Page 93 of A Temporary Forever

“I couldn’t afford to wait any longer, Cal, so I gave you a little nudge. I can guarantee you won’t regret this.”

The dark circles under his eyes run deep. The man looks exhausted, but I doubt a guilty conscience is at fault here.

“Good, you can guarantee by amending this.” I tap my finger on the paperwork in front of me. “I want thirty percent.”

Corm bristles, but to his credit, it only takes him a moment before he realizes his move might have been a check, but I came to deliver a mate.

“Either I walk out of here with thirty percent, giving me the same level of control you have, or you can let everyone know the first deal Merged ever announced—its own inception—was just a joke. I’m sure that’ll bode well for any future deals.” I lean back into the comfortable cushions of the chair, not even trying to tame my gloating.

“Actually, I’d feel more comfortable with such adistribution of influence and control.” Xander nods, smirking.

Declan remains bored-looking, like this has nothing to do with him.

And my lifelong nemesis, to his credit, knows when to own his fuck-up and admit defeat. He stands up and walks to his desk, picking up the landline.

“Roxy, can you please print the partnership contract again with the following change: Cormac Quinn, CEO, thirty percent, and Caleb van den Linden, COO, thirty percent.” His gaze is on me while he talks, a mixture of loathing and respect. “Roxy, if I cared about your opinion, I would have asked. Bring the paperwork ASAP.” He slams the receiver down, the pen holder beside it toppling.

He sits back, and a sense of accomplishment and anticipation descends on me. I trust only one other person at this table, yet my gut tells me I won’t regret my decision.

“So should we pop champagne?” Xander relaxes in his seat.

Both Quinns look at him like he’s just suggested karaoke at a funeral, but then Corm shakes his head. “Fuck it.”

He walks to a sleek white cabinet in the corner and produces a bottle of Macallan 1926 and four tumblers.

“I can’t believe I’m opening this with you assholes, but the occasion calls for a respectful celebration.”

He pours an inch from the bottle that cost more than a million dollars for each of us to toast our new partnership. The mood in the room is an outlandish mixture of excitement and frustration.

There’s a knock at the door, and Roxy walks in before anyone answers. “I don’t get a taste,boss?”

“Of course, you’re a valuable team member.” Xander jumps up and takes the paperwork from her. “Isn’t that so, Corm?”

Corm’s gaze lands on the bottle in his hands. “Of course,” he mumbles, and pours for our office manager.

He glances at each of us and raises his glass. “To the best company ever.”

I can toast to that, because something tells me we might have had a bumpy start, but this ship will take us places.

“Sorry it took so long.” I smile when I return to the front desk with Roxy.

Celeste stands up, glaring, but then her curiosity wins. “So?”

“Roxy, will you please show me my office,” I drawl,and the smile that spreads on Celeste’s face is probably as rewarding as the win.

Funny how such a simple, silent show of support can make my chest swell. It might be because I never had anyone cheering for me. Our parents considered any win just an opportunity to move to the next target.

My father, while I worked for him, was always more focused on pointing out failures.

Or maybe it’s just that this woman’s support makes me feel like I’m a better man. Like earning her approval is what makes me or breaks me.

“Of course, Cal.”

I lace my fingers through Celeste’s and navigate the hallway, following Roxy. She stops in front of a corner office.

“Welcome aboard.” The office manager opens the door. “I’ll ask the interior designer to come by tomorrow, so you can design it properly. Press 0 on your landline if you need anything, and I’ll schedule a proper onboarding with you for later today.”

“Thank you, Roxy.”

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