Chapter 136

Brandon's POV

June's soft warmth lingered against me as we lay tangled in the sheets. I'd barely caught my own breath when she stirred, reaching for her tablet on the nightstand. I groaned, tugging her back playfully. "Seriously? You're checking emails now?"

"Just a sec," she mumbled, her voice drowsy but determined. I watched her scroll, her face illuminated by the screen's glow. She looked adorable—hair mussed and eyes bright—and I was about to pull her back when her eyes widened.

"Brandon!" she squeaked, launching herself at me. I barely had time to brace myself before she tackled me, her arms wrapping around my neck. "I got into Stark Group! They accepted me!"

She was practically bouncing, her grin infectious, and I laughed, catching her before she toppled us both off the bed. "I knew you'd nail it, June. I'm proud of you."

She beamed, her hands cupping my face. "Wait. You didn't pull any strings, did you?"

I chuckled, pressing a kiss to her knuckles. "Me? Never. I told you, you're brilliant. Stark Group would've been crazy not to take you." I tugged her closer, my lips brushing hers. "Any company would."

June giggled, but then she glanced at the clock and sighed. "It's late. I should sleep—big day tomorrow. First day at work with you."

"Mm-hmm," I agreed, though I wasn't quite ready to let the night end. We shared another moment of closeness, a gentle but lingering celebration of her success. By the time we finally drifted off to sleep, the sense of shared excitement for our future together was overwhelming.

The next morning, I was up first, feeling more energized than I had in weeks. June, meanwhile, was a sight—moving a bit slowly as she crawled out of bed, scowling at me with a half-hearted glare.

"June, shoes," I said, nodding at the slippers by the bed.

She huffed, hands on her hips. "Brandon, I swear, you have too much energy. I'm exhausted."

I raised an eyebrow, rinsing my toothbrush. "Not my fault you're irresistible. But I promise to be gentle tonight."

"Tonight?" she squeaked, whirling around with toothpaste in hand. "I need to focus on work!"

I just smiled, leaning in to kiss her forehead. "Get ready. I'll make breakfast. You've got a big day ahead, Mrs. Stark."

By the time she came down, I had coffee brewing and breakfast on the table. She walked in wearing an understated but elegant sweater paired with a light coat. She looked stunning, though she was fidgeting with her hair.

"What do you think?" she asked nervously.

I let my eyes linger, taking her in. Finally, I nodded. "You look like you're about to own that place. Which you will."

She relaxed, a shy grin breaking through. "Thanks, Brandon. For everything."

"Anytime," I said, pushing a plate her way. "Now eat. We've got work to do."