Later, we went around the conference together, meeting reps at new-to-us imprints and talking up our vision for the new store. Every few minutes, I’d look over at Josie, and she’d blush, which would make me grin. By the time the conference ended, we were both ready to run back to our room and spend more time together (naked).

Sunday: (After another round of sweet and slow morning sex) we played tourist and walked down to Fanueil Hall. We took our time reading every quote on the glass columns at the Holocaust Memorial, then went to the North End and did a taste test between the cannoli at Modern and Mike’s. (Mike’s won.) From there, we Ubered back to her place and had every intention of going our separate ways, but our goodbye kiss got so heated that Josie dragged me upstairs and had her way with me. Which I didn’t mind at all.

Monday: We tried to act like everything was normal, but Cinderella knew as soon as she saw the smile on my face. It didn’t take long for everyone else to figure it out, too. After we closed the stores, I took Josie out on a proper dinner date.

Tuesday: I woke up in Josie’s bed, which is as soft and lovely as she is. It’s a queen, which meant it was too small for me. But I’d take being squished with Josie over being alone in my king-size bed any day. We ate takeout Thai and stayed up most of the night, making love and making plans for our final meeting with Xander on Thursday.

Which brings us to Wednesday.

Today.

“Morning, lovebirds,” Eddie says as we walk in the door—one door for the entire store now.

Josie drops my hand. I miss the feel of her fingers, but I don’t take offense. I’ll be patient while Josie dips her toe in the water, getting used to the temperature. Damn it if my mom’s cheesy metaphor doesn’t make perfect sense.

“Things are looking good around here,” Josie says.

She’s right. Construction officially wrapped up this weekend while we were at the conference, but it took the crew a few days to load everything out.

“It’s so…quiet,” I say. “No more clanging or banging.”

“From here on out the only banging I want to hear about is between the two of you,” Eddie says.

Josie’s eyes go wide, and she turns, speed walking to her side of the store.

“Sorry.” Eddie shrugs. “She makes it too easy.”

“White mocha frappe with extra whip for you,” Mabel says, handing me my drink. “And an Americano for your lady.”