Page 52 of Brassy Bigwig

I watch as a grateful smile crosses her face, and I know she’s accepted my apology.

“I would love to attend. Thank you so much.”

We finish cleaning up and walk out to the lobby together.

“I’m going to grab a mint and some paper to take notes on. I’ll be right in.”

“Okay,” I agree, but I wait for her.

She grabs her things, and I follow her into the boardroom.

“Hello, everyone.” Chloe walks to the back corner and takes a seat. “Chloe, please feel free to take a spot at the table with everyone else. Have you all had the chance to meet my new assistant?”

I glance around the room to several people nodding their heads. A couple of them wave to her casually. Randall, my head of finance, looks at her for a little too long, and it takes all of the power in my body not to react too noticeably to him.

It was tough to keep my attention on my staff as we went through our agenda with Chloe sitting at the other end of the table. The knowing looks we shared reminded me of our night together and had me visualizing all of the places in this room where I wanted to lay her down and claim her over and over again as mine.

She showed up today. A small part of me was terrified she wouldn’t. That she would realize what a schmuck I am and she’s too good for me. I’m sure she does know that; she’s a smart girl. But she’s here anyway, and she admitted she wants me to help her become the girl she was in Greece.

This has all of the potential to turn into one regrettable disaster. But I didn’t pick up my entire life and move three-thousand miles to play it safe.

If we’re going to do this, we’re going all in.