Page 90 of If You Give a CEO a Chance

“Would you change things if you could?” she asks, her voice edged with a touch of uncertainty.

I shake my head. “No. It might not have been my first choice, but taking on the role of CEO has brought me closer to my brothers. And my dad’s pride in the company’s recent growth has made it all worth it. If I’d kept playing hockey, my career would have long been over by now. Luckily, as part owner of the Mavericks, it allows me to stay connected to the sport I love and participate in the monthly charity events.”

I hadn’t intended to share so much. Normally, I keep my feelings to myself, but if I want a real chance at winning Fallon’s heart, I need to be willing to open up to her. Fortunately, she makes it easy with her genuine kindness and the way she appreciates what I’ve done for my family.

Which only adds to the regret of how I treated her before. Even when we bickered, she was easy to talk to, but I was too stubborn to see past my pride and admit it.

I glance at her, my expression softening. “Fallon,” I say softly, covering her hand with mine. “I owe you an apology for how I left the hotel after our weekend together. I shouldn’t have gone without an explanation. I’m deeply sorry.”

She smiles, giving my hand a reassuring squeeze. “There’s nothing to forgive.” Her tone is earnest. “I’d have done the same thing if I were as close to my family as you are.” She glances down at her plate, nibbling on her lower lip. “If I had found your note, there’s no telling what would have happened. In the months after, you were helping your dad at the company, and I started culinary school. As much as it hurts to accept, I think everything turned out like it was supposed to.” She glances over at me as she brushes a strand of hair behind her ear.

I hate to admit it, but she’s right. Even with good intentions, there’s no guarantee we would have seen each other again or survived the strain of a long-distance relationship. Not whenthe past ten years of my life revolved around Stafford Holdings. Work still dominates my time, but it doesn’t seem as important, compared to the beautiful woman next to me and the possibility of a future together I’m willing to fight for.

“What about now?” I ask Fallon. “Are things falling into place how you want them to?”

We’ve avoided discussing what comes next, but we can’t put it off forever. I’ve already lost her once, and I won’t let it happen again. I’d rather deal with her doubts now than deal with them later when it might be too late.

Fallon nibbles her bottom lip, glancing at her plate. “I’m enjoying our time together very much. But I took a huge leap of faith moving to New York to start a new venture, and I don’t want to risk being distracted from making my dreams a reality.”

My chest tightens as her shoulders slump. I may not be able to predict the future, but I can give her the reassurance I couldn’t before.

I lean in, cupping her jaw, guiding her eyes to mine. “I’ve lost you once, and I won’t let it happen again. Even if it takes a lifetime, I’ll wait for you because you’re my end game.”

Fallon’s breath hitches, and I wonder if I’ve gone too far. But I’ve never been one to stand on the sidelines and hope for the best. This time around, I’m not leaving any room for doubt about what I want.

“You mean it?” Fallon asks.

“Every damn word.” I press a kiss to the back of her hand, causing her cheeks to turn red. “I have somewhere I want to take you.”

We’ve barely ventured outside the apartment together. I want to show her that I’m serious about us, which means taking her somewhere that holds a special place in my heart and inevitably bringing her around my family. But first, I want to savor some alone time before introducing her to that chaos.

Fallon wipes her face with a napkin, pausing when she notices me staring at her. “What is it?”

I flash her a mischievous grin. “We’re going away for the rest of the weekend.”

A flush creeps up her neck as she stares at me slack-jawed.

“To where?” she asks.

“Aspen Grove.”

“What about Cat?” She motions to the feline who’s just sauntered into the kitchen, casting a disdainful glare my way. It’s obvious who his favorite human is, and it’s not me.

“He will manage on his own for the most part. He only retaliates when we try to intervene.” Hell, he still hisses whenever I try to approach him. “We’ll have Walter check on him throughout the day and put him in your bathroom at night. It’s only for a couple of days.”

Fallon sighs, running a hand through her hair. “You can’t ask your doorman to watch our cat.”

A smirk tugs at my lip, hearing her call Catours. I’m still apprehensive about having a pet, but it’s obvious he’s here to stay.

“Walter’s more than just the doorman, he’s a friend,” I say.

Fallon’s expression softens, so I know I’ve said the right thing. She and Walter have become close since she moved in, and I’m grateful he looked out for her when I was too busy being an asshole. From what she’s shared, she hasn’t had much of a support system since her parents died, but that ends now.

Between me, Walter, and the whole Stafford crew in her corner, she’ll never face anything alone again.

“We can ask him, but I don’t want to pressure him to say yes.”

I take her hand, guiding her from her seat to my lap, my palm resting on her lower back. “I spoke to him last night—he’s more than happy to look after Cat while we’re gone.”

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