Friday morning, I’m downstairs early, despite staying up late to put the finishing touches on my proposal. Scratch that—our proposal. By now, it’s as much Genevieve’s idea as it is mine. We’ve both occupied the last two days in my office, buried in data and financial forecasts. Every second with her has been a torturous gift. I’ve never spent so much time with one person, from dusk until dawn, and then left yearning for more. Never spent so many nights completely blue-balled.

“Do you have the copies of the slideshow?” I ask when she walks into the boardroom holding her purse and two to-go cups. I flip through the handouts I already have. “I’ve got the projections for the next five years, the first and second quarter reports, the balance sheets. I can’t find the slideshow.”

I must sound anxious because Genny says, “I think I maybe shouldn’t have brought you coffee. And yes, I have the reports in my bag.”

“That’s for me?” I take the cup without the lipstick mark, wishing for a moment I could taste her one last time before reminding myself I need to focus. I chug half of the cup down. “Thank you. I needed that.”

She laughs. “I’m not sure you needed that at all. Now your brother’s going to blame me when you have a massive stroke in the middle of your presentation.” She sets down her cup and looks me over. “Here, let me fix you.”

“What?” I glance down at myself, but she’s already in front of me, straightening my tie.

“There. Much better.” Her hand lingers on my chest, and surprisingly, it calms me down. I suppose it would be inappropriate to ask her to keep her palm there throughout this meeting, but the idea crosses my mind.

“I’m going to make a fool of myself,” I tell her, needing to be honest. “Warren’s going to laugh at my idea, and Hudson…” I can’t even think about how disappointed Hudson will be if this falls through.

“Shh.” Genny yanks once more on my tie. “You’ve got this. Hudson won’t be anything but proud.”

She’s wrong. I don’t have anything because I don’t have her.

But with her confidence, I do feel like I might be able to manage this meeting. I’m about to tell her how much I’ve appreciated her—and by tell her, I mean try my hardest not to stare at her lips—when Hudson arrives.

Genny immediately jumps away from me and starts busying herself with passing out reports to each of the chairs around the table.

“I’m sorry if I’m interrupting anything.” Hudson’s tone is chiding, as though he’s telling me my head better be in the game.

I ignore the way that makes me bristle. He’s trusted me, but I still have to prove myself. “Nope. We’re just finishing the setup. How many people do we expect here?”

“The three of us, Nathan Murphy, Warren, plus he’s bringing along three of his advisors. I’ve also asked Norma to sit in. Then there’s Edward Fasbender and whoever he’s bringing.”

“Just Hagan,” Genevieve pipes in. “My brother.”

I mentally total the attendants. Ten people, not counting myself. I can do this. I can do this.

“I’ll go back to my office and escort our guests down here when they arrive,” Hudson says. “Patricia will be bringing up coffee and refreshments any minute now. The doughnuts are not for you.”

Great, now I want a doughnut. “I don’t like to eat before a presentation anyway,” I lie.

“Do you need anything?”

I stumble on an answer. I’m pretty sure he’s really asking for some words to assure him I’m capable of pulling this whole thing off. What am I supposed to say when I don’t know myself?

Genny comes to my rescue. “We’re good, Hudson.” And, again, because she believes it, so do I.

Hudson leaves as Trish arrives with the refreshment cart. A few minutes after that, Norma shows up with her part-time assistant/husband, Boyd.

There will be eleven people now. I can do this.

“I checked those numbers one more time this morning,” Norma says. “They’re solid. Feel free to call on me if you want any further explanation.”

“I’m sure she never has to tell Hudson to call on her,” I mutter to Genny.

“And Hudson’s run a million meetings. I bet the first time he gave a big presentation, Norma, or someone, was there saying the same to him.”

“Hey, this isn’t my first rodeo.” I’ve run a boardroom several times before. Five times, at least. Okay, twice. Once for my graduate project and once when Hudson was on paternity leave.

“Well, it’s my first rodeo. Which is why you’re doing most of the talking.” We’d agreed beforehand that I’d run the show since it was my company hosting.

