Page 83 of Paradise in Progress
I always swore I didn’t want to be like my dad, and here I chose the company over her. If it came down to me or her, I would’ve—should’ve—quit on the spot. Working for Nelson Signature was never my dream, but it’s always been hers. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from my father, it’s how not to be a husband. For as long as I can remember, he’s prioritized his work over his wife and children. That’s not the type of man I want to be.
I might have been her “boss,” but every renovation idea came from her. I should have pushed harder to ensure Kennedy was included in the final stages of the opening. I know that, but hindsight is 20/20. Instead, I kept my mouth shut to appease my father, and look at where that got me.
Today everything changes. For the first time in seven days, I get the opportunity to be in the same room as her. To smell her sweet scent that drives me wild. Today, I will fight for her. I only pray I’m not too late.
Walking through the lobby of our building, I’m hit with a wave of emotions buzzing beneath my skin. People hustle around me as they move toward their offices. Seven weeks out of this environment has me wishing for the simplicity of the island again.
“Mr. Nelson,” one of our security guards greets. And with a welcoming nod, I realize I’ve never taken the time to learn the names of the people who work for us, not like I did in St. Lucia.
Maybe Kennedy had a point. Maybe I was a self-absorbed prick who walked around as if I was better than everyone.
Deciding to be better, I step around people and make my way toward the security officer.
He stands up straighter as he watches me approach. “Is everything okay, Mr. Nelson?”
I nod as embarrassment floods my system. “Everything is fine; however, I do want to apologize to you.”
“What on earth for, sir?”
“For never taking the time to ask you for your name.”
“It’s Todd, sir.”
Reaching my hand out, I wait for him to take it. Todd’s eyes lower to my hand before he grips it. “It’s nice to meet you, Todd. Please call me Tristan, and thank you for all that you do for our building.”
“Of course. Have a great day, Tristan.”
With a satisfied smile, I turn and weave my way to the elevators. Stepping inside the waiting car, I join a group of people going to various floors. I adjust the cuffs on my lavender dress shirt before doing the same with the collar of my wool coat. Being thrust back into New York’s bitter January air has taken quite a toll on me. I can feel my sinuses closing with the temperature shock.
The doors open with a ding, and I adjust my collar again. Nerves have me fidgeting with anxiety about seeing Kennedy again. As stupid as it is, I want to look good for her, impress her. Even though I know no expensive suit is going to fix anything.
Sounds of chatter, ringing phones, and keyboards clicking signify the familiar hum of the office. It feels foreign being back here. As my eyes scan the floor, I immediately latch onto her bright red hair. At the far end of the space, Kennedy stands with her back to me, talking with her friend, Zoe.
I take a moment to check her out blatantly. Her legs look sky-high from the tall black heels she’s wearing, and the black skintight long-sleeved dress hugs her delicious curves. Curves I’m desperate to trace under my gentle caress as she’s sprawled out beneath me. Her long hair is curled in big waves and hangs down her back. She looks powerful and confident, like she always does.
Zoe’s gaze catches mine. Her lips move as she nods in my direction. Kennedy looks over her shoulder, and those green eyes bore into mine instantly. My breath catches in my throat as I take in her sullen features and the dark circles beneath her eyes, bags she’s trying to hide with layers of concealer. Even still, she’s devastatingly gorgeous.
She lifts her chin, giving me a terse nod as the corner of her lips lifts slightly. Her eyes are cold and distant, not showing any warmth at all. It’s the same greeting she’d give to a passing colleague, not someone you’ve spent countless hours with, tangled in sheets, and sharing “I love yous.”
Shock has me moving on autopilot as I make my way toward my office. Placing my bag on my spare chair, I round my desk. The dull, empty desk lacks any signs of personality—no framedphotos, special trinkets, or any signs of actual life. Although, there is a to-go cup with a sticky note next to it.
Fuel up and get your girl. –V
She’s as subtle as a freight train, but I appreciate my sister’s support.
Glancing at my watch, I notice I have an hour until the debriefing meeting.
Time to formulate my plan.
The conference room is a hive of energy as I step inside. Conversation flows as I take my place at the head of the table, glancing around the room with a new appreciation of the team I work with. Victoria is to my left with her design team, and Kennedy is at the far end of the table on my right with her team. She keeps her gaze locked on her iPad, completely ignoring my presence.
Tapping my fingers on the table, I resist the urge to shout across the room that I love her and miss her. Once the final person enters the room and the door is shut, I stand from my seat, ready to begin the meeting. From my place at the head of the conference room, I can feel the weight of everyone’s attention locked on me—everyone except for the one person I’m most desperate to have it from.
Clearing the emotion from my throat, I’m about to speak when the sound of the door creaking open has me pausing. I glance to the side and watch as my father enters the room. A surprise to everyone, including myself. Shuffling sounds as everyone sits up straighter, and the temperature in the room drops. I can practically feel the tensiongrowing as everyone internally panics at the owner of the company joining our causal team meeting.
My father strides deeper into the room, and my heart sinks with each step he takes. With his suit jacket draped over his arm, his presence alone commands attention. A lone chair sits opposite Kennedy, and that’s the one he has his eyes set on. With his tall stature, broad shoulders, and stern expression, my father exudes authority. Even with his stoic expression not giving away his thoughts, I can tell what his motives are.
He’s here to take charge, as usual. With my father in his seat, I glance at Kennedy. Her posture is rigid, her hands white knuckling her iPad, as if it’s her safety vessel. While she’s fighting to not show her cards, I’ve spent too much time watching her, learning her quirks. I can tell she’s angry and full of resentment.
