Page 35 of Sweet Sinners
I turn to my screen, quickly scanning through the calendar. My heart drops into my stomach. "I had a press meeting scheduled for two."
Anna’s expression falls instantly. "Oh, shoot—let me just—"
"I’ll handle it," I say, firm but gentle.
Something flickers briefly across her face, embarrassment, maybe irritation, but she masks it quickly, offering a swift, apologetic smile instead. "Sorry, Cali. I promise I’ll be better."
"It’s fine," I say softly, watching as she ducks out of my office before I can add anything more.
A dull ache pulses at my temples, and I press my fingers there, breathing slowly to ease the tension. A knock interrupts, soft but firm.
"Come in," I call without lifting my head, expecting Anna.
But it’s Dean who steps through the door, shutting it quietly behind him. He sinks into the chair across from my desk, stretching his legs out comfortably, like he has nowhere else he needs to be.
"We’ve officially pressed charges against the accountant," he says, voice carefully neutral. "He’s denying everything. Blaming it on subordinates. Predictable excuses."
I don’t glance up from my screen. "Tell legal to turn over every stone. Audit the entire accounting department—every signature, every dime. I don’t want any surprises."
He waits, studying me until the silence feels too heavy, then leans forward slightly. "Something bothering you, boss?"
I sigh, rubbing the back of my neck, trying to unknot the stress. "I don’t think I fully understood the scope of all this when I said yes to the job," I admit quietly. "Every decision feels like I’m standing at the edge of a cliff. One wrong step and…"
Dean watches me, expression unreadable. "Your father built this from nothing," he says gently. "He was a tough son of a bitch, from everything I’ve heard. Strategic, unbreakable."
"I never saw that," I say, frowning. "When he came home, it was like none of this ever touched him. He seemed… effortless."
Dean shakes his head slightly. "You were his daughter. You weren’t supposed to see the cracks. Home was probably the only place he didn’t have to be bulletproof."
I swallow, bitter laughter slipping out. "I can’t seem to figure out how to separate it. Everything follows me home."
A faint smirk tugs at Dean’s lips. "Maybe that’s the trick. Leave the armor at the office. Don’t bring the battle home with you. Your father knew that."
"Easier said," I mutter dryly.
"Isn’t everything?"
I look up then, meeting his steady gaze. Dean doesn’t run headfirst into trouble. He calculates, measures his responses. He's dependable, safe.
He’s nothing like Connor, who confronts problems head-on without blinking, who fights battles without questioning if he can handle them.
Dean clears his throat, interrupting my thoughts. "What is it?"
I hesitate, then shrug lightly. "Anna has a bit of a crush on you."
His mouth quirks, amusement flickering through his eyes. "Anna’s sweet. But I prefer women with more bite. Someone who knows exactly what she wants—especially beyond just having someone by her side." His eyes lock onto mine, quiet but intense. "I’m looking for an equal. Not someone who needs to be saved."
My pulse quickens at the implication in his words, but I don’t give him the satisfaction of responding. Instead, I nod slowly, considering.
He rises, smoothing down his tie. "I’ll get started on the internal investigation."
"Thanks," I say softly. "I appreciate it."
At the doorway, he pauses, looking back at me seriously. "One last thing. You’re not your father, Cali. Stop measuring yourself against a man who faced a completely different world. Lead the way you want, not the way you think he would’ve."
I hold his gaze, his words sinking deep. Something shifts in my chest, relief and clarity tangled together.
Then he’s gone, leaving me in the silence to finally hear myself think.
