Page 117 of Instigator

“We have.” My thoughts drift to when we met at MIT two and a half decades ago, through all the ups and downs of early startup culture and the grinding hustle of building billion-dollar companies, the years of friendly rivalry until we finally agreed to put competition aside and be friends.

“And yet, we’ve got a long way to go.” He pins me with a fond smile. “You planning on leaving me anytime soon?”

“Colty, you couldn’t get rid of me if you tried.”

We finish up lunch without any further sentimentalities, and then I head back to Aidan’s place. I haven’t been back to my house for more than a change of clothes in weeks. He likes having me at his apartment, and I hate my house, so it works out great for both of us.

He’s sitting on the couch when I walk in the door, a bowl of cereal in one hand as he reads on his tablet with the other.

“Hey. You’re back,” he says, giving me a happy smile. “How was lunch with Colt?”

“It went well.” I duck down to kiss him, savoring the taste of cinnamon on his lips. “I think I’m going to give it a go.”

“Give what a go?”

“The new project.” Dropping onto the sofa beside him, I draw one leg up as I face him. “We talked out a few logistics.”

He blinks. “What about the helmet project?”

“If I’m the sole lynchpin keeping it together, it will never survive.”

They can hire someone else to monitor the code and install patches. Any coding monkey with a keyboard can handle it. They need Bex, who interprets the data, and the neuroscience intern she works with. They don’t need me.

“This is what you want?” Aidan checks.

I nod.

“Then I’m all for it,” he says, giving me a quick kiss. “What do you need from me?”

“What do you mean?”

“Like, do you need designated time to work? An office space? More snacks for brain food?”

Carefully, I take the bowl of cereal out of his hand, setting it on the coffee table. He stares at me, confused.

And then I launch myself at him in a tackle hug. He lets out a quiet oof at the impact but wraps his arms around me and holds me tight.

“Thank you,” I murmur into his neck.

“You’re welcome. What did I do?”

“You’re just you. Quietly here, supporting me.” I kiss the hinge of his jaw. “I appreciate that more than you can ever know.”

“I’d do anything for you, Ceci,” he whispers.

I pull back enough so I can see his face. “I know you would.”

Aidan swallows loudly. “Good. I’m glad.”

“The same goes for me too,” I add. “Anything you want, I’ll make it happen.”

“How do you feel about Greece?” he blurts.

I stare at him. “What?”

“This summer. You, me, Hailey, and Ryan. Two weeks in Greece.”

“You want to go on vacation?”