I followed her and started to explain. “I was here visiting my Grandfather last summer because he was having tests done.”
Laura stopped fussing with the flowers and clutched her hands, “Is he alright? Is that why he retired?”
I smiled, “He’s fine. The tests were routine for the most part, but I was worried. I usually spend a few weeks here, but I met you and stayed for months.”
“Why didn’t you tell me who you were?”
“I learned early on not to mix business with pleasure.”
The expression on Laura’s face was a sure sign my words were taken the wrong way. “Rex, what do you call this?” she motioned to the space between us.
“Our first argument, well, our second if you count the one in my office,” I replied.
“I’m not counting that, and don’t be adorable.”
“I’m not. I’m explaining things and not upsetting you more.”
“Why did you keep me a secret?” Laura crossed her arms. “I can’t even wrap my mind around this.”
She was visibly pissed, so I didn’t want to say the wrong thing. “Laura, you weren’t a secret. I didn’t want you thinking my Grandfather arranged things.”
“You didn’t tell him about me?” Laura’s voice held a hint of confusion.
“It would’ve happened, eventually, but I wanted to hold off on doing it. I’m sorry for making that call, but I figured you’d question our relationship.”
Laura sighed, “Like I’m doing now.”
“Yes. I fell in love with you, and I didn’t want to go long periods of time without seeing you. That’s why I wanted you to travel with me. The plan was to permanently live here, regardless. I didn’t have to take the job at Amcor.”
Her voice trembled, “I was heartbroken after you left. ”
“I know, and that’s on me.”
Laura shook her head, “We could’ve fixed things, but now everything’s worse since you’re my boss.”
“Technically, I’m not,” I didn’t say more because she shot a dirty look in my direction.
“Rex, I love my job, and I don’t want anyone thinking,” Laura groaned. “Are you the reason I got promoted to General Manager?”
“No, you earned it all on your own.”
“I did. I worked my butt off to secure new accounts and everything else. Wait,” she glanced at me. “You didn’t tell your Grandfather. How did he know about us?”
I smiled, “You mentioned me around the time you put in for the extended vacation.”
Laura groaned, “I did. I shouldn’t have done that.”
“It’s okay,” I tried comforting her, but it didn’t work.
“Rex, it’s not okay. Your Grandfather is my mentor. How can I explain this?”
“What? We’re back together and in love?”
Laura blushed, “Yes, but we met last year and started off fast.”
“Grandfather said we should marry. You can be the CEO of Amcor.”
Laura stared at me wide-eyed. “He didn’t say that.”
“He did. Grandfather retired without warning. I’ve been behind the scenes for years and wasn’t sure if I wanted to take an active role in the company. Amcor Estates is my legacy, so Mom agreed I should move here. Savage Paradise was a bayside bar when I was a kid. It belonged to my Grandmother before she died. I wanted to fix it up.” I pulled Laura into my arms. “I won’t ruin your career, and I’ll understand if you break up with me.”
“Don’t say that,” she chastised me. “I’m not ending things. I was in shock this morning, so thanks for not embarrassing me in front of Mr. Giles. Are you and him close? I shouldn’t have said anything beforehand. I’m sorry.”
“Hey, don’t apologize,” I touched her chin and prompted her to look at me. “You didn’t mention Mr. Giles by name, but it wouldn’t have made a difference. You were right. He is critical of the staff. Mr. Giles believes I’m too young to run Amcor. Changes will be made.”
“Okay. What happens now?” Laura looked up at me, and her pretty brown eyes sparkled with emotion.
“I’m hoping you’ll forgive me, and we can have a romantic dinner before I leave for my night job, but there’s another option.”
“What would that be?” Laura stroked my tie and then caressed my neck.
“You can fuss, and I’ll respectfully listen.”
“So, you’ll let me be in control,” Laura sighed. “I like the second option. I’ll take a raincheck on it.” She pulled me into a sweet kiss and worked my mouth over. It felt good, but I put an end to it.
“Why are you backing off?” she motioned to me. “We’re making up Mr. CEO, and I love your sexy office look,” she checked me out. “You’re eye candy.”
“Thanks,” I chuckled. “I’m trying to put your mind at ease and build trust, not get wild with you.”
“Why can’t you do all three?” Laura asked with a sassy shrug. “Don’t you know how to multi-task?”
“That’s it, you’re getting it,” I went after her.
Laura squealed in pleasure and tried escaping. She wasn’t fast enough. I quickly tossed her over my shoulder.
Laura giggled nonstop, “Rex, wait, my flowers.”
“You weren’t worried about them a second ago. I’m not letting you go,” I playfully slapped her ass.
Laura released a delicate sigh and relaxed on my shoulder. “I’ll need more flowers if they’re ruined.”
“I’ll buy you whatever you want, and I like the sass, keep it, we’ll see how you feel after I work that naughty little mouth of yours,” I carried Laura into the bedroom and spent hours proving how much she meant to me.61Please respect copyright.PENANAE8cCbM22h3