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David’s cocksure expression slipped a fraction. “That only happened twice, and it was years ago.”
“That’s not what I heard.”
“I guess we’re both eavesdropping on conversations we shouldn’t, huh?” David propped his elbow on the armrest and rubbed his thumb and forefinger together. “I’ve put everything I have into my career and I deserve a shot at the top. I’ve been here longer and have more experience. You shouldn’t assume it’s yours based on nepotism alone.”
“I never assumed that.”
“No?”
“No.”
James McKinley, one of the principals, who would become CEO after the senior Agnew left, had been a key mentor in Noah’s growth and development as an architect. He hadn’t cut Noah any slack. If anything, he’d made him work harder because he was an Agnew.
Did Noah hope to carry on the legacy? Of course. It was far in the future, but he’d always hoped the company might be passed down to him one day. A dream his father shared, especially after Nathan had planned on a completely different career path in Public Relations. The only means to keep the company in the family was through Noah, but even so, he’d never assumed it a foregone conclusion.
Noah resumed his seat, suddenly exhausted with the conversation. “Someone who does their job well doesn’t need to resort to blackmail to move up. It takes hard work and dedication, plain and simple.”
“Things I’ve demonstrated, but people seem so focused on the boss’s son they overlook it.”
“The other principals are in their sixties. Another position will come along.”
“If you’re so sure, it won’t matter if I’m promoted this time, will it? You can wait.”
Noah met David’s stare head-on. “It’s not my decision.”
“No, but your dad listens to you. So does James.” David stood, evidently deciding to honor the time of the client he’d kept waiting. “It would probably be a good idea for you to tell them both you’re not ready, or you think I’m the best fit. You’ve noticed my success and...dedication to the company, as you put it. I don’t care how you do it, but if you want your secret to stay safe, you’ll figure something out.”
David left, and Noah put his elbows on his desk and dropped his head into his hands.
Things just got a lot more complicated.
EPILOGUE
“Are you two hiding?”
At the sound of Claire’s voice Mia startled and jumped back, swiping a hand across her lips.
“Hey,” Noah said. “Don’t wipe my kiss off your mouth.”
Mia gave him a look that said,shhhh,trying to ignore how sexy he looked with those hooded eyes and flushed cheeks, and regarded Claire standing in the doorway.
Even from their location in the guest bedroom, the hum of voices and music filtered from the living room of Noah’s parents’ house and likely into the patio and yard beyond.
Claire arched a knowing brow. “It’s your graduation party, Mia.” Her voice was stern but she looked as if she was holding back a smile. “These people are here to celebrate you. Meanwhile you’re back here doing God knows what with Noah.”
Mia scrunched her nose, smoothing her hair.
“She is my wife, you know,” Noah put in. He still leaned against the wall where Mia had pinned him with her body just a few seconds ago.
Mia bit her lip. “It’s just... James has kept him superbusy since his promotion last month and he just got back from a trip to Index. We, um, haven’t had much time alone—”
Claire held up a hand. “I don’t need to know. Just finish up, okay? I’ll try to get this party wrapped up—no pun intended—in the next hour and you can do whatever you need to do. Athome.”
With that, she disappeared.
Noah’s arm snaked around Mia’s waist and dragged her close again. He kissed her hard, then pulled back. “There.”
She smiled, reaching up to fix his hair. “Ready?”
