“Mira, this is amazing! I’m on board for it. All of it. In fact, once we go over the logistics with HPHY, I’d love for you to partner in the launch as our inside liaison.”
“Really?” A sense of satisfaction trickles over me. She’s excited. She’s actually excited!
“Absolutely.” Layla stacks the papers back into a pile. “I’m going to run this by the team, and I strongly believe they will love it all as much as I do. I can’t officially say it, but welcome aboard.”
“Wow,” I spit out, shocked, but also unsure. “This is such an honor. There’s just one small thing.” I pinch my fingers together and squint.
“Of course. Let’s hear it.”
“I’d love to help with the launch, work with HPHY on the campaign, but I don’t think I will be taking a permanent position at Glasson. At least not full-time.”
“Oh?” She seems taken aback. Of course, she is. I’ve come here twice with my ideas and now that she’s approved, I’m telling her that I don’t want to work on the design team after all.
“As I was making these designs, I sort of took a journey of self-discovery. I’ve always loved fashion and, mixed with art, it makes perfect sense for me to open my own fashion line. So, I’m ready to take the steps to make it happen.”
“That’s wonderful, Mira. I have no doubt you will do amazing. Your dad raves about your artwork. I’m excited to see where this venture takes you. In fact,” she grabs her phone off the table, “I’ve got a good friend who works in fashion. She’s helped others get their own lines up and running.” Layla grabs a pen and her notepad and jots down a number then rips the page out of her book. “Give her a call and tell her that I sent you.”
I take the paper as she passes it to me. “This is very helpful. Thank you so much.”
“You’re welcome, hun. As for the launch and design, we’ll keep you as long as you’ll stay. Let me run this by everyone and I’ll be in touch within the next couple days.”
I turn into a puddle of goo at her feet as she pulls me in for a hug. “And Mira, we’re all pulling for your dad. He’s one of a kind and we all adore him.”
“He sure is. Thank you. That means a lot.”
Layla walks me out and I’m on cloud nine. But what has me soaring is Sawyer standing beside the elevators. His leg is kicked up on the wall behind him and he’s got his eyes on his phone. He doesn’t even see me coming, and watching him right now, I’m almost positive he’s the sexiest man in existence. I just want to grab him and drag him back to his hotel room and keep him there for a minimum of seventy-two hours. Lying in bed, sipping wine, talking—and of course, exploring every inch of his body.
Sawyer looks up from his phone, his eyes lighting up as soon as he sees me. Just the way he looks at me makes me feel so cherished and beautiful. He tucks his phone in his front pocket. “Well?”
I tap the elevator button, waiting to get on before telling him everything. Once the doors open, I grab his arm and lead the way. The doors close and I squeal. “She loved it. She wants me on board. She wants everything. Sawyer, she actually loved it!”
His hands wrap around my waist, fingers dangling over my ass. “Why are you so surprised? Your ideas were brilliant.”
“I guess I just had that first rejection instilled in my head and wanted to mentally prepare for the next one.” The elevator stops at the second floor where Sawyer has to return to work. We get out and I walk him to his cubicle. Sawyer was able to get his job back. He was offered a higher-up position, but he didn’t want to take it. Said he wants to earn it. So, that’s what he’s doing. “Oh, and get this. I told Layla about my swimwear line and she gave me the number of a friend of hers who works in the fashion industry.”
“That’s great, babe. I’m excited to watch you plan and grow.”
I pull Sawyer in for a hug before we round the corner to a room full of people working. “I’m excited for us to grow together. Only good things ahead.”
“As long as I’ve got you by my side, I’m ready to face whatever is ahead.” Sawyer presses his lips to mine. “I love you, Mira Glasson. Everything about you.”
My heart swells at his words. “I love you, too, Sawyer.”
We smile through our kiss, and I want to live in this moment forever. I could be in a room full of people and Sawyer is the only one I’d see. He’s my person and I’m so excited for the life we are going to build together.
Epilogue
Six Months Later
Sitting in the crowded meeting room, I’m so proud of the girl standing in front of me. Well, not directly in front of me. Mira’s standing on stage, ready to accept acknowledgement for her part in the launch of Vitality Water. She’s looking exceptionally sexy in her business attire. A charcoal pencil skirt that hugs her hips and ass so well, and a long sleeve white silk top that leaves little to the imagination as her bra line peeks through the fabric. As soon as this party is over, I’m taking her home, stripping her out of those clothes and kissing every inch of her silky skin.
Mr. Glasson continues thanking everyone involved in the creation and launch of Vitality. His voice is hoarse, often taking time to clear his throat as he sits in a chair beside the podium with a microphone clipped to his jacket. His health is continuing to decline, but he’s made it clear to his family that he wants to live to the fullest and keep on going as if he will live forever. He was given four months about a month ago, but he insists he will outlive those four months. “I want to take a moment to recognize someone who had a plan and never gave up.” Mr. Glasson looks over his shoulder and up at Mira. “My beautiful and very talented daughter, Mira Glasson.”
This is the first time Mira has been publicly acknowledged. The look on her face says it all; she’s proud. Proud to be a Glasson. As she should be. I couldn’t have been more wrong about this family. I’ve had dinner with both Mr. and Mrs. Glasson. I’ve golfed with Lance countless times, and I was with them all when Lance and his wife announced they were expecting. I’ve seen the love this whole family has for one another. They were never hiding because of secrets; they were protecting each other.
“Mira had a vision for H20 Vitality. She took that vision, and she created a design that sold over one million bottles of Vitality Water on launch day. She’s partnered with the ‘Healthy Planet, Healthy You’ Campaign and tonight, we get to see firsthand what Mira has planned for Glasson Waters and this amazing campaign. Without further ado, I present to you, my daughter, Mira Glasson.”
Everyone begins clapping. I blow out a high-pitched whistle as she takes the stage. “Thank you, Dad. And thank you all so much for being here. I’m honored to be part of such a customer-based company. We strive to bring quality products at an affordable price, and with Vitality, we’ve done just that. ‘Healthy Planet, Healthy You’ started their first campaign three years ago. Two women with a vision. Today, we have joined forces to bring you an all-new program that focuses on your health, and the health of our planet.” Mira keeps talking, but all I can focus on is the way her lips move with each word. She’s so elegant and sophisticated.