Page 9 of Lovers and Lace

“Don’t worry about your buy in. I’m not taking your money. I don’t need it.” Hell, Sergio should offer her a huge sign-on bonus for her stake in the company. Olivia was that critical to the company’s future.

Olivia shook her head emphatically. “Absolutely not. I’ve been saving for this opportunity for the last ten years. You can’t just give me twenty percent. I won’t accept it. I want skin in the game. A vested interest, even if it’s less than twenty percent.”

From Sergio’s perspective she had plenty of skin in the game. He admired her integrity, work ethic and business instincts. She’d come a long way from the young girl he’d met ten years ago. He was so fucking proud of her and wanted her to feel comfortable taking on this new role.

“Vera and Henry only set aside a small amount to kick off the girls’ scholarship fund. Why not add your vested interest there, as we’ll have a substantial kick off right out of the gate? Do more good. Help more girls.” Sergio had gotten the impression the Delairs hadn’t been fully on board with the scholarship program. With Olivia’s investment, the effort would be meaningful, not half-assed.

Olivia laid a hand on her heart and her eyes softened with an inner glow. “I love that idea. Thank you.”

Sergio’s spirits soared. She appeared to be on board. “Make no mistake. You’ll be my right-hand man – woman. I’ll count on you heavily. I want to implement the bulk of your ideas by September’s fashion week. There’s a lot to do and we’ll be working closely together. Long hours. I hope your boyfriend isn’t the jealous type.” Sergio smirked. He was aware she wasn’t dating anyone. Not that it mattered to him if she did. If she agreed to stay on at Delcinia, he’d do whatever it took to win her back for good. It was his time now.

When she rolled her eyes, he chuckled. God, she was adorable. Still.

“That won’t be an issue. I’m a professional. I’m sure Vera and Henry attested to that.” Olivia stated proudly.

“Indeed, they did. And I’ve followed your career over the years, so I know. Do we have an agreement? Should I have your contract drafted for your attorneys to review?”

When her face turned serious, his stomach clenched. Damn it. Had he already fucked up?

“Yes. As long as you understand I intend to keep things between us strictly professional,” Olivia stated with a tinge of sadness in her voice.

Sergio raised a brow. “Would it be so terrible if things between us became unprofessional?” He understood she was hurt and angry, but it didn’t change the fact that the chemistry between them was scorching hot. There was still something between them. Olivia needed to let her guard down and allow things to develop, or re-develop naturally.

She glared at him, and he regretted moving too fast. Sergio couldn’t help himself though. Having her this close, but still so far away, was torture.

“For me it would. I can’t go through another heartbreak over you. If you can’t respect that, then the best thing would be for me to leave.” Olivia glanced at him expectantly but with a sadness in her eyes that broke his heart. He’d make it up to her, slowly earning back her trust. She was worth the wait. She was worth everything.

“I respect your wishes. Not happy about them, I admit.” Sergio stood, and Olivia appeared confused. “First order of business for us is to have a conversation with Camille.”

Olivia cringed. Sergio felt her pain. Camille was a legend in the business, especially with her bridal designs. But over the last few years, her designs had become a bit dated. She was resistant to the new ideas Olivia and Vera had proposed and was not pleased with the Bellucci sisters. If they couldn’t bring Camille around, they’d have no choice but to let her go.

As he and Olivia entered Camille’s office, she scowled. “Well, that didn’t take long. Should I start packing my things?”

Sergio sighed, and his shoulders sagged. Come on Camille, get with the program.

“We don’t want to fire you, but in order to move the company forward and expand we need you to be open to new ideas. Let’s work together. Be a mentor to Isabella and Sienna. They’re thrilled to work with you if you’d just give them an honest chance.”

Camille remained silent, seemingly thinking things over. Sergio didn’t want to lose her, but if he had to let her go, he would.

“Let’s honor all the hard work you, Vera, and Henry have done building this company. Together we can make them proud and grow their legacy. What do you say?” Olivia pleaded.

Camille swiped a tear from her cheek. “I know you’re right. I’ve been stubborn in my thinking. The Italians’ designs are inspired. I’d be honored to work with them. Thank you for not giving up on me. I promise you won’t regret it.”

Olivia hugged Camille and all the tension in the room eased. “Never. You helped put this place on the map.”

Camille smiled at them graciously. “I suppose I did, didn’t I? I know we have a lot to do. I’d like to see about bringing your sisters on if they’re open to the idea, for the larger size line.”

Sergio loved that idea. Olivia’s sisters would make wonderful additions to the Delcinia family.

Olivia’s smile lit up the room. “I’ll discuss it with them. I think they’ll be excited.”

“Can I say it does my heart a world of good to see you two back together again?” Camille asked with a gleam in her eyes.

Heaviness weighed on Sergio’s chest when Olivia immediately shook her head.

“We’re not together personally, only professionally. That ship sailed years ago.” Olivia declared with a certainty that hurt Sergio to his core.

Camille shot Sergio a knowing glance, not seeming convinced. He had his work cut out for him, but a future with Olivia by his side was well worth it.

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