Page 78 of Miss Treated

I wasn’t entirely convinced, but then again, investing in my happiness had never been my father’s strong suit. As if I needed the reminder, he switched gears.

“Let’s go over the revenue forecast reports.”

“Actually, I want to talk to you about sales.”

“What about them?”

“You’re worried about market share once Gabe’s company merges with the one based in California, so I thought we should focus on a new strategy in that arena.”

“We have sales professionals to focus on strategy.”

“And if I wanted to become one of those professionals?”

He sighed. “Nic, I think it’s great you’re taking an interest, but sales isn’t something you wake up one morning and say ‘I think I’ll do it.’”

“Neither is COO, yet here I am.”

He pinched the bridge of his nose. “Can we table this for a couple weeks? I have a lot on my mind and will have a clearer head for dealing with your idea at a later date.”

“What’s on your mind?”

“Nothing to concern you. Now let’s get to the revenue forecasts.”

By the time I was done for the day, I wanted nothing more than to find Kelsey and get out of there. But she’d beat me to it. Her office was empty. The thought of no longer having an excuse to see her each day hit me hard.

I went home, showered, changed, walked Lady, and picked up roses and champagne. I was knocking on Kelsey’s hotel room door by seven o’clock.

My breath caught at the vision which greeted me. Her hair was up in a ponytail with damp tendrils around her face, her body wrapped in a fuzzy hotel robe.

“Hi.”

“Hi. I just finished a bath.” She moved to allow me in.

“Good timing.” I put down the flowers and bottle of champagne and unwrapped the very best gift. She was naked. My voice came out thick. “You have no idea the affect you have on me, Kels. I want to spend the next few hours worshipping your body, but I made a dinner reservation for our first official date, and we have to be there in thirty minutes.” I skimmed her ear with my nose, inhaling her delicious scent.

It took a Herculean effort to close her robe. And another to step back.

She quirked a brow. “You’re dead set on this first-date thing, aren’t you?”

I nodded my head solemnly. I’d suffer all evening, but I was willing to do so because I had a plan. A plan to woo her completely.

While I popped the champagne and poured it into the two glasses I’d brought, Kelsey finished getting ready. She came out wearing a long, sleeveless, flowered dress with bright colors. “My friend Daisy talked me into this outfit. It’s a little colorful.”

“You look beautiful in the dress. And very California.”

She smiled. “It really is. I didn’t notice how many black, blue, and brown things I owned until I moved out here. Oh, you poured champagne.”

“Yes, I propose a toast to you.”

“Me?”

“Absolutely.” I handed her a glass and held mine up. “To a successful assignment. My father indicated he was impressed with your work. Let me tell you, it’s no easy feat to accomplish.”

Her smile seemed strained. Kelsey still wasn’t comfortable with compliments.

“I’m glad he was pleased,” she said.

“You know, I’ve been thinking about the birthday party tomorrow. Since you’re not working for my father or Chambers Tech any longer, I was hoping you’d want to come now.”