Page 10 of Heartbeat

“What are you saying? You don’t want kids? Since when?” My mother questioned, her eyes damned near crazed. I didn’t think she was really counting on me to give her grandkids, but by the look on her face, it seemed she was.

“Uhh. I’ve never wanted kids, Mama.” Although I may have planned my wedding in my head since I was a little girl, I never saw kids in my future.

“Rae, you don’t mean that, honey. As soon as you find the right man, I promise you’ll want to have his babies.” My mother patted my cheek. I’m not disrespectful, so I didn’t argue with my mother.

However, my finding the right man was slim to none. And me changing my mind about having kids was less than that.

“Mother, I really need to go. May I have my phone, please?” My voice was calm, but the exasperated sigh my mother gave me let me know the conversation wasn’t over.

“Raven, just…”

“I don’t mean any disrespect, Mother. But I have responsibilities, and I need to take care of them now. The McGregor account is important to not only me but BHM.” My mother narrowed her eyes. I called her mother and threw in BHM for good measure. I knew she would relent because my father was now involved.

Although my mother did her best to stay neutral, she was my father’s wife before she was my mother. And that was one reason that I never wanted to have kids. I wouldn’t let anybody mistreat my children, not even my husband. And even though she may not have done it purposely, she still took my father’s side even when he was wrong.

“Okay, Rae. But don’t forget to go get your sister tomorrow for lunch. If you don’t go get her, she’ll never leave the hospital in time,” my mother reminded me.

Of course, she was right; if I didn’t go pick up Robin, she would work straight through lunch. Then I would be stuck by myself party planning with my mother for another long day.

“Okay, Mama. I’ll see you tomorrow.” I kissed her cheek as she passed me my phone. I left quickly before she found another color of napkins to discuss.

* * *

I’ve been waiting on Cullen McGregor for over fifteen minutes. It wouldn’t bother me so much ifhewasn’t the one who called this urgent meeting in the first place. I really hate men like him. At every turn, he tries to exert his dominance over me. He wants me to know he’s the boss. As long as my check clears on time, I don’t care about his little power show.

“Ms. Bishops, Mr. McGregor will see you now.” Cullen’s personal assistant smiled politely. I returned her smile because it wasn’t her fault. Her boss was an asshole, but I was still annoyed.

I walked into Cullen’s temporary office with a professional smile pasted on my face. If I showed my irritation, it would only bring him joy. I’ve dealt with men like him my entire life, I knew the game, and he would never see me falter.

“Mr. McGregor.” We didn’t shake hands as he stood from his chair to greet me, I nodded and took my seat across from him.

His face was blank as his brown eyes scanned me. His reddish-blond hair was perfectly coifed as usual, and his suit fit perfectly. Cullen McGregor was handsome, and a complete jackass.

“Raven, I wanted to meet with you because all of the new building designs are not up to my standards. I’ve told you several times what I wanted, and you have yet to deliver.” It was funny how he insisted I call him by his last name, but he always addressed me by my first. He wanted to remind me that I was the help.

It didn’t matter, I would always be something he would never be, a member of the Founder’s Island original family. And although I was rich all on my own, he would only recognize the Bishops’ last name as my source of wealth.

“Mr. McGregor, I’ve done everything possible to meet your specifications. Maybe it’s time you found another company to fulfill your needs, because obviously, we are unable to do so.” I took pride in my work, and although this project was the biggest so far, maybe it was too much.

I would have other opportunities to showcase my abilities, and if I couldn’t give the client what they wanted, I needed to be professional enough to recognize that.

Cullen’s light blond brows came together when he scowled in my direction. He steepled his hands together on his desk and leaned forward. It was a move my father often did to intimidate me.Onlymy father intimidated me.

I sat back and crossed my legs coolly. I watched Cullen’s brown eyes follow the movement, and I internally rolled my eyes. I knew at one point Cullen was interested in me for more than my decorating skills.

When I first got the job, he asked me out for dinner. I declined because I’ve heard about his conquest, and I don’t mix business with pleasure. He didn’t take the rejection too kindly and has been a dick to me ever since.

“So, you’re going to quit because you can’t handle a little criticism?” He questioned with a smirk.

“No. I’m going to pass on the project because the specifications keep changing, and the number of requests is unreasonable,” I countered. If he thought that I would let my company’s reputation be ruined behind his inflated ego, he was sorely mistaken.

His frown deepened because he knew that I had more pull on the island than he did. My company didn’t have a hint of any negative reviews, unlike his. This deal was still beneficial for both of us. I would get the largest client to date, and he would be recognized for working with a Bishops. It was a win-win unless I pulled out.

“I see,” he finally responded, sitting back in his chair.Check and mate, motherfucker.

“So, would you like to reconsider the design packages I put together, or would you like to consider a different company?” I confidently questioned with a genuine smile.

He narrowed his eyes at me while rubbing his hand against his chiseled jaw, “Send the packages to Malinda.”

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