When I woke the next morning I knew I was going to have to call a meeting and let the other men know. When I explained to Crew either I got it all out now or we’d have to hide it, he spun to face me as we were about to have a shower.
“I’m not hiding us, Ben. I understood our need for secrecy when we thought it was just one night, but not now.”
I brushed my palm over his cheek. “I’m relieved to hear you say that.”
After breakfast I asked for everyone to meet me in the Grand Room. Dane appeared perplexed, likely because there was no note in his tablet or organizer regarding a meeting with the escorts.
“You should join us, Dane, you’ll want to hear this.”
It took close to ten minutes for everyone to get into the Grand Room and settle. I looked at their faces, pride filling my heart as they gave me their undivided attention.
“I know a lot of you have a busy day so I will make this quick. What I’m about to tell you may come as a shock to some of you, but know it will in no way change that I am your boss and your best interests remain my priority because you all mean the world to me.”
“Oh shit, are you selling Supernal?” Sammy gasped.
“No!” I held up my hand. “No, nothing of the sort.” I cleared my throat and took a deep breath. “I, well, we. The thing is—”
“Ben and I are dating,” Crew said and every head turned in his direction. “It’s not some tawdry affair, it’s real. I care a lot about Ben and I am stepping away from my escort duties to assist the business and love all over the boss man.”
I wasn’t sure whose eyes were wider—mine or Dane’s.
“Oh my god!” Tyler squeaked. “That is the greatest!”
Suddenly every man was up and hugging me and Crew and talking. Dane was flustered but when I patted his shoulder, he smiled.
“I’m really happy for you both, Mr. Asher.”
“I apologize for not telling you before everyone else.”
“Technically, you didn’t. Crew did,” he said with a grin.
“True enough.”
As I watched Crew with the men, each asking him questions and beaming when he would tell them how he wore me down, I couldn’t help but smile wider than I had in ages.
There was no question in my mind I was going to fall in love with Crew Riley…Hell, I was sure I was more than half way there.
I shook my head at my own musings. How did I ever think just one night would be enough of that man.
When his eyes locked with mine he shot me a wink, which I happily returned. My past will always be wrapped around my heart but Crew was my future and I had more than enough room for both.
EPILOGUE
Crew
One Year Later
“You may kiss your groom.”
I sat beside Ben as we watched Alejandro get married. There was a man who vowed to never love again and yet, as soon as Jermaine returned, the two of them connected in a way they never had on their dates before. They seized the second chance, and now here we were.
It gave me hope that Ben and I would be standing up there someday soon. He did finally tell me he loved me. He teased me often with, “I loathe you,” and the occasional, “I like you more than most.” But when he said the words for real, it was a moment I’d remember forever.
“That was a lovely ceremony.” Ben stood and held out his hand.
“It was.”
As we walked to where the reception was being held, Ben detoured toward the beach overlook. Alejandro and Jermaine had chosen a lovely ocean retreat and it was great to get away.