Page 57 of Love to Hate You

“Square has decided to come onboard, thanks to your presentation.”

My grin wilts as I wonder how Nash did. What happened? Did he blow it? “That’s great,” I force out.

“I just wanted to be the first to tell you that the partners and I are leaning toward naming you President. But you didn’t hear it from me,” he says with a chuckle.

My jaw drops and it takes a moment for his words to register.

“Charlie? You still there?”

“Uh, yes, sorry. I’m just really overwhelmed.”

“You deserve it. We’ll let you know when the final decision has been made but you’re clearly the front-runner. Congratulations.”

“Thank you,” I say and a moment later we hang up.

My eyes slide shut and I’m not sure how to feel. My emotions are a swirling, confused mass of chaos and before I can dwell on it too long, the nausea hits. I jump up and race into the bathroom and get sick.

It’s hard because even though I should be happy because I’m getting everything I always wanted, I now have a huge secret. One that’s going to change everything. Once the board finds out I’m pregnant, they’ll rescind their offer, and my dream job disappears like a puff of smoke. Nash will take over and I’ll be out or demoted.

One fateful rip during a moment of passion and my Fate’s been sealed. Ironic since I never believed in Fate.

At least I can take comfort in the fact that I’ve proven to myself and everyone else my unwavering loyalty to Thomas and his company. God, I wonder what he’d think of me carrying his grandson?

More importantly, what is Nash going to think? I am so scared to tell him because I have no idea how he will react.

After brushing my teeth, I decide I need to get out of here and think. I’m about to have some very important conversations with some people, including the father of my child, and I need make sure I know exactly what I’m going to say.

19

NASH

“Congratulations, Nash. We’re excited to see you carry on in your father’s footsteps as President and CEO of TB Tech,” Peter Briggs says.

I’m a little surprised when I open my door and see Peter, my friend on the board. But I’m even more shocked when he announces I’m the new President. Two months ago, I expected it. Today, not so much.

Confusion fills me and I can’t quite wrap my head around it. “I heard Charlie did an amazing job and she’s the real reason Square signed on with us.”

“Their CEO loves her, but they’re going to have to love you now because Charlie is moving on to greener pastures.”

My head snaps up. “What?”What the hell is he talking about?

“Apparently, she just spoke with Mark and resigned.”

I blink, unable to process his words. “Why? Because she’s not going to remain the President?”

“She bowed out before we even decided,” Peter says. “So, it made our job a lot easier. Not that I wasn’t ready to fight for you, though.”

We talk for a few more minutes and after Peter leaves, I grab my phone and call Charlie. After a few rings, it goes into voicemail.Dammit.I hang up and try again, but she doesn’t answer.

I need answers. There’s no way Charlie can leave TB Tech. She’s the heart and soul of the place and I can’t imagine being there without her. So many things have happened between us over the last few months. Going into the office every day and not seeing her there is unimaginable. It makes me not want to be there.

It’s clear that at some point between my dad dying and starting at TB Tech again, things have shifted. My priorities have completely switched. I don’t give a shit about work right now and I’m going crazy wondering why Charlie resigned. It’s so unlike her to walk away without a fight.

Charlie Langley never backs down from a challenge.

I rake a hand through my hair and my every thought is focused on Charlie. Something is going on with her and my gut needs to know what. It takes me a second to grab my keys and then I head down to the garage.

The moment I start my Tesla, I get a whiff of vanilla from the last time Charlie was in here and my heart tightens in my chest. Out of the blue, it hits me like a wallop upside the head– I’m falling in love with her.

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