Page 87 of Without Apology

“I’m calling the truth how I see it, honey,” Tom fired back. “Not everyone can be as cold as you, not wanting the family and white picket fence. But Peyton has it written all over her.”

“Enough.” Not only did I loathe their sniping, but Tom was way out of line. And I hated the thought of Peyton starting a family with anyone but me.

Whoa. Where the hell had that thought come from? I had to swallow my panic and counter Tom.

“If you have an opinion, Tom, then keep it to yourself. You are a walking lawsuit, saying things like that. And if you want to contradict the board’s decision, then I’ll convey your dissenting opinion.”

He turned red, certainly not about to disagree with his uncle’s carefully selected board. “I don’t understand why we didn’t do the interviews.”

“Because it wasn’t your call. It was mine. And I know you aren’t second-guessing my authority on this, especially now that you’ve shown your bias.”

“No.” But I could tell he was tempted to. Finally, he let it go. “I need to run downstairs and get some more information from Jeff before he finds out he didn’t get the promotion.”

“You do that, then. Furthermore, you breathe one word to anyone about your opinion regarding Peyton getting the job, and I’ll ensure this is the last deal you ever do with me. I don’t care who you’re related to. Clear?”

He gritted his teeth. “Clear.”

I don’t think Emma or I took a breath until we heard Tom exit the office.

“I fucking hate that guy.”

“Right there with you,” I muttered, taking her off guard. Normally, I would tell her to keep her opinion to herself.

“Do you want me to get champagne for tonight? I assume you want to celebrate with her.”

It would be nice to surprise her. “No. I’ll take care of it.” I had just the thing in mind.

***

Normally, my Ice Man façade came to me easily. I’d perfected it so over the years that, unfortunately, it had become natural. Yet it took every reserve I had to sit in the crowded conference room and listen to George announce Peyton as the next CFO without standing up and clapping. I wanted to march up there to engulf her in a hug or, at the very least, wink while mouthing congratulations. But I could do none of that. Frankly, there wasn’t a good reason for me to attend the announcement, but I’d simply had to.

Peyton looked stunned at the news even though I knew George had told her minutes before this announcement. Once her surprise wore off, she appeared grateful to him, giving him a hug that was heartfelt. But most of all, the vibe in the room took on a different feeling altogether.

Relief.

It was as though all of the employees felt calmed that, in the midst of change, one of their own had been promoted from within. That she would somehow protect them. Just as quickly as this thought hit me, another followed. How much pressure was on her shoulders. I now understood the anxiety and trepidation she’d had about traveling to New York for the interview. It had been about more than her fear of flying. No wonder she’d jumped to read things as signs she shouldn’t get the job. Because she wasn’t taking this position for herself. She was doing it for them. Because she hadn’t wanted to let them down.

Suddenly, I was swept up with an emotion I hadn’t been prepared for, yet should’ve seen coming. I was falling for this woman. She encompassed warmth and compassion. She had the ability to make me feel as if I was living life instead of simply going through the motions. Funny how, until now, I’d never considered that was what I’d been doing.

I swallowed hard, needing to leave. I wanted a minute alone to get a handle on my emotions. After perfecting the art of shutting them off, feelings were very foreign to me, and I feared the flood gates opening.

If that happened, it certainly wouldn’t be in line with the reputation I’d built.

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