Page 6 of Executive Decision

He wanted to let loose on Cal. I dreamed of accountability, but not wiping the floor with Cal.

“You’re right,” Cal backed off, knowing when to call it.

“In the next week, I want a branding kit plan on Daphne’s desk,” Dad said. “Can you two work on that?”

“Yes,” Cal and I said in unison.

With no more time, I sat. Cal stole the rest of my presentation by derailing things with his own lack of preparation.

“He thinks the sun shines out of his ass,” Davey whispered as I returned to my seat. “I’ve got your back.”

* * *

Cal

I wanted to punch a wall—the wall Daphne nailed me to—but couldn’t blame her. I didn’t do my job to the best of my abilities. Now, David wanted to speak to me in his office. I planned to take my lumps and move on, but I’d not cross Daphne again. I obviously angered her. Was this blackmail?”

I left my office, ready for a bruising and passed Daphne in the hall. She stood at the espresso machine. Her gaze averted mine, turning immediately to the shot pouring out of the expensive machine. I debated passing, then stopped.

“Do we have an issue?” I remained calm.

“I don’t need this right now.” Daphne shook her head, deflated.

“I’m not coming for you.”

“Right,” she said sarcastically.

I softened my face. “I’m not upset with you.”

“You have a funny way of showing it, Cal. I don’t need your grief today. I was out of fucks before crossing the Atlantic. Don’t try me. You dropped the ball, I gave you two chances to make an excuse, you didn’t, then you blamed me. Don’t come for me unless you want to watch my father and brother tear you from limb to limb.”

You’d probably get off on that.

“Your dad is about to dress me down. You’re right. I fucked up but... I just didn’t know. I’m sorry. I wasn’t trying to deflect.”

She didn’t buy it. “Well, it won’t be bad. The sun shines out of your ass. And no, I haven’t said anything. So, don’t continue to take it out on me.”

I grabbed her hand without thinking. “Daph, I am not out to get you. You were right to call me out, okay?”

Daphne’s big green eyes finally met mine. For a moment, I saw the sweet side of her. She returned to all business, pulling her hand away.

“I… I just want us to get along,” I said.

“Well, we are fine if you do your job and don’t try to infantilize me. Next time, try not to derail my presentation.”

“Got it.” I let it go.

She didn’t care about the kiss, just that I stole her moment.

Daphne said flatly, “Your tie is a mess. Fix it.”

I adjusted it in the espresso machine’s reflection, quipping, “To the gallows!”

Marching to her father’s office, I should have felt lighter. Daphne didn’t give a fuck about the kiss—the best-case scenario. Sadly, I wished for her to take it out on me rather than take the high road.

“Cal,” David’s face lit up as I came in for my punishment, to my surprise. “I have good news.”

“Oh,” I shut the door.

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