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There’s no mistaking the hope in her voice. This matters to her; it’s not just a power play or a test. My response will ripple past this conversation to the rest of our relationship.
I want her to like me.
The thought is bizarre. People worry about what I think of them—not the other way around. “If that’s the only thing you changed? Yes.”
Scarlett bites down on her bottom lip. I watch her white teeth sink into the red skin. As we stare at each other, I realize two things. One, for all her brash declarations, she didn’t think I would agree. Two, I want to kiss her.Badly.The same awareness that swirled around us in Proof appears in my office, thickening the air until it’s all I can breathe.
There’s a knock on the door.
“What?” I call out. Irritation at the interruption seeps out into my voice.
Isabel, one of the board executives, opens it and pokes her head in. “Crew, I—” She stops speaking as soon as she spots Scarlett. “Oh. I—I didn’t realize you were in the middle of something.”
“We’re not.” Scarlett stands and shoulders her handbag. I’m expecting the contrary emotions she elicits in me this time. The wish that she’d stay. She thinks she makes the decisions, and I find it both amusing and arousing. “See you later,sweetheart.”
I smirk before replying. “Thanks for stopping by,dearest.”
Scarlett rolls her eyes before striding toward the doorway where Isabel is still standing. Isabel doesn’t move, blocking the door half-way open.
I watch the scene unfold, immediately knowing which woman I would bet money on. It would make my life a hell of a lot easier if Scarlett had the spineless socialite personality I was expecting, but I can’t summon any disappointment I ended up saddled with a spitfire. She fascinates me, and I’ve never been able to say that about a woman before.
Isabel Sterling is a year older than I am. She worked her way up the ranks of my family’s company since starting a position here right out of college to become one of only two female members of the board. I’ve seen her stare down powerful men until they fold.
I don’t think Scarlett isn’t going to scurry through the small opening like a dirty secret, though. And she doesn’t disappoint. “Move,” she instructs. Her tone is haughty and her back is straight as a ruler.
Reluctantly, Isabel shuffles to the side. In a minute act of defiance, she doesn’t push open the door. Scarlett shoves it ajar herself and walks out of my office.
Isabel shuts the door behind her with a huff. “That’s Scarlett Ellsworth?”
“Yep.” I stand from the couch and grab the stack of papers Scarlett left behind. “What did you need, Isabel?”
“The Powers Corporation sent over new slides before their pitch. I thought you’d like to look at the numbers before the Andover meeting.”
Looks like I won’t be eating the rest of my lunch. “Fine. We can use the main conference room until the meeting starts.”
Isabel nods. I follow her out of my office and stop by Celeste’s desk, dropping the stack of papers consisting of my prenup on the counter, encircling her space with athud. “Get these to legal,” I instruct. “I want them to look through every word and get me a memo listing every difference from the original document that was drawn up. Have them tab every spot I’m supposed to sign too. I don’t have time to go through it all myself. Again. Tell them to drop everything else. I want this done by the end of the day.”
“Yes, of course.” Celeste grabs the papers and hurries toward the elevators.
I stride to where Isabel is waiting. As we walk, she fills me in on the changes that were made to the pitch tomorrow. The main conference room is in the very center of the executive floor, surrounded by glass that’s frosted during important meetings.
“What did Scarlett want?” Isabel asks as soon as we enter the room. I can tell she’s trying to sound casual, but the question alone is an anomaly. Isabel and I discuss business, that’s it. It’s why we work well together.
I unbutton my jacket and take a seat at the table. “Some paperwork needed to be straightened out.”
“She could have had it sent over,” Isabel points out.
“She wanted to talk in person.” I pull out the notes for the meeting.
“Are you having second thoughts about marrying her? She seems awfully needy.”
I almost smile at that, picturing how Scarlett might react to being called needy. This line of questioning is giving me the impression Asher might not have beenentirelyoff base the three times he’s told me Isabel has non-professional feelings for me. I’m sure rumors of nepotism fly about when I’m not around, but I take my role here seriously. I don’t mix business with anything else. I’ve never dated an employee or fooled around in my office. “Is there a point coming? About mypersonallife?” Warnings litter those two questions.
Warnings Isabel doesn’t heed. “I’m worried about this woman’s impact on the future of this company.”
Now Iknowshe’s jealous. “Her impact on the future of this company will be strengthening the Kensington name by adding billions to my assets and giving me children to leave everything to.”
“But you don’twantto marry her, do you?”
