Page 106 of Mr. Wilde

Yamila walks by, tossing a playful remark at Cass, while Frank and Bauer are huddled near the server hub, likely arguing over a patch update. It’s seamless. As if she’s always been the missing piece of our office puzzle.

I’ve not only let Cassidy in over the last year, but Loretta, and my billionaire friends. I have even let Yamila take on a larger role in the company. She’s honestly brilliant. Except for her inability to handle Frank, she’s the perfect choice to take on more of the administrative tasks I don’t enjoy anyway. That way I can leave on time. Because my life no longer revolves around Secure Sphere, and my morally gray pro bono cases.

Cass hasn’t just managed our legal compliance, she’s transformed the atmosphere of this entire company. Before her, we were a hodge-podge of brilliant misfits, social renegades, and digital ghosts. Now, watching her trade jokes with Yamila and bring a mug of coffee to a sleep-deprived Bauer, I realize she’s made us feel like a family.

I may be the one who built the infrastructure, but Cassidy gave it a pulse.

Over the last twelve months, I’ve had to bite my tongue a thousand times to keep from begging Cassidy to move in with me. I want her in my space, in my bed, in my life every waking second. But I’ve watched her grow into this strong, independent, confident version of herself. She’s fierce and unshakable. I respected her need for that small apartment in Hanover because I knew she needed to prove she could stand on her own two feet before she chose to walk beside me. Just as I had done, getting control of my demons so we could be two whole people instead of the broken fragments we were when we’d met.

Frank steps up next to me, breaking my trance. He follows my gaze to where Cassidy is now mock-saluting Loretta. “You’re hovering again, bro,” he says, rubbing his nonexistent stubble.

“I’m appreciating,” I correct him. My heart is clenching with that familiar, reassuring thrum.

He tilts his head, one brow arched. He reminds me of the dog Isla and I had growing up. Hmm. Wonder if Cassidy wants a dog one day?

“You seem off.” His eyebrows shoot up. “Did something happen? You got a trip to your parents scheduled?”

“Yes. But it’s not until next weekend. And hopefully Cassidy is coming with me... but in a different role.”

Frank looks genuinely confused. “Different role? You promoting her again? She already runs half the legal department.”

“Not exactly.” I reach into my pocket and pull out the small velvet box, clicking it open just enough for him to see the diamond catching the light.

“Holy shit, man,” Frank whispers, his eyes widening. “You’re really doing it?”

“Tonight,” I add, snapping the box shut. “I’m taking her to that lantern-lighting event at the lake in Hanover. It’s this cheesy festival she saw on social media. You write your wishes or some shit on paper lanterns and sail them into the sky.”

“That sounds awful,” he chokes out.

“Yeah. It’s utterly ridiculous. Probably a money grab by the organizers. But she’s excited about it, and it has the potential to be sentimental. And honestly, it’s the moment I’d been waiting for. Hopefully, Cass is going to love it.”

Saying this out loud is causing my adrenaline to course through me. That asteroid of a ring has been burning a hole in my pocket for almost a year. And for once, the guy who usually has an awkward, outlandish comment for everything is actually speechless.

“Maxie, bro…” Frank’s voice is thick with his unmistakable Jersey rasp. “I can’t believe it. You’re really going to be off the market.” He shakes his head. “You found a nice girl.” His statement brings back memories of his mother telling him to do the same, and I have to stifle a laugh. “I’m... I’m actually emotional, you prick.”

Before I can tell him to shut the fuck up, he lunges. And there’s nothing graceful about this hug. It’s a collision of shoulders and a series of heavy, rhythmic thumps on my back that feel like he’s trying to dislodge a piece of steak.

“I love you, man!” Frank bellows, his voice echoing off the glass walls.

“Frank, get off⁠—”

My words are cut short as I find Loretta and Cassidy standing in the doorway, mid-laugh, frozen in their tracks. They take in the sight of the CEO of a multi-billion-dollar tech empire being bear-hugged by a man wearing a hoodie with NO, I DIDN’T LOOK IN THERE printed on the back. He’s currently rubbing his face against my shoulder.

For fuck’s sake. I’m probably wearing his lunch now.

“Should we come back?” Loretta mocks.

Cassidy bites her lip, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Max? Is there something you and Frank need to tell us?”

Frank recovers with the grace of a bowling ball. He detaches himself from me, wiping his eyes with the back of his hand and smoothing down his hoodie. “Actually, ladies,” Frank starts to speak, and I hold my breath. His voice drops to a mock-serious tone that fools absolutely no one. “Max was just expressing his deep, soulful gratitude for the way I handled the morning’s delivery.”

I watch as the two of them find the box of cannoli on my desk.

Loretta’s face scrunches. “No wonder you didn’t want one of my apple streusel muffins.”

“He’s a very tactile boss,” Frank interjects. “He’s very passionate about his pastries.”

“Passionate about pastries?” I cough, my face heating up to a temperature that could melt silicone. Good grief, this moron. Where the hell do I go with this? “I was checking the integrity of his hoodie. It appears to be well made. Thought we could order some for the office staff.”