Page 48 of Irresistible

"Actually, about that. I have a job offer to make you," Richard said.

"A job offer?"

"Yeah. I was actually wondering if you would be willing to be my permanent assistant."

"Can we do that? Is there not some HR rule against that?"

"I've actually already run it by the board of directors, and they've agreed to the terms of your employment on the condition that we sign liability waivers. They have to protect the company, after all," Richard explained. She should have known that he would take care of everything.

"It's that easy?"

"It's that easy."

"But what about Cody? Isn't he already your assistant?" Scarlet asked.

"Well, it turns out that the executive who went to Thailand wants open up a new corporate office there. He also wants to keep Cody with him since he's done such a good job so far, but he left the decision up to me. Cody apparently loves it there, so I told him he could stay. I need a new assistant anyway."

Scarlet was in shock. There was no way that it could be this straightforward, but she would get to move with Richard to New York City.

"Of course, I'll come with you. I just can't believe it all worked out."

"I told you everything would be okay."

"That you did."

The two kissed once more as Richard packed up his things and prepared to leave the Mainsport branch for the foreseeable future, as Scarlet also soon would. He said goodbye to everyone in the branch, and they all thanked him for his time.

"By the way, everyone. I know you've been taking bets on whether Scarlet and I would end up getting together. Just so you know, we are together, and she's moving to New York with me to be my assistant.”

Loud murmurs broke out as everyone digested the news. People took out their wallets and checkbooks, making good on the bets they had made over the past week.

"When were you going to tell me?" Jim asked.

"I literally just found out I got the job! I had no time to tell you!"

"Well, just don't forget us in the big city," Jim cautioned.

"I could never forget any of you, and in any event, I'll be here for at least the next two weeks to finish things up."

Richard and Scarlet waved to everyone in the branch as they left. Scarlet drove him to the airport and saw him off. They would be apart for two weeks, but could not stop smiling as they knew they would soon be reunited.

* * *

The next twoweeks flew by as Scarlet prepared to put her house on the market and planned for her move to New York. Things fell in place, as it seemed Richard had a connection with nearly everyone in every industry. She hardly had to lift a finger to get her belongings packed and moved to the city. Her parents drove her to the airport and hugged her as she prepared to enter the terminal.

"I'm so happy for you, kiddo," her dad said.

"None of this would have happened without you, Dad. Thank you so much for being there, as you always have been."

"Be good, and make sure you call us!" her mom said as the three of them had a group hug.

"I will. I promise."

She took her two bags into the terminal and saw Richard waiting for her near the luggage counter.

"Richard? What are you doing here?" Scarlet said, shocked.

"Did you think I was going to let you make such a big move without any help?"

"You've already done so much!"

He kissed her passionately right in the middle of the terminal. The two saw a camera flash, ostensibly someone who wanted to upload the picture to social media later on. Neither of them cared. They took Scarlet's luggage to the counter, went through security, and took the flight that would begin the rest of their lives.