He Hid Me Twelve Years and Paraded Her, So I Quit Both novel · Chapter 9 of 24

Chapter 9: Never a Secret

Jonah did not start the car for a full minute.

We sat in the dark lot behind the Botanic Garden with the engine off and the glow of the gala still showing through the trees.

My hands would not stop shaking in my lap.

"Walter took the microphone from him," Jonah said. "I watched it happen. He said, 'That's enough, Everett,' and three board members stood up."

"Good."

"You were extraordinary."

"I was terrified."

"Both can be true."

I turned in the seat to face him.

"I have a rule," I said.

"Tell me."

"I'm never a secret again. Not for one day, and not for a good reason. If you want me, anyone who walks into your building on Monday knows it. I don't care what the board thinks, or the clients, or your mother."

"My mother lives in Phoenix and adores strong women."

"I mean it, Jonah."

"So do I." He reached across the console and put his hand against my jaw. "I'll walk you through the lobby with my arm around you. I'll introduce you to the cleaning crew as the woman I'm in love with. I don't hide things I want."

"You said love."

"I said it on a Saturday. I'll say it again Monday." His thumb moved along my cheekbone. "Where do you want to go?"

"Your place," I said. "Right now."

He started the car.

His loft was on the third floor of the old printing house, with brick walls and a steel staircase.

A wall of windows faced the river and, beyond it, a dark tower with Everett's name on it.

I did not look at the tower.

I looked at him.

He closed the door behind us and stood with his back against it.

He did not touch me.

He was breathing hard, and I could see it in the open collar of his shirt.

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