Page 34 of Saving the CEO

“Asking for help isn’t something I’m good at, but I’m willing to try.”

She placed her hands over his and nodded. “Thank you.”

He closed his eyes and prayed, “God, I know You are more than capable of helping Scarlett. I ask that You make a way for her out of this situation and help her to work things out with her sisters. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

Scarlett spun around in his arms until they were face to face. She cupped his cheeks, then dusted off the traces of flour on his skin and regarded him with a grateful smile. “Thank you, Devin. That meant more to me than you know.”

His throat tightened, making it hard to speak. “You mean more to me than you know. Thank you for being patient with me.”

“Thank you for being patient with me. I know I’m probably a lot more than you expected or know what to do with. My Nanna used to say I wore my heart on both sleeves and pant legs. I guess I just feel a lot, and it sometimes leaks out. Sorry for dumping it all on you.”

“You don’t need to apologize. I like that about you.”

“You’re not just saying that because you’re trying to be a good boyfriend, are you?”

“Of course not. Wait, what do you mean trying? Aren’t I one already?” he added with a playful smirk.

“You are! I can’t believe you came home in the middle of a workday. I told Bekah not to call you.”

“I’m glad she did. But next time, I expect you to call me first. You shouldn’t go through these things alone. I can help, and by that, I mean I can listen and hold you and pray for you. You just let me know when you need me, and I’ll do my best to be there.”

“You learn fast, Mr. CEO. Thank you,” she murmured before pressing her mouth to his.

Surprised, he held onto the countertop as she relayed the gratitude of her words in this tangible way. She pulled him closer, her soft curves melding with the hard planes of his body. Heat rushed through his body with every touch. How could every kiss with Scarlett feel like a new and better experience? He would never grow tired of this intimate act of giving and receiving. There was so much more he desired to learn about her, not only in the physical sense but intellectually and emotionally as well. God willing, he would very much like to live out the rest of his days falling more and more in love with Scarlett Hayes.

Ding!

His phone sounded, reminding him of a meeting on his calendar. He reluctantly broke off their kiss to silence the alarm.

“Do you have to go?” Scarlett asked softly as she smoothed down the front of his shirt. “We’ve hardly seen each other all week.”

“I know. Things have been hectic with this company acquisition that we’ve been working on. My schedule should be better after the deal closes next month. We’re aiming to wrap it up before the holidays.”

She nodded, focusing her attention on the ball of dough on the counter. “I guess I’ll go back to baking.”

“Or you could go to work. I’m sure your sisters haven’t processed your resignation yet.” He craned his head to meet her eyes. When she didn’t look over, he cradled her chin and tipped it up. “Hey, don’t tell me you’re giving up so easily. Where’s the Scarlett from last week, the one who didn’t hesitate to go toe to toe with me and put me in my place?”

“She was pretty amazing, wasn’t she?” A small smile brightened her eyes. “I guess she’s in the middle of a mini midlife crisis and trying to decide if matchmaking is really what she wants to do or if she’s daring enough to go after her own dream.”

“Her—your dream? Is there something else you want to do?”

She began rolling and kneading the dough as she stared off into the distance. With a shrug, she replied, “There is, but it’s a long shot. It’s more of a hobby right now, but I’d love to do it full-time if I can.”

“Then you should do it. What’s stopping you?”

“Lots of things, mostly fear. Fear that I won’t be able to pay my bills and fear that my sisters will think it’s silly and not a real job. They’re all so talented and have done so much with their gifts. I can’t even begin to compete with them.”

“So don’t.” He took her by the shoulders. “You’re not them. You don’t need to do what they’ve done. You have your own strengths and talents.”

“You make it sound so simple. You have no idea what it’s like to live in their shadows all your life.”

“Need I remind you who my brother is? Try being the identical twin of someone with a song in the Top 40 charts.”

“But you could have easily been in the charts, too, with him. You just decided not to be.”

“True, but I was never as popular as Jace. He can keep a crowd of thousands entertained for hours at a time, and by the end of the night, they’ll still be wanting more. He can make friends with anyone in sight. In case you haven’t noticed, I’m not quite as personable.”

“You don’t say.”

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