A bustle is heard down the hallway. Boyd peeks out around the doorframe. “They’re on their way.” He claps a hand on my shoulder and whispers, “If you’re nervous, picture them naked. Just don’t picture Norma naked or I’ll kick your ass.”

“Got it.” It’s the perfect thing for him to say because it makes me laugh, and I’m still smiling when Warren and the other guests walk in shortly after.

The next few minutes are spent on introductions and getting settled. “Thank you for taking this meeting, Mr. Werner,” I say when it’s my turn to greet him. “Especially on short notice.” Warren and his wife used to be good friends with my mother. It’s strange to see him now in a formal setting when I remember him best in a Santa costume at our family Christmas party.

“I’ve known you your whole life, Chandler,” he says, shaking my hand. “It’s time you started calling me Warren.”

“Thank you, sir. Warren, sir.” Doesn’t feel any less odd.

“My daughter was quite enthusiastic about your proposal. Celia is very invested in the continued success of Werner Media, so when she came to me about meeting with you, I have to say, I was intrigued.”

Hudson comes up behind me. “I hope we can keep your interest, Warren. Let’s get started, shall we?”

The room quiets. My hands are sweaty, my throat is dry. All eyes are on me.

Showtime.

From the back of the room, Genny gives me a thumbs-up and a smile.

Then I’m ready. “Warren, let me begin by saying kudos. You have built a solid corporation with a business model that many of your competitors long to replicate. The whole of the media industry has their eyes on you as you pick a successor to take the helm.”

The room nods in silent agreement. There’s no one here who will disagree that Warren has done his job fantastically well.

“Naturally, you’d look to Accelecom, a giant in its own right.”

Edward smiles at the praise, and Hagan sits up straighter in his seat.

I continue. “A merger between the two companies would strengthen your presence on two continents. The family connection has also got to be appealing.

“I’d strongly caution a merger, however. The time and resources that would be expended during the process would weaken both companies. Instead, I’d like you to consider a three-point alliance.”

I go on to explain in detail an alliance between Accelecom and Werner Media, with Nathan Murphy taking over the board upon Warren’s retirement. “With both companies performing at the top of their game, the overall benefit to each entity is illustrated in these projection reports I’ve handed out.”

I’m careful not to look directly at Edward or Hagan for fear of finding disapproval in their gazes. I’d suggested bringing Edward in on our ideas earlier, but Genny had worried his opposition would be detrimental. So, instead, he’s hearing for the first time that his daughter and I don’t think he’d be the right person to take over for Warren Werner.

So I’m wary when he interrupts to ask, “You mentioned a three-point alliance? Where’s the third company?”

And here’s the pièce de résistance. The component that gives this idea any credence. Hudson will either flip his shit or want to give me an executive bonus.

He’s the one I look to when I answer. “Pierce Industries.”

Everyone buzzes. Pierce Industries has been primarily focused on finance, real estate, and computer technology. We haven’t ever even hinted about moving into media, so this news is a surprise and everyone has a reaction.

Hudson, alone, is unreadable.

I wait for the room to settle before going on. “Accelecom has the technology to bring about a cable network that would compete with Google Fiber, but neither they nor Werner Media have the money to fund such an endeavor. That’s where Pierce Industries would enter the picture. I’ve already begun the groundwork for opening a new division, one devoted completely to the expansion of hardware across the country. With our resources, Accelecom’s technology, and Werner Media’s programming, we’re looking at the potential of creating an empire that dominates the industry.”

The presentation goes on for another hour. Nathan Murphy delivers his ideas for Werner Media, Genny speaks to how an alliance will benefit Accelecom, and I dive deeper into what I see as Pierce Industries’ role.

By the time we’ve finished, a lot of information has been presented, and I expect Warren will need time to think it over. “Why don’t we schedule a follow-up meeting to—”

Warren interrupts me, turning to his son-in-law. “Edward, this is a pretty appealing scenario.”

“It is. One I’m happy to support if you’re on board.”

