Page 38 of Saving the CEO

“On behalf of Scarlett?” Amber stomped over, her hands on her hips. “Why isn’t she here herself? Does she even care about how we’re doing?”

“Of course, she does. She’s been beating herself up over what happened.” Crossing his arms over his chest, he turned to face Amber. “It’s not easy for her to face you, knowing how much she’s disappointed you. Scarlett looks up to you—all of you. You three are some of the most important people in her life.”

Capri frowned. “Now I feel bad. You were pretty hard on her the other day, Amber. It wasn’t like Red fell for Devin on purpose.”

“She really didn’t,” Emerald chimed in, “but can you blame her?”

“Yes, I can, but not only her; him, too.” Narrowing her eyes, Amber pinned her gaze on Devin. “When did you start falling for Scarlett? If you knew you were falling for her, why did you still go through with the matchmaking?”

He blinked in surprise. When had he started to fall for Scarlett? It was before that day at the golf course, of course, but if he were to pinpoint the exact moment, he couldn’t pick one. “To tell you the truth, I have no idea when it started. She came into my life without warning, like an earthquake that wakes you from a deep sleep. She continued to shake up my world every time I saw her. As hard as I tried not to think about her, I couldn’t get her off my mind. I was too stubborn to admit that she’d won me over,” he said with a chuckle. “Scarlett is the smartest woman I know, the most generous and compassionate one, too. She not only makes me want to be a better man, she gives me the confidence that I can be. Not because of anything I can do, but because of her faith in me. I would gladly lose to her any day of the week because with her I can only win.” He raised his palms in a gesture of surrender. “I take full responsibility for not owning up to my feelings and putting a stop to the matchmaking when I had the chance. If you want to take your anger and frustration out on anyone, take it out on me, but leave Scarlett out of this.”

Silence fell over the room as the women stared at Devin. He didn’t know what to make of their reaction, but he was ready to stand his ground. Whatever Scarlett’s sisters wanted to do to him, he’d take it.

“Are you done?” Amber asked, her tone even.

“That depends. Are you letting Scarlett off the hook?”

She dropped her hands from her hips, taking a neutral stance. With a glance at her sisters, she nodded. “She was never reallyonthe hook. I know I said some harsh things—which I do regret—but I also know my sister. She doesn’t let just anyone close, especially after what her ex did to her. So, for her to have chosen you, it says a lot about the kind of person you are. And from what you just shared, I think it’s safe to say that Scarlett’s found someone who’s worth this mess she got into. As long as you continue to treat her like a queen, that’s all that matters. As for the business, we’ll figure it out.”

“If that’s the only problem, you’ll be happy to know that I already have a solution for you,” Devin offered with a smile. “I had my PR team do some work. They found some social media influencers who want to partner with you on a couple of giveaway opportunities. And a crew from KRON will be coming out to interview you. They’re interested in doing a special piece on matchmaking for the holidays.”

“KRON, as in the news station KRON?” Capri shrieked. “We’re going to be on TV?”

“That’s right. They should be emailing you with details soon. With some good publicity, it shouldn’t be long before the public forgets about what happened with Scarlett and me and business picks up again.”

“I don’t know what to say, Devin.” Amber shook her head in disbelief as she held out her hand to him. “I suppose all I can say is welcome to the family! Because if Scarlett doesn’t marry you, one of us will!”

“She’s kidding, of course,” Emerald reassured him. “Thank you, Devin. Not just for saving the business, but thank you for taking care of our sister.”

“The pleasure is all mine, truly. I know she wants the best for your business, so if I can help in this small way, I’m more than happy to.”

“You know what else you can do to help?” Amber remarked. “Would you tell her it’s about time she came back to work? She keeps saying she quit, but with the amount of work that’s going to be coming in, we’re going to need her help.”

“Amber, she’s serious about quitting,” Capri insisted. “She wants to give this new career of hers a try.”

“And how does she think she’s going to support herself?” Sighing, Amber threw up her hands in frustration. “This is exactly what happened when she decided she wanted to go into acting. I suppose she’ll have to learn the hard way again that dreams don’t pay the bills.”

“Come on, have some faith in Red,” Emerald encouraged Amber. “She’s not a teenager anymore. She knows what she’s doing and she’s good at it, too. I’ve never seen her work this hard before. She’s been stuck in that closet of hers day and night. She’s been doing so much recording, she nearly lost her voice.”

Devin’s mind spun as he digested the women’s words. Acting. Closet. Recording. He suddenly remembered the comment Scarlett had made about the book he’d been reading, how it was good in audio form. Audiobook narration—was that what she’d been busy doing this past week when she said she couldn’t meet up? “By any chance, does Scarlett narrate books?”

Amber gasped. “You didn’t know about this new passion of hers either? At least we’re not the only ones she kept out of the loop. Emerald just found out the other day when she overheard Scarlett practicing.”

“I thought she was on the phone with you,” Emerald explained to Devin, “but then I realized it wasn’t likely since she was the only one doing all the talking. I was sure you’d want to get a word in, too. That’s when I interrupted her and found out about this hidden talent of hers. I’m surprised she didn’t tell you.”

“That makes two of us.” Devin shook his head in wonder. Why had Scarlett kept something this important from him? Had he been so preoccupied with work that he hadn’t taken the time to listen to her? Whatever the reason was, he was determined to let Scarlett know how much he supported her and that she wouldn’t have to face anything on her own anymore.

CHAPTER20

Scarlett

Scarlett felt like the worst girlfriend. Not only had she turned down Devin’s marriage proposal, she had also neglected him the past week in favor of doing work. And she’d had the gall to callhima workaholic.

Now who was the one eating humble pie again?

Her stomach twisted into knots as she stood outside his house. He had called her last night and asked her over for dinner today. When she’d declined his offer, he had insisted that she at least come for hot chocolate. Scarlett had finally agreed, knowing that she couldn’t avoid him forever. But, oh how she wished she could.

Wringing her hands together, she bounced nervously on the balls of her feet. She didn’t know how to face Devin after the way she’d disappointed and hurt him. Would he ever forgive her for rejecting him? Was their relationship doomed to fail? How could they salvage it after they’d started off on such a bad note?

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