AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Did you find Quinn objectionable?”
He knows as well as I do that Quinn is a perfect candidate to become a Kensington. Wealthy, educated, beautiful. Well-mannered but not boring. We didn’t spend any time alone together all night. But unless it’s an impeccable act, she’s exactly what is expected for a CEO’s wife.
If this conversation was taking place before I left for Las Vegas, I probably would have already agreed to propose.
“Quinn seems wonderful. But it’s a big decision to make, and I’m not ready to make it.”
A vein throbs in my father’s forehead. He wants me to take his deal; that much is obvious.
But I’m not sure why. Because he’s second-guessing Crew’s commitment? Because he regrets not leaving it to me all along, like Scarlett suggested?
“Fine,” he says, in a tone that suggests the opposite. Because my father hates nothing more than being in a situation where he’s not making the decisions. “But I’ll need an answer soon, Oliver.”
I don’t miss the vague deadline. He wants me to be constantly on edge, waiting for soon to become now. Knowing at any moment the offer could expire, and I’ll be left with no chance.
“Understood.”
He studies me for a minute before he eventually nods. “I was hoping for an update on the Cushings—”
“Already in your inbox.”
Something thatalmostlooks like pride appears on his face. But he says nothing else before leaving my office.
I exhale once the door shuts behind him, sitting back down at my desk and staring out the window.
A couple of minutes later, there’s a knock on the door.
“Come in,” I call.
Alicia pokes her head in, a mug of steaming coffee in one hand. “I figured you were headed toward the kitchen earlier.”
“Thank you,” I tell her, as she sets the coffee down and then heads back toward the door.
“Hi, Mr. Kensington.”
I glance up as Crew returns the greeting. I usually have one visitor in my office a day. Sometimes two. Today, it feels like I’m working in the middle of Grand Central.
Alicia closes the door behind her, leaving the two of us alone.
I start to stand, but Crew waves me back down as he takes the seat across from me. Ironically, it’s the same spot Scarlett was sitting in earlier. It’s still tipped toward the windows. “Passed Dad on the way here.”
“Yeah. He wanted a report on dinner.”
“And an answer?”
“Yes.” I already knew Crew was aware of the potential deal, thanks to Scarlett. But discussing it with Crew directly is different. More awkward.
“Is that the one you gave him?”
I shake my head. “I haven’t decided.”
“Why not?” There’s no judgment in Crew’s voice, just curiosity.
“I don’t know what to do.”
“You take the damn deal, Oliver, and become the next CEO of Kensington Consolidated.”
I look out the windows. “I’m sick of Dad pulling the strings. He told you marriage came with CEO and look how that’s turned out.”
