Identity Risk (The Billionaire Experience #3)

Chapter Nineteen

Jessie woke up to the sensation of a cool breeze filtering through the open door of the terrace. The first thing she noticed was the empty spot next to her where Mac had been sleeping.

She stretched her arms and legs, feeling the slight ache in her muscles, but she smiled as the previous night's memories flooded back—Mac, the gala, and the passion that had consumed them afterward. It was a night she’d never forget.

She sat up, and the scent of something delicious drifted into the room from the open door. Moments later, she heard soft footsteps, and Mac appeared in the doorway. He was holding a tray loaded with breakfast. His eyes lit up when he saw her awake.

“Good morning, gorgeous,” he said, his voice warm and playful. “Thought I’d surprise you with breakfast out on the terrace,” he told her as he walked outside and set the tray on the table he must have set up earlier.

Jessie’s smile widened as she pushed the blanket and sheet back and stood, slipping into the silk robe that was draped over the chair. “You know, you’re spoiling me,” she teased, walking over to him and kissing him softly.

“I know,” Mac replied with a lopsided grin. He slipped his hand around her waist and led her toward the balcony. “and I plan on doing it every day.”

The fresh autumn morning air hit her as they stepped outside. The park below was already alive with activity. She would never get tired of the view. It was breathtaking, just like the man standing next to her. Mac pulled out a chair for her, and Jessie sat down, taking in the spread of fresh fruit, omelets, sausage, toast, orange juice, and fresh coffee.

“This looks amazing. I could get used to this,” Jessie said, taking a sip of her coffee as she looked at Mac.

His eyes softened as he sat across from her. “Last night was something else. You were incredible—both in the public limelight and in bed. And in the car,” he teased, making her blush.

Oh, it was incredible, alright. She remembered everything . And she was grateful.

“I survived, thanks to you.” She paused, glancing at him with a smile. “And I heard the Children’s Center raked in a substantial amount of money from donations and the silent auction.”

Mac nodded, his eyes lighting up as he popped a piece of melon in his mouth. “You did more than survive, Jess. You were the highlight of the night. And after the heartfelt speech that you delivered, there was no doubt in my mind that anybody could say no to helping fund the Children’s Center. Those kids are the future.”

She grinned, leaning back in her chair as she took a bite of toast, savoring the strawberry jam coated on it.

Last night wasn’t just about the Children’s Center and schmoozing with the upper class. Last night was also about securing her and Mac’s future together. He wasn’t aware of what she had done.

She set her toast down and wiped her mouth with the napkin. “There is something that happened at the gala that I wanted to talk to you about. Actually, I wanted to tell you last night, but we kind of got sidetracked,” she told him, a slight blush covering her cheeks. “I spoke with Tony, and I offered him the CEO position.”

Mac blinked, clearly stunned by the news. “You’re serious?” he asked, setting down his coffee.

Jessie nodded, smiling at the surprised look on his face. It wasn’t often she could shock the former Navy SEAL. “I am. He’s young and ambitious. I’m confident that he’ll do a great job. I’ll stay on as Chairman. But that’s not the best part.”

Mac raised an eyebrow, leaning forward. “What’s the best part?”

She bit her lip, a playful glint in her eyes. “The best part is, I’m moving to Florida so we can be together.”

Mac’s reaction was immediate—his face broke into a wide smile, his eyes shining with happiness. “Jessie, are you serious? You’re really moving to Florida?”

Jessie’s heart swelled at the sight of happiness, and she nodded. “Yes. I can’t be away from you, Mac. I want to go to sleep at night and wake up in the morning with you next to me. Tony can handle the day-to-day, and I’ll handle any major decisions from our place. But I need to be with you.”

Mac’s hand reached across the table, grasping hers, his eyes filled with emotion. “You don’t know how happy that makes me,” he said softly.

◆◆◆

Mac’s heart was pounding in his chest, but it wasn’t from nerves. It was out of pure joy. Jessie was moving to Florida. After everything they had been through, she was finally coming home with him. He could hardly believe it. She had chosen him, chosen them.

As he gazed at her, dressed in that silk robe, her eyes filled with warmth and love, an idea formed in his mind—something he had been thinking about for a while but hadn’t been sure how to act on. But now, with Jessie saying she wanted to be with him, it felt right.

Without a word, Mac stood up, and Jessie’s eyes followed him, her expression curious. He walked back inside and then returned with a single blue rose, which was a symbol of their unique connection.

Jessie’s eyes widened in surprise as he approached, and before she could ask what he was doing, Mac slowly lowered himself onto one knee, holding the rose delicately in his hand. Her hand flew to her mouth, her eyes filling with shock and love.

“Jess,” Mac began, his voice thick with emotion. “The past year and a half has been the hardest of my life. Not knowing where you were or if I’d ever see you again nearly broke me. But you’re here now. And I don’t want to ever be without you again.”

Jessie’s eyes were already brimming with tears, her breath coming in shallow bursts as she listened to him.

“I’ve known from the moment I met you at that dinner party four years ago that you were special,” Mac continued, his heart pounding in his chest. “You’re strong, beautiful, and brilliant. And I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”

He held out the rose, his voice soft but steady as he asked the question he had been dying to ask for so long. “Jessie Marchand, will you marry me?”

For a moment, Jessie didn’t speak. Her hands trembled as she looked at him, her eyes filled with emotion. Then, with a soft sob, she nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. “Yes, Mac. Nothing would make me happier than to marry you.”

Mac stood, pulling her into his arms as they embraced, her tears of joy wetting his shirt. He held her close, his heart soaring. This was it—this was everything he had dreamed of.

Jessie pulled back slightly, looking up at him with a radiant smile. “I love you so much,” she whispered before kissing him.

“I love you too,” Mac replied against her lips before kissing her deeply, sealing the promise of their future together.

Jessie pulled away slightly, her bright green eyes meeting his blue ones.

“I meant to ask you last night. The green bra and panties you picked out for me that just happened to match my dress perfectly—was that planned?”

Mac chuckled. “No. I honestly just loved the color when Cherise showed me and knew the set would look amazing on you.”

“Hmm…what about the white set?”

He pulled her close as he slowly loosened the sash on her robe.

“Well, that I thought would look amazing on our wedding night when I took your dress off you,” he whispered, placing his lips against her neck. “Though you look amazing in nothing at all.”

“I think breakfast is on hold,” she panted as he continued kissing her.

“Not for me,” he grinned, kissing her lips.

“Huh?”

“My appetite shifted. I’m craving something much sweeter and irresistible,” he growled before removing her robe and placing her gently on the table.

Mac’s eyes roamed over her body—a temptation he couldn’t wait to indulge in.

His thoughts drifted back to her teasing comment about getting used to waking up and having breakfast together every morning. He had agreed wholeheartedly, loving the idea of her being the first thing he saw each day. But now, with her laid out before him, his mind took a different turn—one that had him smirking. He could definitely get used to having her for breakfast, savoring every little bite like a feast he’d never get enough of. The way her skin warmed under his touch, her soft laughter mixing with the excitement in her eyes—it was enough to make his pulse race. He leaned in, enjoying the game of making her melt with every gentle kiss and playful nibble, all while knowing there was nowhere else he’d rather be.

This was the beginning of their forever.