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many other things. What relationship was free of challenges? And who knew if they would get that far anyway.
    For now, he thought it was just good to genuinely want a woman again, and even better to know the woman wanted him in return. The rest was just a matter of logistics.
    Fortunately, he was just as good as Seth was at figuring out how to get what he wanted.

Chapter 5
    “So before we get to the business part of our agenda, how was dinner last night? Did you do anything bold you want to share?” Sydney asked, watching as Alexa moved restlessly in her chair. “I see you squirming, so don’t try to lie to me.”
    “I am so looking forward to replacing you with someone who doesn’t know me so well,” Alexa said, avoiding the question but not the knowing look in Sydney’s eyes, the one that said he knew she was hiding something good.
    “You’ll miss me, Alexa. And I will miss you. You know I could stay part-time at both places almost indefinitely,” Sydney said, laughing at her pained expression.
    “Absolutely not,” Alexa said firmly, putting on her dreaded reading glasses and peering over the top of them at him. “You are a men’s clothing designer masquerading as my assistant. It’s time to spread your wings, little bird, and fly. Oh, and make me richer while you’re at it or buy me out. I don’t care. I’m sure Paul has a list of investments that are must-haves before I get too old to work.”
    “I want to stay another year, Alexa—no, seriously. I’ve talked to Paul about it. The clothing shop is humming along without me. I would just be in their way if I were there more. So there’s no reason for me not to be here a bit longer. Besides, it might take a while for us to find the perfect replacement.”
    “You know, I’m not half as picky about your replacement as you are,” Alexa informed him. “But okay, I want to see some paperwork showing a one-year phase-out plan for you soon. I’m going to gift you some stock when you leave to make sure you remain tied to my apron strings.”
    “I am tied to you by love, Alexa,” Sydney said quietly. “You gave me Paul. He’s the best gift I ever received.”
    “That was a win-win because I got to keep both of you,” Alexa reminded him. “Our family connection is not going to change when the SydneyB label goes international. We’ll just be a richer family.”
    Sydney nodded. No matter what his bank account said, or how many times he went home to the best looking partner in the world, Sydney still ended up shaking his head in disbelief at his good fortune in knowing the woman across the desk from him.
    Alexa Ranger was mentor, second mother, friend, and a dozen other role models of how to move through the world. And he didn’t want to leave her daily care to anyone else just yet. She was just going to have to live with him sticking around a bit longer.
    Alexa nodded with her chin to the PDA Sydney carried. “What’s the first item on the list?”
    “Karen says it’s time to plan the Milan trip because it takes months to reserve everything. Who are we sending?” Sydney asked.
    “Not me,” Alexa said, not willing to spend another trip alone in the beautiful Italian city. “Why don’t you go and take Paul? Busman’s holiday for a month.”
    “Seriously?” Sydney’s face lit with joy. “Wonderful. I accept.”
    “Can Ellen sit the front desk while you’re out?” Alexa asked about the person who usually filled in when Sydney had to be away during the day.
    “No, I have someone else I want to try. His name is Allen Stedman. He’s young, strong, well-rounded, and extremely heterosexual. I think you’ll like him.”
    “For pity’s sake, Sydney. I’m not planning to date the man,” Alexa said around a laugh. “I just want a good guard dog.”
    “Trust me, Allen will do fine at guarding you,” Sydney told her. “Take a look at him though before you decide about the dating part. He’s in the same league as your Marine, in case