Page 22 of Hitched to my Boss

"Smart woman," Hartwell approves, settling into his own chair. "Jason, you're a lucky man."

"I know," Jason replies, and something in his voice makes me look at him more closely. There's no performance in his tone, no careful calculation. Just simple truth that catches me off guard.

The server appears to take our orders, giving me a moment to compose myself. This is a business breakfast with a client. The fact that my fake husband is looking at me like I'm something precious he's afraid to lose is irrelevant to the professional objectives we need to achieve.

"So," Hartwell says once the server leaves, "let's talk about the wolf situation. I have to say, after meeting you both last night, I'm even more convinced that you're the right person for this project."

Jason shifts into professional mode, the transformation immediate and impressive. "I'd like to start with a comprehensive site assessment. Understanding the pack's current territory, their hunting patterns, what's driving them to target your livestock specifically."

"How long would that take?"

"Two weeks minimum for proper observation. Potentially longer if the situation is more complex than your initial reports suggest." Jason leans forward slightly, his expertise evident in every word. "The key is identifying the root cause rather than just addressing the symptoms."

"And your approach would be non-lethal relocation?"

"Only if relocation addresses the underlying problem. If we're dealing with habitat loss or prey population decline, moving them might just transfer the issue to someone else's land." Jason's passion for his work illuminates his entire expression. "I prefer solutions that work for everyone involved."

Hartwell nods approvingly. "That's exactly the kind of thinking I need. Too many contractors come in with one-size-fits-all approaches that don't account for the specific dynamics of each situation."

"Jason's strength is his ability to analyze complex variables and develop customized solutions," I interject, playing my role as supportive spouse while highlighting his expertise. "He approaches every project like a puzzle that needs to be solved rather than a problem that needs to be eliminated."

"A good trait in wildlife management," Hartwell observes. "And in marriage, I'd imagine."

The comment sends heat up my neck, but Jason handles it smoothly. "Natalia keeps me grounded. Makes sure I don't disappear into the mountains and forget that effective solutions require effective communication."

"Balance," Hartwell agrees. "Essential in business and personal relationships." He turns to me with interest. "And what's your background, Natalia? Jason mentioned you work in marketing?"

This is tricky territory. I can't claim to be uninvolved in Jason's business without undermining our credibility, but I also can't admit to being his paid consultant without raising questions about our relationship timeline.

"Public relations and communications strategy," I say carefully. "I help professionals in specialized fields communicate their expertise to broader audiences. Jason and I met when I was researching the wildlife management industry for a project."

"And you saw something worth pursuing in this mountain hermit?" Hartwell teases, clearly enjoying the story.

"I saw someone who was passionate about finding solutions that most people wouldn't even consider," I reply, and realize I'm telling the absolute truth. "Someone who cared more about doing the work right than doing it quickly."

Jason's hand covers mine on the table, his thumb tracing across my knuckles in a gesture that looks affectionate but feels like a promise. "She convinced me that hiding my expertise in the mountains wasn't helping anyone."

"Including himself," I add, meeting his eyes with what I hope looks like loving exasperation. "He's brilliant at what he does, but terrible at letting people know about it."

"Well, he's lucky to have someone who can help him navigate the business side of things," Hartwell says. "Speaking of which, let's discuss the contract terms."

The next hour passes in detailed negotiation about timeline, payment structure, and deliverables. Jason handles the technical discussions with impressive confidence, while I provide strategic input about communication and reporting requirements. We work together seamlessly, anticipating eachother's points and building on each other's suggestions in a way that clearly impresses Hartwell.

"Excellent," he says finally, signing the contract with a flourish. "I have to say, this feels like the beginning of a very productive partnership. And congratulations again on your marriage. It's clear you two make a good team."

"Thank you," Jason says, his hand tightening on mine. "We're looking forward to working with you."

After Hartwell leaves, Jason and I sit in the restaurant's quiet aftermath.

"We did it," I say, hardly believing how smoothly everything went. "You got the contract."

"We got the contract," he corrects. "I couldn't have handled the business development aspects without you."

"That's what partners do."

"Is that what we are? Partners?"

The question hangs between us, loaded with implications I'm not ready to explore. Because somewhere during that breakfast, I stopped thinking about maintaining a professional facade and started thinking about how naturally we worked together. How Jason's expertise balanced with my strategic thinking created something stronger than either of us could achieve alone.

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