Page 54 of The CEO Enemy

“Well, that was only part of it. The main part is because I swore I would never get involved again with someone I was working with. No sex, no dates, no feelings with coworkers or business partners, in short: no business entanglements, especially with Chief Executive Officers. It’s my number one rule. It encompasses the ‘don’t kiss the CEO’ and ‘never date the CEO’ and especially the ‘wear panties at all times’ clauses—no exceptions.” I smirk as Sean’s eyes light back up. “Clearly, I fell somewhat off the wagon.”

“I’m glad you somewhat did. It’s proved beneficial for the both of us.” Sean pauses for a moment, and then he says, “And now it’s making a ton of sense why you refused for so long.”

“I’m not sorry about anything.”

Sean’s thumb strokes my palm. Just that little touch is enough to stoke those flames between us that never seem to burn out. They only lie dormant until the next time we’re together.

“What do you see yourself doing next?” Sean asks.

I consider his question. I love how he’s always interested in me and my thoughts. “Honestly? I feel like the sky’s the limit. With everything running so well, there’s always room for expansion, and I’ve been considering exploring the adjacent building for the possibility of expanding our New York property. If our occupancy rates remain consistently high, we’re going to need more rooms.”

“I don’t think it’s for sale, the adjacent building. I already had Connor look into it.”

“Oh, not yet, but soon,” I say, smiling, squeezing his hand. “I’ve got a real estate agent with some top-notch insider info. Jane Deets. I’ll reach out to her and see what I can do.”

There is genuine excitement in his eyes. “Excellent,” he says. “If that’s the case, increasing the amenities would be good. If we expand, we can make space for an indoor pool, which is always a draw to guests. Especially in the city where swimming isn’t easy to come by. And a spa. Spas are a great source of income, not just from guests but from locals as well.”

“Norman and I always wanted to explore this option, but the limits of financial resources have held us back. But what about you? Where do you see Blackwood in the next five years?”

“That’s easy. International. Hands down, we’re going to be in many countries across the world. We’ve already started and we’re in the process of acquiring smaller chains in some of the bigger tourist areas, like the Caribbean and Europe.” The darkness in his eyes returns. “That’s if my father will ever get off the board and let me do what needs to be done.”

It’s what it always seems to come down to for Sean, getting out of the tight hold his father has on the company. That’s got to be frustrating, and annoying. I lucked out meeting Norman and connecting with him as well as we did. I have no doubt that if he hadn’t been as open-minded and understanding, it would have been impossible for me to implement the necessary changes.

“Can I ask you something?” I request once the waiter brings our food and we start to dig in.

“Sure, go ahead.”

“I find it strange that your father is so fixated on the idea of you buying me out. I mean, it’s kind of flattering that he’s so interested, but isn’t there a more significant business he should be focused on?”

“He’s a, let’s say, difficult figure. It’s evident that fellow board members are growing weary of his approach. But it’s challenging to take action against the man who built and owns the majority of the company shares. He possesses sufficient leverage to prevent a vote for his removal.”

“You’ve proven yourself time and time again. Magazines are filled with your praises. He shouldn’t be micromanaging you.”

“You’re preaching to the choir, Jess.”

I’m intrigued to learn more about his relationship with his father and late mother. In the photo, his dad didn’t strike me as a “difficult figure,” but I hesitate—it’s not my place.

Instead, I say, “His mood, his burden. Don’t make it yours.” His brow furrows, but a flicker of something unreadable crosses his features. “So, when you’re head of the board, when you finally have the reins, what’s the first thing you’re going to do?”

He seems to consider my question for a moment before he says, “As mentioned, we’re set on expanding internationally. But the initial step I’ll take upon gaining control is to assess our existing properties and concentrate on enhancing their potential. Focus on quality over quantity.”

“Smart. Exploring the opportunities right in front of you is a fantastic way to foster growth.”

“We have a separate team who deals with the management side of things, but I always felt we could be doing more. We bought these places because of their potential, and we’ve continued to work to make them profitable, but profit isn’t everything.”

“Right?” I smile at him. “If we wanted to, we could really go ham and focus on the latest technological advances for hospitality. For example, implementing in-room tablets for guests to control room settings and request services.”

“What other changes do you want to make that you haven’t been able to?”

“Oh,” I wave my hand, “don’t even get me started.”

“Too late.” He gives me the cutest smile. “I’m invested. Tell me.”

The rest of the evening dissolves into a sort of impromptu business meeting. The food is excellent. And while, yes, this had started off as a thrilling-auction-turned-hot-fake-date, I don’t really mind the conversation switching because there’s something different about it. It feels like a true collaboration, a true meeting of the minds. I forget everything about me, and there’s only him. Sean Blackwood. Dominant, powerful, with his all-encompassing presence.

The plans we talk about are plans we want to make together. We’re a team.

In fact, I feel like we’re really onto something, and that together, we’re an unstoppable force.

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