A layer of tension drops away with one potential opponent out of the way.

Warren looks next to my brother. “Hudson, I’ve got to say, Pierce Industries as media players—quite a bold move. I like it.”

“We try to be innovative whenever we can,” Hudson says, and I’d like to believe that means he’s not going to kill me later in private, but he’s still not giving anything away, so it’s hard to know for sure.

Warren stands. “I’d like to study these numbers more closely, boys. But if everything checks out, I think we have ourselves a solid strategy.”

Oh my god.

Nothing’s been set in stone, but I feel like I’ve won the lottery. I presented a major idea to major players, and not only did I not get laughed at, but I also seem to have closed the deal.

I’ve never felt so on trend. So on top of my game. So kickass.

Is this what it feels like every day to be Hudson?

With the promise of being in touch soon, Warren and his advisors make their exits. The next several minutes are spent cleaning up and going over details with Hagan and Norma.

Edward approaches his daughter, and I’m a douche because I totally eavesdrop.

“Genevieve. You had a hand in this proposal?”

I hate how guilty she looks. Wish I could step in and take the blame.

She, however, handles the encounter with dignity. “I’m sorry, Daddy. I’m sure this feels like a betrayal. I know you wanted to run Werner Media yourself.”

Surprisingly, Edward seems not all that pissed. “I did want to run Werner Media. Until this morning when Celia broke into tears and told me she really wishes we could stay in London. I wasn’t looking forward to telling her father that I wasn’t going to take his position. This solves that dilemma.”

Manipulative on his wife’s part? Possibly. But it sure works out for us. She did say she’d do what she could to influence the decision.

Genny’s eyes widen with hope. “Then you’re not mad?”

“I’m not mad.” He takes a beat to seemingly evaluate his feelings. “I’m surprised. I’m also quite impressed. A lot of work went into this. Lots of those ideas I recognize as yours. It’s first-rate.”

“You think so, even though you don’t want me working in the business?”

“The only reason I haven’t wanted you working in this business was because I truly thought you’d be happier elsewhere. You’ve had ambitious goals for Accelecom, and I feared you’d never be able to achieve what you wanted if you stayed with us, but it seems you’ve found a way to make them possible. I’m proud of you, princess.”

My breathing slows. I know how badly Genny wanted her father’s approval, and I feel it now for her as deeply as if he were praising me.

I turn away as he pulls her into his embrace, wanting to give them their privacy. As I do, I bump into Hudson.

Oh, right—Hudson.

He’s the one whose praise I’m most desperate to receive.

“Are these numbers good?” he asks, holding up the projections Genny and I have laid out. They’re the most attractive part of our presentation, so it’s understandable he’d want to make sure the facts check out.

Still, I’m nervous when I answer. “I ran them through financials and had Norma triple check them.”

I sort of expect him to whip out a calculator and do the math himself. But he doesn’t. “That’s excellent news.” He pats me on the back. “Good work.”

I cough in surprise. “You approve?”

“It’s a sound strategic move. One that looks to make us a lot of money. Why wouldn’t I approve?”

I’m shocked. Literally shocked. I nod for five full seconds, speechless. Then, on impulse, I pull him in for a hug. Bro style, of course. Nothing too mushy ‘cause I’m cool and he’s, well, he’s Hudson.

We talk for a few minutes more while everyone else disperses, and I agree to a more in-depth meeting with him later in the day. It will be grueling, but at least I know he’s on my side.

Finally, he leaves.

And then it’s just Genny and me left in the room.

Our eyes lock. Then she’s running to me, giving me a giant celebratory hug. Every overtone says this embrace comes from exuberance and there’s no reason to believe it’s more, but I cling to her a little too long, sniffing at her hair, breathing in her very essence.

We break away in unison, and even with the excitement of the day, I note that I’ve never felt so empty as when she leaves my arms.

“We did it!” I’m awkward, like I don’t know what to do with my hands. I stuff them into my pockets and that seems to help.

She corrects me. “You did it.”

