Page 80 of If You Give a CEO a Chance

“Dad couldn’t work at full capacity for months, so Harrison stepped in as his full-time intern, learning the ropes. It was obvious hockey was his dream, but he’s carried the weight of running Stafford Holdings since he was a kid,” she explains. “There’s nothing he wouldn’t do for our family, and I only wish we could ease some of that burden. He’s spent so long taking care of everyone else, he’s forgotten how to put himself first.”

“Doesn’t taking a vacation or dating qualify?”

I might have tossed in the latter for purely selfish reasons. While I can’t change the past, that doesn’t mean I’m not curious about Harrison’s dating history.

Presley lets out a dry laugh. “Harrison taking a vacation? That’s funny. I don’t think he’s taken a single day off in the past ten years. Even during the holidays, he sneaks in a few hours of work when he can. As far as girlfriends go, he’s never had one. Sure, he’s taken women to events and gone on dates to appease my mother, but never anything serious.” She taps her chin thoughtfully. “Come to think of it, he’s never brought anyone to Aspen Grove to meet the family. If he ever does, she’ll be special.”

It sounds like Harrison and I have more in common than I thought. We’ve both been wary of relationships in the past and don’t trust easily. Only dating casually, never getting attached.

Harrison especially likes his space, and the only reason he let me move in was because of his mother. It wasn’t that long ago when he would have been relieved to have me leave. Now that the truth has come to light, everything between us has shifted.

I can pretend our connection isn’t real, but that’s a lie. The truth is, there’s an undeniable pull between us, and we’ve reached a crossroads. The real question is whether I havethe courage to take a leap of faith and see where this leads, consequences be damned.

“Harrison is fortunate to have someone like you in his corner,” I say to Presley. “From what I’ve heard, it sounds like you’ve got your hands full trying to keep your brothers in line.”

She laughs warmly. “You can say that again. I can see why Harrison likes you. You’re a riot, and your food is the bomb. I’m going to have to come visit more often if you’re cooking,” she gushes before plopping the last bite of cookie in her mouth.

Her sincere compliment means so much.

“You’re welcome anytime. I’m always testing new recipes for a cookbook I’m working on and would love to have another taste tester.”

“Oh my god, I’d love that.” Presley reaches into her purse to take out her phone. “Put your number in. I want to know when your cookbook is released because I have to buy a dozencopies.”

I take it, entering my number before handing it back.

“That’s really sweet of you, but you don’t have to do that.”

She waves me off. “Of course, I do. That’s what friends are for.”

Her kindness leaves me speechless. There’s something about the Stafford siblings—they have a way of drawing you in and making you never want to leave. What I wouldn’t give to be a part of a family who cheers each other on through thick and thin like that.

Presley points to the ice where the players are skating into position. “It looks like the second period is going to start soon.”

I put the rest of the cookies in my bag and check my phone, finding a message from Theo.

Theo: How’s my favorite chef? Could go for one of your gluten-free apple strudel muffins right about now.

Fallon: That’s only because you taught me how to make them, and you’re a big fan of your own cooking.

Theo: I’ll take a little credit, but you make the gluten-free version better than I ever could.

Fallon: I did learn from the best.

He wouldn’t compliment me if he didn’t mean it. It isn’t lost on me that he refers to me as his favorite chef, even though he’s a world-renowned chef with a reservation waiting list six months out at all of his restaurants. It gives me hope that someday I might actually be able to make a name for myself in the industry like he did.

Fallon: You’ll never believe it. I’m at a charity hockey game.

Theo: I’m shocked. You’re not exactly a sports enthusiast.

Fallon: I only hate running, and that’s your fault.

Theo: It was supposed to be a team bonding activity.

Fallon: Yeah, if the plan was for us all to bond in the back of an ambulance.

Fallon: You’re lucky no one sued you for that debacle. I think it was those hefty bonus checks you gave us.

A few years ago, he had the brilliant idea to have all his employees go on a scavenger hunt across London. The catch? We had to run in the heat during summer, and after a mile, half of us were hobbling along with blistered feet and the beginning of dehydration setting in.

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