My CEO 233

233 Setting the Date (Winona)

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Jayden and I are in our bedroom, getting ready for bed. The room is dimly lit, just enough to see the soft outlines of the furniture and each other. It's a peaceful moment, but my mind's buzzing with everything that's happened over the past few days. We climb into bed and automatically gravitate towards each other,

"It's been amazing having you close at night."

today with

I manage a small smile, but I'm distracted, my thoughts still on the conversation I had earlier today Gus and Phillip. "I'm glad you think so." But inside I worry that I should be taking this to the next level. We're not teenagers. Jayden tightens his arms around me. "You seem tense, What's going on?"

I'm not sure I can tell him what's really bothering me, so I opt for the second line thing that's bothering me. It is something I do need to tell Jayden anyway. I'm not sure what he'll make of it all.

"It's just... Gus came by to talk about Maria and Greg's kids. To my office."

"Okay, get it off your chest. What's Gus been up to this time?"

"He's got some serious concerns," I say. "Apparently, there's an ongoing investigation into Maria's father and other leading politicians and diplomats from Cuba. They're allegedly connected to smuggling drugs and people into the U.S." ""Are you for real?"

"Yes. Apparently, Maria hasn't spoken to her father in years. She wiped him. But also that there isn't enough evidence to convict anyone of anything. So maybe there's nothing to the accusations against this man."

"Okay, but what does this have to do with us?"

"Gus doesn't trust that Maria's family is as innocent as they seem. The organization grooms kids for the long term. You know, setting him up to use his position here in the U.S. to open new smuggling routes. "So, you're saying Greg's kids might be connected to all this?"

"I don't know."

"I mean, if they can't prove anything and there's no immediate threat to us and our little family, I don't really give a flying fuck what happens in Cuba. I'm not about to throw a big family reunion."

"I know. I just thought you should know. Cass is apparently best friends with Mia and they are going to share a unit."

friends? She's known her one

no one could tell us we were wrong when we were eighteen

"True."

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233 Setting the Date

wants to go spread Mom's ashes over

"That's a positive step."

that herself. Anyway, I do worry about her change in attitude with Mia

"I'm trying not to."

for a moment, his mind clearly working through everything. "I'm not getting dragged into anything with Greg's family. I gave them my

we give Cass the benefit of the doubt and let

"I agree." He's right.

hands over my back.

even though I love him, even though I want him, I can't help the stress building up

what's really got you all stressed

bite my lip, he's right. "I just... I don't

in the silk sheets. "Disappoint me? What are

but enough. I know I need

me to come back with

and I'm so grateful for that. But having sex..." I stop myself, feeling embarrassed. "I don't know if I'm ready yet.

was holding. "Of course you must be. You're not made of wood.

brushes gently over the back of my

surprise, not

to be able to take our time," he says, his voice steady and firm. "No pressure, no expectations. I love you, and I want that night to be special. When we're both ready. Is that a deal? If you don't want to have sex with me, I guess we will never get married." feel the tension start to melt away, and I can't help but smile. "That sounds...

says, leaning down to

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233 Setting the Date

want

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