Over the Edge (Bridge #3)(59)

“You know, Will, I’ve always kind of worked in a marginal way on my brothers’ business. Darren became a co-owner a couple months ago, but I’m not really needed in the daily operations. Now that this new location is open and running smoothly, I’ll have a lot more time. Maybe I could help, if you need it.”

I was good at what I did, but I didn’t take for granted that Will wanted me to put my stamp and always direct opinion on any more of his properties. But the truth was I’d be climbing the walls soon without an occupation. If he’d have me, I was up for another challenge.

Will paused and gazed at me thoughtfully. “Are you sure you’re up for another project already?”

“Honestly, I’d love to have something fresh to throw myself into. I’m feeling a bit useless since the opening.”

“I’d love to think I can do it all myself, but at this rate, I’m certain I won’t be able to. I’d love to have your input. If nothing else, I’m confident you’ll keep everyone on task.” He shot me a knowing grin.

I rolled my eyes and laughed. “You know it.”

“I can live with that.” Ian smiled over the rim of his wineglass.

We chatted through dessert, though I was getting more and more anxious to be alone with them. They split the check, refusing to let me pay, and together we left the restaurant.

“Back home?” I threaded my fingers with Ian’s as we approached the car.

“Actually,” he said, “we have a little surprise for you…”

WILL



The drive to the penthouse was quiet, but the energy was palpable. Sexual and otherwise. Olivia sat between us, leaning against Ian’s shoulder. Her legs were draped over my thighs. I lazily caressed up and down her silken skin. She was wearing the same pair of black heels she’d worn on our first date. They’d made me want to do truly indecent things to her at the time. Tonight wasn’t much different.

My eyes followed the path my hands itched to make under the expensive dress. I couldn’t wait to get back inside her, claiming every inch of her, making her scream in ecstasy. If we could get through the rest of the night without incident, nothing could hold me back.

Olivia’s brief absence from our lives had been fraught with worry—that she was hurting, that we might never have her again. Not knowing where her head was at had made the past few days unfathomably worse. I’d lusted after this woman from day one, but what she was doing to my heart left me breathless and at times without words.

Tonight we’d talked through it, and together, we’d decided the direction of our future. The commitment we were asking her for had one more caveat though. After everything she’d been through recently, I wasn’t sure how she’d react to it. I wanted tonight to be special, meaningful, bringing her deeper into our lives than she’d ever been. I could only hope that’s what she wanted too.

Times like these, I wasn’t sure if having Ian by my side made it better or worse. On one hand, the extra support was useful. Two could persuade better than one. On the other hand, both of us worrying about what she’d say almost seemed to amplify the trepidation.

Ian and I were very different people, but the way we felt about Olivia Bridge was unquestionably in tune. We were consistent in the strength and possessiveness of our affections. I didn’t expect that to change for a very long time.

Along with Ian, I’d already committed that Olivia would be a part of my future. Now that I had things fairly stable with the fund, I’d get her parents off my back for a while. I’d worked things out with Reilly, and in a moment of clarity, my father had agreed to transfer his shares as well. He wasn’t as worried about me f*cking him over, but I didn’t expect handing over the asset was too much easier than it had been for Reilly.

At Reilly’s request, I’d offered Jia the opportunity to work beside me, which she’d accepted graciously and professionally. I didn’t ask about her ties with Reilly or why he’d vouched for her, but I planned to. All seemed to be moving in the right direction. Now I just had to get things where I wanted them to be with Olivia.

The limo driver pulled up to the curb. Beside the Bridge Fitness entrance, another door would lead us to the luxury condos above. We left the car and brought Olivia through the doors.

“You’re not putting me to work already, are you?”

“Not exactly,” I said in a teasing tone, enjoying her anticipation while I tried to ignore my own.

Together we took the elevator to the top floor, which opened to the penthouse. On the heels of fast-tracking the gym progress, I’d pushed my crew to get this unit further along, leaving the others to wrap up in the coming weeks.

Marble floors stretched over an empty open living area leading into a designer kitchen. Views of Manhattan at night stretched across one side of the condo. Olivia walked in slowly, her gaze darting from detail to detail.

Pride swelled when I recognized appreciation in her eyes.

As soon as I knew this would be the next place I would call home, I’d wanted to go the extra mile to make it stand out. As soon as I knew I wanted to share it with her, I’d spared no expense to make it happen.

“What do you think?”

She circled back to me, a warm smile on her lips. “I love it. You’ve outdone yourself.”

“Good enough to call home?”