Page 40 of The Oath Operation

Without another word, he swept her up into his arms, holding her close as he carried her to the bedroom. Jules clung to him, the strength and warmth of his embrace making her feel safe and cherished.

"The guys?" she asked.

"Noah and Jed."

"About the distribution deal? They thought you were right, too?"

He came to an abrupt halt at the edge of her bed. "Too? You mean you thought I was right about the distribution deal?"

"Yes."

"I thought I was doing the right thing there."

"You were. I should be sharing my healthy baked goods with as many people as possible."

Fish slid her down his body until she was on her feet. Instead of the passion she knew he was feeling, he looked perturbed. "So why are we fighting?"

"Because you should have talked to me first."

"I get that, I do. But I really thought you would agree with me. And youareagreeing with me."

"I am now. But at first I thought you were trying to undermine me."

"When have I ever done anything that wasn't in your best interest?"

"Never."

Fish pursed his lips, looking very much like a fish out of water. It was adorable, and Jules almost laughed. He cupped her cheek and rubbed a thumb over her lower lip. "I just wanted to take some of the burden off your shoulders."

Jules leaned into his touch, the warmth of his hand grounding her. "I know. And I appreciate everything you do for me. But we need to make decisions together, as partners."

Fish nodded, his gaze unwavering. "Absolutely. From now on, we’re a team. No more decisions without talking to each other first."

Jules felt a sense of relief and joy flood through her. "That’s all I’ve ever wanted."

"I'm going to spend the rest of my life making sure you have everything you want." He pulled her into his arms again, holding her close.

"I'm going to do the same for you."

"The only thing I want is you."

"You have me." She closed her eyes, savoring the moment. "I am one hundred percent yours."

They sat on the edge of the bed for a while, wrapped in each other’s arms, the quiet hum of the apartment creating a cocoon around them. The weight of the past few days lifted, leaving behind a sense of renewed hope and understanding.

Jules pulled back slightly, looking up at him with a mischievous smile. "So what did the guys say, exactly?"

Fish chuckled, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Noah suggested I just come over, throw you over my shoulder, and kiss you senseless."

Jules laughed, the sound light and free. "Well, it worked."

"Good to know."

"But it looks like I still have a bit of sense going on in my brain."

"I think I can take care of that."

Fish leaned in and kissed her again. As the kiss deepened and got sweeter, Jules knew they could face anything as long as they were together. The challenges, the misunderstandings, and the obstacles—they could handle it all, because they had each other. And that was more than enough.