“Nah. I couldn’t have put this together without you.”

“Okay, that’s true.” She giggles. Is she apprehensive as well? “Thank you. I appreciate the credit.”

“You’re welcome.”

Our gazes dance around each other, and I wish I had something else to say. Something magic. Something that would transform this situation between us into one that’s bearable, because this—this standing so close to what I want and not being able to have it? It’s the worst thing I could’ve ever imagined.

“Oh! I almost forgot,” she says suddenly, rummaging in her purse. She pulls out something in a black wooden frame and hands it to me. “I, uh, got you a present.”

I look down at the picture. A smile erupts on my face as I’m met with Mina’s big brown eyes, her soft brunette curls. It’s the image that I’d seen on Genny’s phone. The one she’d taken in the Hamptons and then sent to a random number.

“It was a text-to-print service,” she explains now. “You send them the image you want printed and then they mail it to you. I’ve used it a few times since I’ve been in the States. Much easier than having to deal with finding a color printer in the hotel.”

A text-to-print service. And I’d immediately assumed she was spying. I’m a dumbass. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

Her smile is shy. “I wanted it to be a surprise.”

“I love,” you, “it.” I really do. So much.

Her grin grows more confident. “I’m so glad. She looked so pretty in her party dress, and you clearly adore her. I didn’t see any pictures of her in your apartment. So.”

She swallows, and I notice her skin is red and splotchy at her neck like it always gets when she’s nervous or turned on. “Also, I need to tell you something.” With her eyes cast down, she barrels on. “I need to tell you that you were right to be suspicious of me. I was scamming you.”

My shoulders tense. I can’t have heard her right. “Go on.”

Her breathing is shaky as she exhales. “I, um. I led you to believe I was after the Accelecom merger. That it was the reason I sought you out. But it was never the job I wanted most.”

“Then what was it?”

“You.” The word is soft but sure, and I want it to mean what I think it means, but I’m not certain.

“I don’t know if I understand.”

“You, Chandler. I just wanted you.” There’s no mistaking her now, and every coil of tension inside me unravels into euphoria. To hell with staying away. I tug her into me, my lips eagerly finding hers. She tastes like coffee and butter mints and relief.

I understand—I’m relieved to have her in my arms too. I kiss her deeply. Possessively. Like I’ll never stop kissing her. I never should have stopped in the first place.

Before we get too carried away, though, she pushes out of my grip. Leave it to her to remember we’re in the conference room of my office building and that not all the obstacles between us have been removed.

Obstacles like the fact that she lives on another continent.

“Chandler.” She brushes her lips with her fingers, as if cherishing the way it had felt to have my mouth on hers, before dropping her hand stoically at her side. “I don’t want this to be harder when I leave.”

“I know.” I run my hands up and down her arms, searching her eyes. “But there’s a way you could stay. Don’t you see it?” I want her to see it so badly, want it to be a feasible option and not just some fantasy I’ve concocted.

Her brow wrinkles, and it takes her a beat before her eyes light with understanding. “Pierce Industries.”

Yes. Pierce Industries. My company. “I need someone to head up the new department. It would be a high executive position, working right alongside me. You’d have a whole team. It wouldn’t be the same as running Accelecom, but you’d still get to put your ideas into action.”

“You’d give that job to me?” she asks tentatively.

“Give it to you? I created it for you. The job description matches your resume. The salary is negotiable, but—”

She cuts me off, jumping into my arms. “I love you!”

I blink, startled as much by her proclamation as her sudden movement. It only takes me a second to pull myself together. Wrapping my arms around her waist, I hold her tighter. “Is that a yes?”

“It’s a hell, yes. It’s also I love you.”

She loves me. She loves me! Every cell in my body sings with that one simple phrase.

I draw back so I can study her, looking for any indication that she’s jerking my chain. I find nothing but sincerity. “You really do love me, don’t you?”

She nods. Then she repeats it because she gets that I need to hear it over and over before it sinks in.

And when it does, there’s only one thing left for me to say. “I fucking love you, too.”