Page 73 of Just The Way You Aren't

"You have important things to say," I reply. "I'm glad you were able to see that your input is valued."

He smiles, then surprises me by hugging me. "If Langley doesn't make this work with you, send him my way. I'll tell him how foolish he's being."

I blush. "Oh, it’s not like that… I mean, we're just?—"

"Don't," he interrupts gently. "I've watched him look at you during this meeting. And more importantly, I can see how he’s changed in recent weeks—for the better. I suspect you have a lot to do with that. If he’s smart, he’ll hang onto you."

I glance Damien’s way and feel my cheeks warm. “Well, thank you, Mr. Walt.”

“Please, call me Ben.” He offers me a fatherly smile. “It was a pleasure talking with you today, Willow.”

As the executives file out, Steven lingers behind. "Thank you," he says simply. "You saved this meeting."

"Damien saved the meeting," I correct. "I just helpedeveryone remember why you're working together in the first place."

Steven nods thoughtfully. "I'll remember that." He glances at Damien. "Don't mess this up, Langley. She's a keeper."

Once we're alone, Damien closes his eyes and exhales slowly. "I cannot believe what just happened."

"You mean the part where you and Ben figured out a solution that makes everyone happy?"

"I mean the part where you appeared out of nowhere and somehow turned a complete disaster into..." He gestures helplessly. "This."

I move closer to him. "You're the one who knew the technical solutions. I just helped create space for communication."

He cups my face in his hands. "You're incredible. Do you know that?"

"I think you might be a little biased," I tease.

"Maybe," he admits, leaning down to kiss me softly. "But I'm also right."

When we pull apart, he wraps his arms around me. "What were you doing here anyway? Please tell me this wasn't some elaborate plan."

I laugh. "I was dress shopping. Have you seen the prices at Bella's? I might have to show up to our fundraiser in jeans."

"Absolutely not," he says firmly. "We'll figure something out." He pauses. "Wait, were you really just here by accident?"

"Complete accident," I confirm. "Though I'm starting to think there might be something to Mrs. Baumgartner's theory about fate."

"What theory?"

"That some things are just meant to happen."

Damien's expression softens as he draws me close for a kiss. "Maybe she's onto something."

CHAPTER 23

DAMIEN

Ibring Willow to lunch at Ambrosia, the restaurant I wanted to take her to in the first place before we decided on Billy's Burgers. Though, I have to admit, those were some damn good burgers.

"We'd like to be seated by the window," I tell the maître d' when we enter the restaurant without a reservation.

The man looks up. I can tell it's on the tip of his tongue to ask me if I have a reservation, then recognition dawns and he nods. "It will be but a moment, monsieur, madame." He presses his hand to his ear, where he has an earbud, and begins speaking in rapid French to whomever is on the other end of the line.

"Did you make a reservation this time?" Willow asks, grinning at me knowingly.

"I did not," I confide, smiling back. It feels nice to have her on my arm.

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