Kir held completely still, his gaze anchored on the phone.

Silly man. Their relationship would still be a point of contention with the station. And even if an apology turned into an offer to reinstate, she’d never been the type of person to retrace her steps. “I appreciate it, Ed. More than you know. But I’m also glad things happened like they did. It really made me think about what I want.”

Kir shifted his gaze to hers, a silent question in his eyes.

She lifted the phone, stood and wrapped her arm around Kir’s waist. “I’ve decided I’m going to move in with Kir and give some dreams I’ve put on hold a try. See if I can do something with my photography instead.”

“No more reporting?”

She shook her head, even if Ed couldn’t see it. “No. I’m good at working stories, but I’ve got a chance to make a living doing something I love instead. But I appreciate you calling. It means a lot knowing you don’t think I acted inappropriately with station resources and my work was solid.”

While she couldn’t see her editor’s face, there was enough shuffling in the background to imagine his fluster at the mistake they’d made. “Yes, well. You’re a bright girl. Whatever it is you do, I’ve got a feeling you’ll nail it. If you need any personal help—connections getting your work out or references, just let me know.”

“Will do. Thanks for calling, Ed.”

Ending the call, she muted the phone and slid it back to the tabletop. “About Lizbet...” She straightened and smoothed her hands along his pecs. “You’re the one who called her, aren’t you?”

“You made her a promise. I merely ensured it was fulfilled on your behalf.”

Of course he had. And no doubt had done it despite the other chaos swirling around him. And how amazing was that? Not just to have a man who would do whatever it took to have a woman in his life, but would champion and help fulfill the things that were important to her.

She pressed herself flush against him and wrapped her arms around his neck. “And that other task you had to take care of...the one about ensuring I’m free from tension and worry...when do you plan to see to it?”

His grin was delightfully wicked. The purpose behind his eyes and the confidence in his touch as he palmed the back of her head even more so. He brushed his lips against hers. “Right now. And every day that comes next.”

Epilogue

Cassie’s biggest freaking shoot since she’d struck out on her own, and she was going to be late. Fan-freaking-tastic.

She hurried out of the over-the-top studio Kir had commissioned for her at the back of the shotgun-style house she now shared with her husband-to-be and jogged down the stairs. With every step, her equipment bags bounced against her legs and her shoulders protested that maybe she’d overdone it packing for Lizzy’s concert.

Sun streamed from the living room’s two floor-to-ceiling windows at the front of the house, the garnet velvet drapes that lined either side of them pooling against the oak floors. Beyond the windows, a riot of wildflowers and the fluffy plumes of pampas grass in the front flowerbeds danced on the late September breeze. From the first day Kir had brought her here, she’d been enchanted by his home. Every inch of it was brand-spanking new, but the builder had stayed true to the old homes that had inspired it. From the veranda with a porch swing, to the thick round pillars in white that accented the home’s carnelian siding, and wrought iron accents from the stair railing to the balcony outside the master suite, the place was vintage New Orleans.