Page 15 of Last Minute Fiancé

“Yes and no, Addison,” Nathan said after a moment. “I was a little older than you when I was promoted.”

“You say that as if you’re ancient,” Kelly said fondly, and I smiled, though it felt slightly brittle.

“I want this job. This promotion. I know it’s been whispered about for months, but I’m right for it.”

“I know you are, that’s why I’m backing you. But it’s going to be a struggle. I have a feeling that Harrington is going to make his decision with or without the junior partners’ say.”

“That sounds reasonable,” I said sarcastically.

“But we can persuade him, just like the others will try to. This upcoming event is going to be important.”

“I know. I’ve been working on it for weeks.”

It was a weekend retreat complete with meetings, presentations, and fancy dinners. There would also be hiking, and other “relaxing” events.

“I’ll be going to that one,” Kelly said as she met my gaze, and I could tell she wanted to say something else.

“What is it?”

“I am a woman in a high-powered position. And I married a man also in a high-powered position.” She looked over at her husband and smiled. “And I know he works for an asshole who doesn’t like women in the workforce.”

“Kelly,” Nathan warned, and I held up my hand to him.

“No, she’s right. And I want to prove him wrong. I’m doing it just by being there and breathing.”

Nathan sighed but nodded. “You’re right. And it gets under his craw. Just like it does with Travis.”

“However, the one thing you two have working for you is that you’re both single. You don’t have to compete with the whole family thing.”

I frowned, not understanding.

Kelly continued. “If Travis shows up with a woman on his arms and a family on the way, he’s going to get the job. Because Harrington-Wells III likes the idea of legacy. You showing up alone means that you’re a strong woman, and you’re putting your career first, however, you’re also not the perfect legacy that Harrington wants.”

I scowled, and nearly blurted out that I was all about legacy, considering what was currently happening inside my body, but I had barely come to terms with that, and didn’t want to deal with anyone else’s reaction yet.

“Kelly.”

“I know, I know. And all of this is highly illegal and against the code of ethics, but we know how it runs. You know it, Addison.”

“Are you telling me I’m supposed to just pull a fake fiancé out of the blue?”

Nathan cursed under his breath as Jeremiah snorted, still working on his phone, but Kelly gave me a serious look.

“I’m not saying make one up. I’m saying that this job will eat you alive if you don’t have a support system.”

“I do. I have my friends. You’re working with them. I have a good family. And I’m damn good at my job.”

“Good. Nathan has more balance at this position, sowhenyou get this job, not if, know that balance is coming. So maybe figure out exactly what you want outside of that.”

I wasn’t sure what I was supposed to say to that. Did she want me to work hard and dominate, or get married and have the perfect practical life that Harrington-Wells wanted?

And how was I supposed to deal with all of this when I already knew my life was going to change—promotion or not.

Finally, the waiter came and took our order, then Nathan laid out our plans—for the retreat, what I needed to do with my current clients, and how I would make my way into this promotion. A promotion that would be good for everybody. For the company, for me, and whatever future plans I had.

By the time we made it back into the office, my mind was whirling, but I was still hyped up. This would be for the best. This would give me more time, more options, and I wouldn’t have to work so many hours.

And then I could come to Luca with a perfectly formulated plan.

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