Chapter 13

Ryan

I sat in my office reading my latest message from Megan and sipping coffee. Over the past month she’d not only brought out the best in me, but she’d whipped all my boys into shape, and while hesitant at first, they were all already eating out of the palm of her hand.

One might credit her beauty and charm, but it was her confidence that shined and I was head over heels for her.

I didn’t think I’d ever find someone like her, someone that lifted me up and at the same time put me in check when needed without making me hate her. I’d been set in my ways for so long and hadn’t even realized it until others pointed it out. And in each case it was her.

Jason had even approved and was quite smitten with Jana Jones. I had a feeling he’d like her. The two were set to have their first date in two days.

Gina stuck her head in the door. “Sir, just a warning, your father is on the way up.”

She ducked away as he entered the room behind her and I could hear his chipper tone as he greeted her.

He marched into my office and tossed a paper down in front of me, it landed with a thud. I picked it up wondering what he was so excited about.

“I’m impressed, Ryan. You’ve really taken this company to new heights. You’re moving quickly to be the top ranked enviro-friendly company in the country. Our stocks have done incredibly well too, son. Congratulations.” I’d never seen the old man so happy.

“Thanks, Dad.”

He took a seat in front of me and looked around my office. “You know, I’ve never told you this, but I always had a hard time picturing David heading the company. I spent so much time with him trying to warm him up to the idea, but I can’t help feeling he lacked the confidence to really make this company great the way you have. You’ve done me proud, son.”

I wanted to ask him what he’d done with my father, but instead, I let out a long breath. “I never thought I’d hear you say that. I always thought that you wished it was him running things.”

Dad frowned. “It wasn’t that I wished that, just that I miss my son.”

“I know, Dad, me too. I feel horrible about it and wished I could have done more for him. I’ve felt like I let everyone down that night. I just couldn’t move.”

“You were pinned in the car, Ryan. You couldn’t move, you’re lucky, we’re all lucky that you survived. You don’t know what it’s like getting a call like that and I hope you never do, but, let me tell you, the only thing worse than hearing you’ve lost your son is hearing you’ve lost two. I thank God every day that I didn’t get that call. You’re the only thing that brought your mother and I through it.”

“I’ve always felt so guilty because I caused the accident.” I couldn’t believe he was telling me that. That I’d had it all wrong all along and had let my own guilt cloud my head and eat at me.

“I want you to stop blaming yourself, Ryan. It was an accident, and there wasn’t anything you could have done. You weren’t being careless. You weren’t drinking, you were just a young man carrying your brother home from someplace that he shouldn’t have been and that’s my fault. Your mother had told me to stop enabling his drinking, but I felt like it was the only way to connect with him. I could blame myself, but your brother started drinking in high school, and it only got worse in college. I should have gotten him help, but ultimately, that was on him. He had a choice in the matter.” He stood up and walked around my desk, and I stood to give him a hug.

I felt all the anger and guilt fade at that moment.

“I love you, son. Don’t ever think I’m not proud.” He gave me a pat on the back and then left as I wiped the tear from the corner of my eye.

I pondered the moment as I stared out the window and then I heard the door close behind me. I turned, and Megan was standing across the room looking more beautiful than ever. Maybe it was my mood, but I swear she did.

I met her halfway across the floor and pulled her into my arms, kissing the top of her head. Then I leaned down and captured her mouth. I kissed her hard and deliberate as if everything I wanted to say to her was understood with the simple gesture.

She pulled away breathless. “You’re going to steal my soul with that deep kiss, Mr. Walker.” She’d been calling me that since she’d come to work for me and while at first, I wasn’t sure I liked it, it had proven to be a huge turn on, especially when she said it in front of others.

Only a few knew we were seeing each other because we hadn’t made things official, so it was like our own little secret. But that was about to change.

I pulled her close and walked her to the window so I could see the sunlight on her face and how it sparkled in her eyes like emeralds.

“I have something I’ve wanted to say to you, and this day is so perfect right now I can’t wait.” I stroked her cheek, and she smiled.

I let a moment pass. It wasn’t because I was hesitating, I was simply lost in her. “What? Tell me,” she urged.

“I love you.”

“I love you, too, Ryan.” She seemed to search my eyes. “Why today? Have you been crying?”

I lifted my chin in denial but gave a little shrug. “Well, I wasn’t blubbering like a fool, but I had a tender moment with my father earlier, and we worked things out. It’s been a long time coming is all. And you, I’ve wanted you to know how I feel for weeks. I kept telling myself I wanted it to be perfect when I told you, fancy dinner, candlelight, but the only feast I need is your lips and the only light I need is in your eyes.”

Her mouth found mine kissing me with intent and purpose. “Does this mean we start dating for real now or do we keep it quiet since you’re technically my boss?” There wasn’t any workplace policy against dating, and if there were, Jason would have been reprimanded weekly.

I searched her eyes for signs of uncertainty. “Are you worried about what they’ll think or say?”

She shrugged. “Are you?”

“I say it’s my damned company and they better treat you like a queen if they know what’s good for them.” I belted a laugh when she gave me a look like I might have lost my mind.

“Does this mean you’ll be treating me like a queen too?” There was mischief in her grin and a gleam in her eye, and I pulled her closer.

“I hope I already do.”

Her smile softened. “You know you do. You’ve been a perfect gentleman considering I can be such a brat.”

“So we go public? Damn the repercussions?”

She locked her arms around my waist and leaned into me. “Yes, but I guess now I’ll miss out on all the juicy gossip about you; and all the smack talk.” She lifted her head to meet my eyes. “I guess I should probably stick up for you next time. Since you’re like, my boyfriend and all.” The smile played around the corners of her mouth, and I decided to play along.

“So what did you hear?”

“Just breakroom talk, you know watercooler type stuff. Who you’ve dated and all the hearts you’ve broken since you were twelve. How in college someone spiked your lube with peppermint oil, and”

“You shouldn’t believe a word Jason says.” She belly laughed as I made a mental note to glue my best friend’s mouth shut.

She sighed. “Don’t be too hard on him, he loves you too. Besides, that’s what best friends are for.”

I rubbed my chin between my forefinger and thumb. “I think I’ll give Jana a call.”

We laughed, and both turned to the window looking out at the sky with its puffy clouds and warm sun. “It is a beautiful day, Ryan. I’m glad you and your father worked things out.”

I released a long held breath and tucked her close to my side. “He told me he was proud of me. That’s the first time he’s ever said that. It took me by surprise.” It had been the one thing I’d waited on my whole life, that and having someone to share it with like Megan.