Page 7 of A Forbidden Spring
“It’s a solid presentation,” my father says, squeezing my arm. “He’d be a damn fool not to take it seriously.”
I’d painstakingly put the information together, highlighting the trends, financials, and comparable locations that had successfully implemented everything I’d outlined.
“Thanks, Daddy. I’ll talk to him soon.”
“It’ll be great,” he assures me before clearing his throat as he watches where Mom has cornered Jesse. “Let’s get dinner on the table before your mother starts inviting all your potential suitors and I have to run damage control.”
“I’ll get the plates.”
5
WREN
Taking a deep breath, I knock on the door—fighting the urge to just walk in—and wait to be allowed entry. It’s been almost a week since dinner at my parents’ and unsurprisingly, I haven’t found a way to broach the subject of my proposal with my boss.
Until now.
I’d opted for my favorite purple bra and panty set this morning and decided the only one standing in my way is me. Spine straight, I give myself the pep talk of the century becauseI’ve got this.
“Come in.” Merrick’s voice is a low hum, the kind that sends a shiver down my spine and has me all worked up without even a glance.
Focus, Wren.
Pushing open the door, I smile. “Do you have a couple of minutes?”
He blinks at me, looks at the papers strewn all over his desk, and then tosses his pen on the desk. “Sure.”
Ignoring the sarcasm, I hand him the presentation I revamped after Erika had turned it down last year.
“What’s this?”
“Plans to upgrade the sauna and new massage packages I’m hoping you’ll consider.”
“There’s no money in the budget for an upgrade and the one we have is solid,” he says, thumbing through the pages.
“I understand that,” I reply, swallowing down my frustration as I fight to keep my tone even. “The benefits are becoming more widely known, popularity has skyrocketed, and constructing one in your backyard is easier than ever.”
“And these?” he asks, holding up a sheet of color-printed pictures of massage tables.
“We have the spa here along with a salon. These tables are designed for more in-depth hair and scalp treatments with a massage. They’re popular to do with a friend.”
“And expensive.”
“I know, but I mapped out the projected profit in six and twelve months if we can get everything running before Mother’s Day.”
I can tell he wants to say no. His face is pensive as he looks at me and then back down at the sheets in front of him.
“I will look it over and see what we can do,” he says finally, and I do my best to keep my expression as neutral as possible.
“Thank you.” Standing, I make my way toward the door before stopping and looking back. “Thank you for hearing me out.”
Nodding, he returns to the work in front of him and I step out into the hall, almost running into Holly as I do.
She scoffs, “Couldn’t get what you wanted when my mom was in charge so you’re throwing yourself at Merrick? Wow.”
“Some of us are actually working professionals, not that you’d know anything about that.”
She scowls, but I won’t get anywhere arguing with her now, and besides, Merrick gave me the smallest bit of hope that things might just turn around for me here.
