Page 9 of Executive Decision

“I’m sorry. I’m being a bitch,” I sighed. “Look, it’s fresh. It’s messy. And I don’t want to hear more about it because my mother has already said too much.”

“I’m sorry. Breakups are hard. And couple that with a wedding… I’m sure it’s worse for a girl than for a guy.”

“It’s not great.”

“I’d like to say the whole ‘you’ll die alone’ thing gets better, but in my late thirties, I’m still hearing the same song and dance, Daph. I can also say you’re far too young to worry about any of that. Ignore the haters. At your age, I was wild.”

“Tell my mother that,” I said. “She loves Chandler. She would be glad for us to get back together. The trouble is, we’re just in different places. Like you said, I’m young. I have no desire to settle down and have children. He wants them.”

I felt stupid. Why was I telling Cal all my secrets? Had I not learned my lesson the last time we tried to partner on something? We did not socialize outside of work or family parties. We werenotfriends, but he was so damn easy to talk to! And unlike everyone else in the inner circle at Delphine Holdings, his outsider status gave him a unique vantage point.

“Well, you’re about to be in paradise—for a few days with no consequences. Chin up, Daphne.”

I smiled. “Yeah, you’re probably right.”

* * *

Cal

We arrived at our gate to find our flight delayed.

“Well, we didn’t have to rush,” Daphne groaned.

“Yeah. Shit. That sucks.” I said it like I meant it, but didn’t.

Ever since I boarded the plane, Daphne gave me attitude. I went from worried I’d be fired to hopeful. Since I got under her skin, I knew she was still thinking about the kiss. So what if she nursed a breakup while stranded in the airport with me for a few more hours? I could work with that.

“Come on.” I waved. “There’s a lounge. We can eat a little and drink.”

“I need a fucking drink,” Daphne admitted, reluctantly following. “Take me there.”

I laughed until she called out sharply, “Wait!”

I turned to see her scowling.

“Can we please slow the fuck down, damn it?” She held out her hands. “I don’t want to walk with you. Give me my bag.”

She balled her tiny hands in fists.

I chuckled, finding her protests adorable. “Daphne, don’t be ridiculous. I was giving you shit. I’m just trying to help. I promise no speed walking.”

She dug herself deeper into the airport flooring. “You’re straight up laughing at me.”

“I was… you’re adorable when you swear. I never expect it. I laughed because it amused me.”

She let out a low growl of frustration. “Fine, if you will walk at my pace.”

“Scouts honor.”

She walked my way. “Why was there a delay? You are loving this, aren’t you?”

I restrained myself from mocking her grievances, “Daphne, you really do love to argue. Come on. I’ll get you fed and watered. Are you hangry?”

“Yes, I’m famished.” She groaned. “And I’ve not slept.”

“Why not?”

“I want to reset my clock. It’s a strategy everyone should adhere to.”

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