her man’s eyes. Finally, shock when my brother sidled up to Trevor.
I sink into my pillow, happy to be in Damon’s arms. He reaches over to grab something from the floor.
“I have a gift for you, too. It’s personal, and I wanted to give it to you in private.” In his hand is a blue velvet box.
I open it and find a beautiful and delicate necklace. Hanging from the thin chain is a gold angel wing. On the back is a tiny engraving that says, ‘Forever Mine.’
The sentimental gift touches me because it took thought and planning.
I hug him and tell him I love him.
The only sound I hear is the beating of his heart and the slowing of his breath as he falls asleep, content in my arms.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Tuesday begins with a bang—literally. I startle awake by a crash in the kitchen. I race to see what