Page 2 of Worth the Wait
The man who taught me that love isn’t enough when faced with social expectations and inherited prejudices.
He looks exactly the same and completely different all at once. The same devastating combination of dark hair and hazel eyes that used to make my pulse race, the same broad shoulders that once made me feel safe and protected.
Once.
“I...” I start, then stop, because what do you say to the person who destroyed your faith in love so completely that you spent four years rebuilding yourself from scratch?
Jennifer and Sidney are looking between us, confusion on their faces, the tension in the room thick enough to cut with a knife. Amanda steps forward, ready to take over but I force myself to move before this becomes more of a spectacle.
“I’m sorry,” I manage, crouching to gather the scattered papers with hands that shake despite my best efforts. “I didn’t realize you’d be personally involved in this project, Mr. Judd.”
Mr. Judd. As if we’re strangers. As if he didn’t once know every inch of my body, every dream in my heart, every insecurity from my childhood.
“It’s good to see you again, Lianne.” Cameron’s voice is carefully neutral, professional, but I catch the slight tremor underneath. At least I’m not the only one affected by this ambush.
I straighten with whatever dignity I can salvage, clutching my portfolio like armor. Four years. Four years since I’ve seen hisface, heard his voice, felt the devastating pull of attraction that made me believe fairy tales could come true.
He looks older. More serious than the charming twenty-six-year-old who swept me off my feet during his sister’s wedding planning. There are lines around his eyes that weren’t there before, though they do nothing to detract from the fact that he’s still devastatingly handsome. Still capable of making my pulse race with nothing more than a glance.
I hate that about myself.
“It’s nice to see you again, Lianne. Amanda,”Jennifer says as she shakes my hand, then Amanda’s, as if trying to move past the awkward moment. “This is it. The final meeting.”
“We’ve been looking forward to this,” I say, falling back on professional autopilot while my mind races with the new facts before me.
So Cameron is involved with Sterling Industries. Not just involved—based on where he’s sitting and how Jennifer defers to him, he’s the ultimate decision-maker. The person who will determine whether Luminous Events gets this contract or walks away empty-handed.
“Mr. Judd is Sterling Industries’ primary investor and board chair,” Jennifer explains, confirming my worst fears. “He takes personal interest in all major company initiatives, especially something as significant as our 50th anniversary celebration.”
Primary investor. Board chair. Of course he is. The Judds have their fingers in every profitable enterprise in Southern California. Why should Sterling Industries be any different?
“I see,” I say, though my voice sounds strange even to my own ears. “Well, I’m confident Luminous Events can exceed your expectations for this milestone celebration.”
Cameron’s gaze never leaves my face. “I’m sure you can. Your company has built an impressive reputation.”
There’s something in his tone that catches me off guard. As if he’s genuinely proud of what I’ve accomplished, which is ridiculous because Cameron Phillip Arthur Judd stopped caring about my achievements the moment his mother made it clear I wasn’t suitable for the family bloodline.
“Thank you,” I reply stiffly, taking the seat across from him. Distance. I need distance and professional boundaries and absolutely no eye contact that lasts longer than necessary for business courtesy.
Amanda settles beside me, her presence a comforting reminder that I’m not the same vulnerable girl who let Cameron’s family make her feel small. I’m a successful businesswoman with a company to run and a reputation to maintain.
“Shall we begin?” I ask, opening my portfolio with steady hands. “I believe you’ll find our final proposal addresses all the concerns raised in our previous meetings.”
For the next hour, I do what I do best. I paint a picture of an unforgettable evening that will cement Sterling Industries’ reputation as an innovative industry leader while honoring their five decades of success. The theme I’ve chosen—“Legacy and Innovation”—balances respect for their history with excitement about their future.
I walk them through venue options, from the Beverly Hills Hotel’s Crystal Ballroom to an exclusive Santa Barbara estatewith ocean views. Catering menus that blend classic elegance with contemporary flair. Entertainment concepts that will have guests talking for months.
This is my element. This is where I shine, where years of creativity and business acumen come together to create magic for clients who appreciate excellence.
Under normal circumstances, I’d be flying high on the creative energy, thrilled by the possibilities we’re discussing.
But nothing about this is normal, because Cameron is sitting three feet away, and every time I glance up from my presentation materials, I find him watching me with an intensity that makes my skin prickle with unwanted awareness.
He doesn’t contribute much to the creative discussion, mostly listening while Jennifer and Sidney ask questions and offer suggestions. But when he does speak, it’s to ask thoughtful questions about logistics or to suggest modifications that show he’s genuinely paying attention.
“The networking component is crucial,” he says when we’re discussing layout options. “Sterling Industries serves clients who rarely get face time with our executive team. This event should feel exclusive but approachable.”
It’s a good point, the kind of insight that comes from understanding corporate dynamics and relationship building. The Cameron I knew four years ago was charming but somewhat superficial, more interested in enjoying his privilege than understanding the business world that funded his lifestyle.
