Page 84 of Paradise in Progress
This is the man who overlooked her. Who dismissed her as if she wasn’t a huge part of this project. He didn’t give her the recognition she deserved. Now he’s sitting in her space and not in his office, away from the day-to-day.
And I was the fucker who went along with it. But that stops right now. I’m giving her the acknowledgement she deserves.
With a final glance at my father, I turn my attention back to my team. “Before we get started with today’s brief, I want to acknowledge someone who has gone above and beyond during this entire project.”
From the corner of my eye, I notice Kennedy look up at me. Her expression is a mixture of surprise and anger, but she’s quick to mask it.
“Kennedy’s designs, her creativity, her work ethic—she’s been a driving force behind every vision we had for this resort coming tolife.” I don’t spare my father a glance as I continue to stand up for the woman I love. “Without her, Paradise at Piton Peaks wouldn’t be what it is today.”
I can feel my father’s glare boring into the side of my face. He wanted this project to be the one to make his son as well-known as he is. Dropping my name over and over again was a publicity stunt to make the dynasty of Nelson Signature stand out even more in a prominent field.
And while I did have a part in this project, Kennedy had everything to do with it.
“Thank you, Kennedy.” My words are soft and sincere as I let the people in the room drift away. It’s just her and me. “You deserve all the credit for everything that has been accomplished on this project.”
With a beat of silence, Kennedy gives a small, appreciative nod with a tight-lipped smile. Looking around the room, I watch as the team exchanges looks of surprise. But I don’t care. I don’t care if my father is pissed, or if the team is wondering why I’m making such a big deal about this.
I’m choosing her.
Victoria is the first person to make a move, breaking the silence as she claps slowly. The rest of the team catches on, giving Kennedy a deserving round of applause. Kennedy’s cheeks flush a deep pink as she shifts uncomfortably in her seat, not wanting to be the center of attention. Her eyes move around the room, lips pressed into an unsure smile, before her gaze lands on me. The moment is fleeting, but I tip my head in a subtle nod, hoping my expression carries with it everything I’m trying to say.
I see you.
You deserve the world.
I’m sorry.
Please forgive me.
With a deep breath, I turn back to the agenda in front of me and begin the meeting. “It looks like the only thing we are waiting on is the completion of the over-the-water villas and the finalization of the smart systems throughout the rooms. Any updates?”
“As I’ve mentioned previously,” Kennedy begins, squaring her shoulders, as if the last few minutes never happened. “The villas will be completed in roughly two weeks. The only items left unfinished are the interior details, which shouldn’t affect guests’ experiences.”
“Right,” I choke out before clearing my throat. “Thank you, Kennedy.”
She offers another tight-lipped smile, and I feel the temperature drop into the negatives. It’s icy in this room.
As the meeting wraps up and chairs slide away from the table, it’s Kennedy who rises first. Bolting toward the door, I’m quick on her heels, ignoring the murmurs and my father in the process.
If she won’t talk to me, I’m going to hope she’ll at least listen. The two of us leave the room together, only she doesn’t spare me a glance. It’s like she’s determined to keep me at arm's length, and I can’t say I blame her, but I also hate it.
She stays quiet, her eyes focused ahead, and I can feel everyone’s attention on us as we move together. I’m building the courage to talk to her. I feel like a junior high boy who has his first crush.
“You’re really not going to talk to me?”
“We’re talking right now,” she quips, glancing at me while her expression remains neutral. Professional. I smile softly as I see the slightest hint of my firecracker.
I snort a self-deprecating chuckle. “It’s not like how we used…” I let the words trail off, and her nostrils flare, knowing what I was going to say. There’s no sense in rehashing the past, as it’s behind us now. All that matters is this moment and building a future with Kennedy by my side.
Her eyes roll as she quickens her pace. I can’t let her get away, not again.
“Wait.” I reach out for her, only she’s too far away. My hand falls to my side with a smack, and she pauses. Even with her back still to me, I take it as a win that she stopped.
“I can’t do this,” I say, louder than I intended, and her shoulders stiffen. My raised voice has people turning to watch our interaction. This isn’t how or where I wanted to do this. But fuck it. I can’t take this animosity. Not when I’m one second away from needing to feel her skin against mine.
“You can’t do what?” I barely hear the question in her hushed voice.
With a tentative step forward, I start to close the gap between us. “I can’t pretend that what we shared didn’t happen. That it didn’t matter. That I didn’t fall head over heels in love with you. That I don’t crave your touch, your attention, your presence. You might think I’m fine with how we ended, but I’m far from it. I’m fucked up without you.”
