Page 107 of Snapshot

He nods. “I know who you are, ma’am. You and I have some business to finalize.” He laughs again when he sees my eyes widen in terror. “Don’t worry, Dex has already explained Hessler Group’s current leadership setup. I’m not trying to put you on the spot. I mean, I’m honored that our companies are merging. It’s been a deal long in the making. I’m sorry Dottie isn’t here to finally see it through.”

“Were you and Dottie close?” I ask, blinking to try and focus. I must be a little tipsier than I thought, as his face keeps coming in and out of focus.

“We were what the kids call ‘frenemies,’ I suppose.” His chuckle is hoarse and raspy. He beats his fist against his chest. “My days of smoking Cubans are catching up with me.” He clears his throat and continues, “I had a hell of a lot of respect for Dottie. I spent my entire life in her shadow. I think her grandson is going to do a fine job with my company.”

I reach out to tap his arm. “Dex cares,” I say softly. “About the people, about his team. He would break his back to make things work for everyone.”

“I’m sure he would. He has some growing up to do, but I think one day he’ll make a fine leader,” Richard says, his tone condescending.

My defensiveness rises. I don’t think these old grumps realize what a masterpiece Dex already is. “I wouldn’t underestimate him. You know Luxe Adventure was a struggling cruise line until Dex came up with a fantastic idea to turn that entire money pit around.”

Richard scoots his chair in before sitting up taller at the edge of his seat. Leaning in close, he whispers with a sly smile, “Well, fill me in, Mrs. Hessler. I’d love nothing more than to hear about how our future company is going to annihilate the competition…which, by the way, was me, until recently. Nice to be on the inside, now.”

Fully intent on giving Dex all the credit so his new partner has full faith in his brilliance, I fill Richard in on the concert cruise idea. Soup to nuts. I explain in great detail the intricacies of our endeavor. I even name-drop Shaylin and mention our plans to contribute to her favorite charity.

“A concert cruise,” Richard repeats, bobbing his head in approval. “That’s actually a fantastic idea.”

I beam, my cheeks aching from my overextended smile. “All Dex. The cruise line was in trouble, and now it’s going to be the most lucrative fleet in the company.”

“Hmm,” Richard says, “I have no doubt. A billion-dollar idea indeed.” I look over Richard’s shoulder and see Dex approaching. He’s loosening his bow tie, a sleepy smile on his face. Damn, my man is a dream. I’d be drawn to him in any crowd, at any event, in any city. He’s a magnet’s pull. My heartbeat flutters with excitement as he approaches, knowing that he’s mine.All mine.

“You ready to go, Trouble? I think I’m talked out for the evening.” Dex glances at my empty champagne flute. “Unless you’d both like another round?”

“No, I’m okay.”

“I’m about to call it an evening as well.” Richard scoots his chair out and rises. Dex is well over six feet, but Richard is taller and nearly double his width. He holds his hand out to Dex. “Hessler, nice to see you. Very nice speech this evening.”

Dex shakes Richard’s hand, and I can’t help but notice the tension. Richard’s wearing a cocky smirk and Dex looks uncomfortable. “Nice to see you as well. Have you had any time to look over my counteroffer?” Dex asks.

“I have indeed,” Richard replies. “I think your lawyers made a mistake. The offer seems to be missing a digit.”

“I’m just going off the numbers, Richard. The actual value of the company versus theperceivedvalue. Please take your time considering it. It’s a very generous offer, and you know Hessler Group is the only one in a position to offer anything close to that range.”

“Hmm,” Richard grumbles out. “I think we have different definitions of generous.”

“Richard, come on. It’s ten percent more than my grandmother offered. My show of good faith. But I can’t double an offer on a company that’s nearly bankrupt. You know that. The numbers don’t lie.”

I’m not sure if I’m imagining it, but Richard flushes—maybe from embarrassment, maybe from anger. “I’ll be in touch,” Richard huffs. “Ma’am,” he says, saluting me with two fingers. “It was a pleasure meeting you in person, finally.”

“What was that about?” I ask Dex as soon as Richard is out of earshot. “I thought you guys were acquiring Royal Bahamas. Isn’t that why you flew back to Miami early after we got married?”

“Yes. But right before the paperwork was signed, he asked Hessler Group to double down. Greedy old man who wants to retire off of pure pity. Grandma would never fall for his tricks. He clearly thought I was more gullible.”

My stomach sinks. I spoke to Richard like he was part of the team, not an outsider looking in. I have no idea the ramifications of what we talked about. “Dex, Richard, and I were chatting and?—”

“Baby, don’t worry about him. He’s been weaseling around for the better part of two decades. I can handle it. Come on.” He grabs my hand, and I stumble as I step toward him. Catching my elbow, he braces me. “Is that because your feet hurt? Or because you’ve had one too many.”

“Definitely the latter,” I admit. “And I can no longer feel my feet.”

Dex laughs. “Come on, sweet wife. I want to take you home, take those shoes off, then that dress.” He leans down to whisper in my ear. “You’ve been a walking cock tease all night, and when we get home, I’m going to do something about it.”

Dex

We’re barely home and through the elevators before Lennox kicks off her shoes, flinging them across the room like she’s angry at them. But then she throws her hand over her mouth and collects the shoes, setting them neatly side by side against the wall. “Sorry,” I hear her mutter to her stilettos. I can’t help but laugh.

“Did you just apologize to your shoes?” The glass of champagne in the limo tipped her over the edge. My wife is silly, sassy, and sexy, and I’m eating up every second of it. Joy is a feeling. It’s warm and heavy. Most people say happiness makes you feel light. I disagree. For me, happiness is thick and heavy, working with gravity to make me feel secure and grounded.

“Well, Mr. Hessler, these shoes are so damn fancy and expensive, it’s quite possible they have real feelings.”

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