Page 54 of Wedding Season
“I’m not saying I’m going to leave the Fit Collective behind. I didn’t say yes to my stepfather, but it’s the first time he seemed willing to consider giving me a real role in the family business. For years, that was all I wanted.”
“Doesn’t that feel like kind of a coincidence? When you finally move on with your life, he throws you a bone.”
“Is that what you think?”
“I don’t know what it is, but I do know that you made commitments to the people here.” In truth, she wasn’t sure why she cared. Two weeks ago she would have been happy to hear Alex was considering leaving town. It meant she wouldn’t have to deal with him plus she’d have the bonus of him turning into the bad guy in Magnolia so everyone could forget about her villainous past.
“Like I said, I wouldn’t leave the company. I’ve invested too much in it. I care too much about making it a success. But I could oversee things while still helping out in New York City and find somebody to run operations on the ground down here. Somebody who had experience with a successful retail operation.”
“Get out,” she whispered.
“Just consider it.” He held up his hands. “It’s not like I’ve made a complete decision. I’m weighing my options.”
“Is that what this was?” She gestured toward the couch. “You placating me with sex so that I’d agree to take over managing your company? Are you and Luann working together to tag-team me? Just so you know, she’s not my type in case that was also part of the deal.”
He ran a hand through his hair. “Stop it. This doesn’t have anything to do with what’s between us. You know that.”
“Do I? I thought you’d come here for me. I guess I should have known better. Honestly, it’s probably my due where you’re concerned.”
He growled in frustration and took a step toward her, but she backed away, shaking her head.
“This isn’t revenge,” he insisted. “It isn’t like that. I’m working through things.”
“Sure. Besides, most men think better after a nice release.” She gave him a thumbs-up. “I know Jacques always did. Although I think he preferred me on my knees. At least I should be grateful you didn’t immediately go that route.”
“Mariella, stop.”
“Alex, get out.” She couldn’t do this. It was impossible to have this conversation after feeling so vulnerable. It would split her in two.
“I’m sorry I said anything.” He sighed. “You’re right. I’ve made a commitment here and I don’t want to leave. It’s just that I never dreamed my stepfather might give me a chance like this. Do you know what it’s like to have an opportunity for something you wanted with every fiber of your being and never thought would truly happen?”
“Yeah,” she said on a shaky breath. “It’s called a relationship with the daughter I gave up for adoption.”
He cursed. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s fine. Go. Please, Alex. Just go.”
She turned away and stared at the bookcase next to her desk, concentrating on a framed photo of her, Emma and Angi. Emma had given it to her for Christmas. The three of them sat in the kitchen of the Wildflower Inn after Holly’s wedding, the first of their successful events they’d managed together.
She reminded herself that she had friends. The people in her life cared about her despite her flaws. She didn’t need a man to make her feel special. That could be accomplished on her own, and her friends could help if she needed it.
Alex opened the door to the office and let himself out. A moment later, the chimes connected to the front door dinged.
She could tell herself all she wanted that she didn’t need any man, particularly not Alex Ralsten. But based on the way her chest ached in the hollow silence of the empty store, her heart would take a bit more convincing.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
ALEXWASSHOCKEDwhen he arrived at work on Tuesday morning to find Heather already seated at her desk.
“I thought you were taking a few days with your family?”
“I got back last night. There’s a lunch meeting today at the town hall about the Magnolia Blossom Festival. I didn’t want to miss it.”
“I could have handled that,” he told her. “Heather, you don’t have to—”
“It’s okay.” She glanced up at him, giving a little wave with a casted arm. The scrape on her forehead no longer required a bandage and had turned into a pale bruise.
Even with the tension he could read around the corners of her eyes, she had more color in her cheeks than she’d had the night of the accident. “Is everything okay with your family?”
