Page 5 of If You Give a CEO a Chance

“Working together would be a recipe for disaster.”

She’s got that right.

Fallon might be the most stubborn woman I’ve ever met, and for someone so goddamn beautiful, she has the uncanny ability to push my buttons. That’s not a compliment.

I tuck my phone into my pocket, and as I glance up, I notice a piece of hair that’s fallen across her face, resting above her mouth. There’s something mesmerizing about the curve of her lips, the way they press together in frustration.

Fallon’s tongue darts out, tracing the edge of her plump bottom lip as her eyes flicker up to meet mine, defiance warring with an unspoken pull that I wish didn’t exist. We’re locked in a standoff neither of us wants to lose, yet the tension crackles like a live wire.

“Fallon, is there anything I can do to help—” I spin around to see my mom standing in the doorway. Her eyes widen momentarily before a mischievous grin tugs at her lips. “Am I interrupting something?”

“No,” Fallon and I say in unison as I take a step back.

My mom’s gaze flickers between us, her eyes sharp with interest.

Dammit.

She’s taken it upon herself to play matchmaker for her kids, and now that I’m the only one still single, I can’t escape her well-meaning meddling. I’m afraid she’s misread my close proximity to Fallon as mutual attraction and will convince herself there’s more between us when there’s not.

At least not anymore.

“I was wondering where you disappeared to after dinner,” Mom comments before turning to Fallon, offering her a warm smile. “I had to come tell you that dinner was outstanding. Theo was right to recommend you. I didn’t think gluten-free beef Wellington could taste that good.”

A faint blush spreads along Fallon’s neck as she gives my mom a polite nod. “Thank you. I’m glad you liked it.”

“You’re incredibly talented,” my mom praises. “Harrison is so lucky that you’ll be his new chef. It’s practically impossible to find someone who can make gluten-free dishes that he likes.”

“Figures he’s a tough critic who’s hard to please,” Fallon mutters under her breathe, glancing at the floor.

My mom moves closer. “What was that, sweetheart? Sorry, I couldn’t hear you.”

Fallon lifts her gaze to my mom. “Oh, I said it figures it would be difficult since not many chefs specialize in allergy-friendly dishes.”

Mom lightly squeezes Fallon’s arm. “You have a gift.”

Judging by her expression, I’d think Fallon had unlocked the secrets of the universe. I have to shut this down before her excitement morphs into a grand scheme involving Fallon and me.

“Actually, Fallon isn’t going to be my new chef,” I interject.

My mom’s expression shifts, tightening with disappointment. “Oh no, why not?”

“She’s no longer available,” I answer.

My mom looks at Fallon with a glimmer of hope in her eyes. “Is there anything we could do to convince you to reconsider?”

Fallon hesitates for a fraction of a second before shaking her head. “I’m afraid not,” she replies.

A pang of disappointment hits me in the gut, which makes no sense. This woman played me, and I should be relieved I never have to see her again. Earlier, I told her I didn’t want to work with her, so it’s absurd to feel even the slightest bit conflicted.

I’ve got to get out of here.

“Mom, let’s give Fallon some space to finish dessert.” I place a hand on her back, gently nudging her out of the kitchen. “Lola couldn’t stop talking about the painting she and Marlow made for Cash and Everly, so let’s not make her wait to give it to them.”

“Alright.” She casts a final glance at Fallon. “Thanks again for the incredible meal. And if you reconsider working for Harrison, don’t hesitate to call his assistant.”

“Of course,” Fallon says.

I can say with certainty she won’t, and that’s for the best. The sooner I can forget about her, the better.

---