“Like I said, I spoke to the bean counters, and I think that we’ll be able to make this happen. We believe that we’ll be able to pull the funds together if we make a few of the planned changes. I’m sure you would have noticed that the other terms are also far more favorable than most of the other contracts.”
My heart hammered in my chest. Sure, I’d have my people look it over, but I was pretty damn sure that it was going to come out on top of the pile of offers I had waiting on my agent’s desk.
Richard insisted on going over every term of the contract with me, pointing out various clauses that the team deemed non-negotiable and others that were pretty standard. He was right about it being more favorable than the others to me all around.
“Of course, we’ve already had it sent over to your people. We need an answer from you within the next few days.” He got up, indicating that our meeting had come to an end.
“Sure, I’ll do you one better and have your answer for you by tomorrow.” I meant it. Before I went over to Gabrielle’s, I was calling a meeting with my team. This decision was being made today, even if it took the rest of the day and all night.
I already knew what I wanted to do, and unless they could give me a damn compelling reason not to take it, it was a done deal as far as I was concerned. My team worked for me, after all.
So ultimately, the decision rested with me. I didn’t believe that there was anything hidden or untoward about the offer, but I’d have them check it like the good boy that I wasn’t, and then send them to hell in a handbasket if they tried to stand in my way.
“Glad to hear it. You’re an asset to this team, James. We would hate to lose you. I hope that you make the right decision.” He knew me well enough to know that my mind was 100 percent made up, barring something seriously fucked up being hidden in the jargon.
Richard grinned as we shook hands. “Thanks, Rich, I think that I will.”
I got ready to leave and was already headed for the door when we were interrupted by a curt knock. Olivia didn’t wait for an answer before throwing open the door, a seriously pissed-off looking Gabrielle in tow.
What in the actual fuck? What’s going on here?
Gabrielle’s expression changed as soon as she spotted me standing in the office with Richard. She looked just as confused as I was. Her eyes flitted between me, Richard, and Olivia. Her features tightened with apprehension.
Richard, on the other hand, looked furious. “Olivia, interrupting a meeting is unacceptable. Gabrielle, I’m wrapping up here. Whatever is going on, it can wait five more seconds. You cannot show up and demand to see me immediately. We’ve had this talk, and I don’t recall seeing an appointment with you on my calendar for today.”
The vein in his temple throbbed, and heat rose from under his collar.
Olivia looked flustered. Then she met Richard’s eyes, her jaw set in a determined line and her shoulders squared. She straightened her pencil skirt, took a deep breath, and stammered into her explanation.
“I do apologize, sir. I know that I’m not to interrupt meetings. I didn’t let Gabrielle convince me to let her in immediately. I called her and asked her to come in. I simply thought that it was best to apprise you of this situation immediately while they were both here.”
“What is the meaning of this?” Richard’s voice was dangerously calm, his eyes shooting fire at Olivia while darting curiously between myself and Gabrielle.
“I think there’s something that you should know, sir. I am quite sure that that there is something going on between James and Gabrielle. I know you have rules against that kind of fraternization.”
Richard took a step back as if some invisible force had shoved him backward. He fell into his chair, locking narrowed eyes on Gabrielle. His eyes swept over her like he surveyed her for damage.
Icy fingers gripped my heart, and rage clouded my vision. Richard knew me better than that. He knew that I would never hurt a woman. It was more than that.
In that instant, I knew that I wanted him to be okay with it. To give us, me, his blessing. I knew that he respected me, liked me, even.
One look at his face and I knew that that wasn’t going to happen. The icy fingers tightened their grip.
Richard turned to look at me, his face a mask of rage, betrayal, and disbelief combined. His eyes bored into mine, searching for answers. I gave him none.
My stomach dropped. My palms went clammy for the first fucking time that I could remember.
Shit.
“Is this true?” Richard asked me, his eyes not leaving mine for a split second. His voice was low and demanding. My world narrowed.
Goodbye best of both worlds...
In my mind’s eye, I could practically see that ship sailing away from me with the way that Richard looked at me. I had to catch that ship. I didn’t have any fucking choice in the matter.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Gabrielle