Page 89 of Serving the CEO

Jami handed me the two identical files we’d put together outlining the offer and I gave one to Imani and one to Bristol. “This might sound like a rash decision, but it’s not. Not really. I’ve been thinking about starting my own company for a while. It was my long-term plan but I’m willing to do the work to make thenowplan. I’ve got the contacts and I know the industry. I’m willing to work hard and do what it takes. The question is…do you want to take the chance with me?”

* * *

“I thinkthis will work out just fine.”

Frank Fellows smiled at me as he rose from behind his desk and held out his hand.

We now had a preliminary agreement for distribution and my heart was racing in my chest, pounding hard and fast as excitement tried to gurgle over and overwhelm me. I kept it under control as I stood and accepted his hand in mine. He squeezed a little too tight, held on a little too long, and the light in his eyes was one I’d seen before. He’d been checking me out when I’d first come in though, so it didn’t surprise me.

Annoy, yes. Surprise, no.

Tugging free of his grip, I picked up my purse and said, “Well, thank you. It’s been a pleasure doing business with you. I’m going to get going.”

“Why don’t you let me take you out to dinner?” He grinned at me. “A celebration of sorts for our new partnership?”

“I can’t.” Flashing him a bland smile, I said, “My assistant and I already made plans for the evening, and if I don’t leave now, I’ll be late.”

“Come now, I’m sure she’d understand.”

While not taking no for an answer could be an admirable trait in business, it was definitely an unattractive characteristic when it came to pursuing a woman who wasn’t interested.

I kept my tone polite. “We’ve got so much work to do if we’re going to get our first book out according to schedule. I’m sure you know how it is.”

“Of course, of course…” Frank smiled, but his gaze lowered to linger on my breasts, and I knew I’d be taking a shower as soon as possible.

Not waiting for him to try anything else. I headed for the door, walking as fast as I could without looking like I was fleeing.

I waited until I was a block away before I ducked into a small diner to get myself some lunch. The last thing I wanted to do was stop somewhere close enough to risk running into Frank again.

Once settled, I shot a text to Jami and Amelia and let them know the meeting had gone well. I hadn’t been lying when I’d told Frank that I had plans tonight. Jami and I intended to spend as much time as we could putting together all the pieces that we’d need to get Bristol’s book the attention it deserved.

After that, I sent Imani and Bristol a similar update and informed them we’d have a timetable for publication soon. Imani responded almost immediately, giving me an update on where everything stood. By the time my lunch arrived, Bristol sent her own message, a series of emojis that I took to mean she was happy with my news.

I waited until I finished to text my parents, not quite sure how much I wanted to tell them. I stuck with simplicity.

I spoke with a distributor today and we’re moving forward with that book I’ve been so excited about. Once I get the go-ahead, I’ll tell you more about it.

They’d both replied by the time I settled in my seat on the subway, their messages the expected words of praise and encouragement. I smiled as I read them, but I had the same problem most kids did when their parents had always supported their dreams. I always had the thought in the back of my head that they were my parents, so of course they’d say all those nice things.

I had other people. Jami was honest with me, and I knew Amelia believed in me, but I still struggled with self-doubt and wished there was someone I could talk to about it. Without intending to, I thought of Derrick, and for some reason, he was the one I wanted to tell.

Immediately, I kicked myself. He was the last person I wanted to see and I doubted he ever wanted to hear my name again. Besides, things were working out the way they needed to, really.

I knew that.

And yet…somehow, I missed him.

I missed the angry, self-centered, arrogant bastard who’d broken my heart.

How fuckingstupidwas that?

THIRTY-FIVE

DERRICK

“You looklike you didn’t slept well.”

Glancing at Anamaria as she put a file down in front of me, I frowned. “I’m fine.”

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