Page 55 of Closer

“I know, but they’re skittish. They want more assurances.”

“Assurances? What the hell do they want, a fucking blood oath?” I can feel my blood pressure rising. This deal is critical. I’ve been working on it for months.

“They want to renegotiate the terms.”

“Renegotiate? Are you kidding me? We’re supposed to sign the papers next week!”

“I know, I know. But they’re threatening to walk.”

I bark out a humorless laugh. “They’re bluffing. They need this deal as much as we do.”

“Maybe. But we can’t take that chance.”

I sit down on the bed, rubbing my hand over my face. This can’t be happening. Not now. Not when I’m so close to having Lil back in my life.

“Okay, set up a call with the board. I’ll handle it.”

“When?”

I glance at the door, thinking of Lil waiting for me by the pool. “Now.”

I set up my laptop at the large office desk in our suite, the numbers from the merger swimming in my head. Marcus better not fuck this up for me. I’ve put too much work into this deal to let it fall apart now.

“Okay, I’m sending out the meeting invites,” Marcus says over the phone. “I’ll have the updated financials ready to share on-screen.”

“Good. I will go over everything in the meantime.” I hang up and scan the spreadsheets, double- and triple-checking the figures. There’s no room for error.

An hour later, I’m on the call with the board, my game face on. I lay out the facts, the projections, and the potential for growth. They nod, their skepticism fading while I paint a picture of the future we can create together.

“So, as you can see, gentlemen, this merger is a win-win for everyone involved. The synergies alone will boost our bottom line by 20% in the first year.” I lounge back in my chair, confident I’ve won them over.

There’s a moment of silence, then the chairman speaks. “Well, Mr. Barron, you’ve certainly given us a lot to think about. I think we’re all in agreement that this is the right move for both companies.”

“Excellent. I’ll have my team draw up the final paperwork as planned. We’ll be ready to sign by the end of the week.”

The call ends and I let out a long breath. Crisis averted. I hop on the after-brief with Marcus.

“Man, you really saved our asses. You’re like a wizard with these deals. Your old man would be proud,” he says.

I grit my teeth. “Listen, I appreciate the sentiment, but let’s get one thing straight. I’m the CEO of this company. I call the shots. Not my father.”

There’s a pause on the other end of the line. “O-Of course. I didn’t mean to imply—”

“But you did. And it’s not the first time. I’ve noticed you running to my father every time there’s a bump in the road. That stops now.”

I hate having to play the heavy hand, but sometimes it’s necessary because I can’t have my own people undermining me, running to Daddy every time things get tough. I’ve worked too damn hard to get where I am, to step out of my father’s shadow. I won’t let anyone drag me back into it.

Fuck, the headaches are coming back. I need to get back to her. Need her sun-warmed skin under my hands, breathe in the trace of her coconut sunscreen mixed with chocolate. Need to lose myself in her.

I can hear him swallow nervously. “I understand. It won’t happen again.”

“Good. Because if it does, you’ll be looking for a new job. Are we clear?”

“Crystal.”

“Alright then. Send me the final paperwork when it’s ready. I want this deal closed by Friday.”

“You got it, boss.”

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