Page 3 of Beautiful Broken Love

He gave me a look I couldn’t read. I couldn’t tell if he was trying to find my flaws or drinking me in.

“You must be Davina,” the short man said, offering me a hand. I accepted it, giving it a generous shake.

“I am. And you must be Arnold Glass.”

“That’s me.” Arnold smiled, revealing a rather cute gap between his two front teeth. It suited him, made him appear friendlier. Arnold fixed his blue tie, cleared his throat, and said, “And I’m sure you already know Deke Bishop.”

My eyes slid up to Declan’s again, and he leaned forward, offering a hand to me. I took it and gave it a firm shake. His hand was twice the size of mine and surprisingly soft.

“I’m well aware of who Mr. Bishop is,” I said with a warm smile.

“Mr. Bishop?” Declan raised a brow with a crooked smile. As he did, a set of dimples adorned his cheeks.Good Lord.I forgot the man had dimples. “You can spare the formalities. Just call me Deke.”

“Okay,Deke.” I released his hand as he assessed me with his eyes. “It’s very nice to meet you in person.”

Both corners of his mouth turned up. “Likewise.”

I gestured to the love seat near the windows. “Please, have a seat. Can I get you some coffee or anything to drink before we get started?”

“Water for me,” Arnold said.

“Got any Gatorade?” Deke requested.

I glanced at Tish, who shook her head. “We don’t,” I answered. “But I can have Tisha run out to grab you one. There’s a market right up the street.”

“Nah, it’s all good.” Deke relaxed in his seat, spreading his long legs and placing an arm on the arm rest. The other hand rested in his lap, very close to his groin. I focused on his face, trying not to let the placement of that hand distract me. “Make it water for me too.”

Tish nodded, trotting away and leaving the office to get their drinks.

I stood in front of my desk, allowing myself a minute to collect a breath while my heart steadied to a calmer rhythm. When I faced them again, I went for it.

“Well, firstly, Deke, I’m so glad you loved our products,” I said, and he nodded, looking into my eyes. I don’t know what it was about the way he looked at me, but it was like he was staring into my soul.

Most people put their attention elsewhere or plucked lint off their clothes, because they hated eye contact. It made me feel out of sorts that he wasn’t doinganyof that, so I shifted on my heels, ignoring the thought and his powerful presence.

“I’m really honored that you agreed to meet us,” I continued. “I know it’s the offseason and you’d much rather be hanging out with family and friends than coming to boring work endeavors, so thank you.”

Another nod from Deke. “It’s my pleasure.”

Tish returned with two cold water bottles and placed them on the table in front of the men. Then she smiled at me, giving me big side-eyes that screamedGIRLLLLL!

I wanted to shoo her out of the office before my professional facade cracked.

“I see you like to do a lot of small talk.” Deke grabbed his water bottle and opened it.

“Oh. Is my small talk bothering you?” I asked.

He shrugged a shoulder after taking a sip of water. After a wet gasp, he said, “A little.”

“Okay.” I kept the corners of my lips turned up. “Well, then let me cut to the chase.”Jerk.“We were hoping you’d sponsor our products for five months. In exchange, we’re willing to give you four hundred thousand dollars.”

Deke smirked. Nothing more, nothing less. He then glanced at Arnold, who raised a bushy brow and bobbed his bald head.

“Okay,” Deke said. “Seems like a fair deal, coming from a small company.”

“Really?”I sat up taller, my eyes stretching with surprise. We were lowballing him—I knew this—and I expected him to immediately counter it, which I was prepared for, but still.

“You want the truth?” Deke asked, and my smile slipped a bit as he leaned forward and placed his water bottle on the table again.

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