The Rule Book (Rule Breakers #1)(80)
“For the marketing position.” I tried to act bored, like I’d seen on the law shows when people bargained for more money, even if a grin twitched at my lips.
His dimples made an appearance. “I’m sure it can be negotiated.”
“I want at least ten thousand higher,” I said, completely serious. “Make it twenty.”
“But you don’t even know the wage yet.”
“I know. But I’ve been on a shoe-buying hiatus for six months and plan to make up for lost time. Plus, there’s the issue of the clothes ruined by Bruce.”
“You drive a hard bargain, Taylor, but I think I can manage that.”
I smiled. “I’ll have my people call your people.”
He crossed his arms over his chest and rocked back on his heels. “Does this mean it’s a yes?”
“Under one condition.” I held up a finger. “As long as I get to abolish the garlic rule at the company.” I smirked.
“That can be negotiated.” He swooped me into his arms and pulled me close. His brown eyes melted the rest of my resolve, and when he leaned down to kiss me, I met his lips with hope for the future, hope for us, swelling in my chest.
“I love you, Lainey.”
“I love you, too, Brogan.”
Epilogue
Lainey Taylor Rule of Life #467
An office with a view trumps a cubicle any day of the week.
Six months later…
“Power looks good on you, Taylor.”
I smiled and stared out at the panoramic view of the Seattle skyline. As marketing manager, I had my very own office, and my very own assistant. Sure, the office wasn’t a corner one, but my eight by ten window wasn’t too shabby. It even came with remote control blinds, which I may have been playing with all morning. Mom was coming to visit next week. She’d finished her radiation and was in complete remission.
Brogan walked up to my desk and smiled. “I designed a new employee manual, and I’m going to implement it this week. Would you mind skimming over it and seeing what you think?” He clutched the leather-bound book in his hand.
“Sure. Does this mean I have the power to delete any of the rules I deem arbitrary?”
His lips tipped up in the corner, and he slid the manual across my desk. “Don’t let it go to your head. Wouldn’t want to have to report you to the CEO.”
“What is he going to do about it?” I drummed my fingers along the surface of the table and raised a brow.
“I say let the punishment fit the crime.” He pointed down to the book. “Will you just read the last page? That’s where I made the most changes.” He tugged at the knot of his tie and swallowed hard, uncharacteristically nervous.
I shrugged, not understanding why this last page of rules was so important it couldn’t have been emailed to me. “Sure.”
He looked at me expectantly.
“Oh. You mean now?”
He nodded. “Yes.”
“Okay,” I said slowly, still not understanding why this was so important it couldn’t wait until after our dinner date tonight.
I flipped open the book to the last page and started to scan down the rules. I could tell a lot had been changed because the book had shrunk by at least an inch.
My breath caught in my throat when I saw the first one was about me. As I read the second one, my pulse beat rapidly against my temples, and I couldn’t help the smile that spread across my face.
Rule #762
Lainey Taylor is always right. She’s the smartest, kindest person I know, and I don’t know what I did to deserve her.
Rule #763
She seems to have horrible taste in movies, but always let her have her pick on Netflix because she ends up being right.
Rule #764
Don’t ever break the four cups of coffee rule. Ever. Under penalty of death.
Rule #765
A woman this amazing shouldn’t be walking around unattached.
I looked up from the manual, not understanding what the last one meant.
He took one last tug at his tie and mashed his lips together. In one swift movement, he sank down on one knee in front of me.
His expression changed from playful to serious, and with shaking hands, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small black box.
My sharp intake of breath was the only sound in the office, and I immediately put my hands to my mouth—something I always laughed about as a cliché, but it really did seem to be an instinct.
“Lainey.” His deep voice vibrated against the wall of my chest.
“Brogan.” Holy crap, was this really happening?
“You are the smartest woman I know. You drive me insane, make me laugh, and are my complete equal. Will you please marry me and help me continue in my quest to break every single rule in the book?”
“Yes.” I pulled him into a kiss and melted as his soft lips swept over mine. I wondered if I’d ever get used to the fact he was mine. Apparently, now, forever.
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