Page 118 of If You Give a CEO a Chance

Walter opens the door when I get to the entrance. “Good afternoon, Mr. Stafford,” he says with a tip of his hat.

“Good afternoon, Walter. How’s our girl?”

“Miss Fallon had a good day. She brought me cookies this morning, and we toured her restaurant space during lunch. I’ve never seen her this happy.” He beams proudly. “You’re a good man for treating her right.”

I clap him on the back. “She deserves nothing less. Thanks for always looking out for her, it means a lot to both of us.”

“No need to thank me. Fallon is family, plain and simple. It’s my privilege to be in her corner.”

My heart swells at his sentiment. I know Fallon feels the same, and I’m glad they’ve become so close. Although it’s a shame her grandmother failed to see how incredible she is, that’s her loss. Fallon doesn’t need that kind of negativity in her life when she has me, my family and Walter by her side.

Last week, I contacted the building manager to arrange a substantial bonus for Walter and to tell him it’s from all the residents. I usually send him something during the holidays, but I want to go beyond that. He’s an important presence in Fallon’s life, and from now on, I’ll make sure he’s well taken care of. Whether he eventually retires or not—though I doubt he ever will.

I head for the elevator. “See you soon, Walter,” I smile.

“You too,” he replies with a wave.

When I get to the penthouse, I drop my briefcase off at the entry table, greeted by the rich aroma of herbs and spices with hints of garlic and onion. I follow the smell to the kitchen, where I find Fallon at the stove, dancing around to “What a Feeling.” Her hips sway to the beat, and she holds a whisk to her mouth, belting out the lyrics, her energy contagious.

It takes me back to the first time I saw her dancing in the kitchen when my desire for her was waging a war against the resentment I convinced myself was justified. As I watch her, it’s obvious how far we’ve come. The attraction that once caused conflict now fuels an unbreakable love that can’t be shaken.

“I’ll never get tired of coming home to this view,” I say, speaking over the music.

Fallon looks back, a broad smile on her face. “You’re home!”

I turn down the music off on my way to greet her. “Whatever you’re making smells delicious.” I wind an arm around her waist and bury my nose into the curve of her neck.

“It’s beef stew. I figure we can eat before we go on our date to the Mavericks game.”

Even though she refuses to take any more paychecks, she still wants to prepare our meals. Fallon doesn’t trust anyone else to do it like she can and she says it’s good practice. She might refuse to let me pay her a salary, but I’ll make sure she gets the best equipment for her restaurant and every opportunity tomake it thrive. It’s the least I can do after everything she’s done for me.

“Sounds perfect. I can’t wait to try it,” I say.

The stew begins to simmer, bubbles rising to the surface. Fallon turns, spoon in hand, stirring the pot as she leans back into my embrace. These simple moments are the ones I cherish the most. They remind me that everything I need is right here, and nothing else can compare to this feeling.

My world used to be a series of transitions, where every choice was a deal to be made. Focus and precision were my guiding principles, and I thrived on structured order. Now, I leave work early to be with my beautiful girlfriend. Our living room is bursting with plants, and Cat, our little demon, has woven himself into our lives for good.

Fallon turned my carefully structured life into a beautiful chaos that fills our house with warmth, laughter, and a love I never saw coming. With her, I’ve learned to slow down and appreciate what’s right in front of me. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Getting a private chef didn’t turn out anything like I expected, but now I know what happens when a CEO gets a second chance…

She becomes the love of his life.

ONE YEAR LATER

Idraw in a shaky breath as I take in the finished restaurant. Large, black-framed windows span across the front, flower boxes nestled below. A golden glow spills from inside, illuminating the brick exterior.

The cold air nips at my nose as I wrap my arms around myself, reflecting on how far I’ve come. The journey here was long, marked by construction delays, sleepless nights, and countless hours perfecting the menu. Without Harrison, Walter, and the Staffords, I wouldn’t have made it through. I’m grateful for them believing in me and cheering me on when I needed it most.

My heart swells seeing the vintage sign hanging above the entrance,Catherine’s Table.

“We did it, Mom,” I murmur softly.

She inspired this restaurant, and I like to think she played a significant part in guiding me here. As a gentle breeze stirs around me, I close my eyes, picturing my parents standing beside me, sharing this achievement with me. Their proud smiles are vivid in my mind, as if they were still here cheering me on.

Every struggle and triumph I’ve faced has played an important role in shaping who I am, leading me to this defining day, where all my hard work has paid off in more ways than one.

“Fallon?” My eyes flutter open at the sound of Harrison’s voice.

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