Silver Lining, page 12
Lena’s head tilted to the side. “CJ, I only have one request.”
“You blocked my number.”
She straightened her neck and shoulders. “I implore you, don’t tell anyone that we…what happened. You have no idea how difficult it is to be taken seriously in this world when you’re a woman.”
I would never do that, not to Lena, not to any woman.
Taking a step closer, I confessed. “I did a quick search on my phone” —I shrugged— “as inconspicuously as I could. You’re a trailblazer.”
“No, I’m a” —she smiled— “lioness. I just needed someone to remind me.”
“You blocked me,” I repeated.
Lena nodded. “I did. Paradise was over. Back to real life.”
“Funny thing about real life…I must have done something right because for the second time, the gods have presented me with an amazing woman—the same amazing woman.” I wanted to reach out and touch her, to feel the warmth of her soft skin, but I kept my distance. “Lena, I’d like to get a chance to know this side of you.”
She shook her head. “Accepting the position with Venus makes you off-limits. My hard line is dating anyone who works for me.”
I took a deep breath. “Then I’ll tell Jeremy I’ve decided to decline the offer before he announces it to the masses.”
Her soft chocolate eyes opened wide, and her tone filled with empathy. “No. CJ, this company is what you were in your head about that first day. I know that now. You didn’t want to sell.”
“I didn’t want to, but I did. Colton and I agreed to the sale because we believed under Venus what we began could become even more—achieve more than we can comprehend.”
She nodded. “It can. It’s truly revolutionary. Jeremy was right, having someone who knows the ins and outs is beneficial. Name your salary.”
Money?
“I don’t need money. Hell, you already paid more than I ever imagined obtaining in a lifetime.”
“It’s worth that and much, much more.”
Staring into her eyes, I said, “I don’t want money. I want more than two minutes with you—more than one week. More.”
Pink filled Lena’s cheeks as she looked down and back up. “I blocked you because saying goodbye once was too difficult. I don’t want to say it again.”
“Then don’t.”
Lena shook her head. “I’m too complicated. The stalker thing is only the tip of the iceberg.”
“You told me from the beginning that you were trouble. I agreed.” I grinned, losing my better judgment and reaching for one of her hands. I hesitated, waiting for her to pull away. When she didn’t, I enjoyed her soft touch and went on, “You, Lena Montgomery, are trouble, and the only thing I want is to have the time and opportunity to find out how much trouble.” My smile widened. “I’ve never enjoyed being in trouble as much as I enjoyed being in…” I didn’t finish that sentence.
With a quick squeeze, Lena released my hand. “No, CJ. Trust me when I say I’m not worth that sacrifice. You need to accept our offer and stay with the company you love. Jeremy has faith in you.”
“Only Jeremy?”
She sighed. “I have faith, CJ. I was attracted to more than your body. You’re witty, sincere, intelligent. I had no idea it was you who created the technology behind Architech, but knowing that increases my faith. You’re a good man. The future of Architech needs you.”
I ran my thumb down her cheek. “Lena, you may be an amazing businesswoman. From what little bit I saw, you are. You, however, have a serious misunderstanding or misjudgment when it comes to your own self-worth. I believe you’re worth the sacrifice. I want to find if I’m right on my own. According to your hard line” —I recalled how she said she was better at making rules than following them— “I won’t have the chance if I accept the offer to stay.”
“Go with your heart, CJ. Your heart is in Architech.”
That was a true statement, but couldn’t a heart have more than one purpose?
“Are you safe?” I asked, knowing my two minutes had expired. “I’ve been worried. Not knowing your last name, I had no way to know.”
Her eyes darkened. “Safe. At the moment but it’s not over.”
“I figured,” I said, tilting my head toward the door and beyond to her security.
“I’ve traveled with them for years. It’s just more important now.”
“It is. I’m glad you have them, but I’d like to know you’re safe—a periodic text message or a call.”
“I can’t. I don’t have your number.”
“Unblock me. You have it. Even if you deleted it, it’s in your phone. You’re just afraid to use it.”
She stood taller. “I’m not afraid. I’m not prey. I’m practical and methodical down to the most minute detail. It’s who I am. I’m not who you think.”
Moving closer, I cupped her soft cheek. “You’re my lioness.” Her eyes closed as she inclined to my touch. “Even a lioness knows fear. It’s the instinct that protects her, her cubs, and her pride from other predators.”
Inhaling, Lena took a step back. “CJ, it was good to see you again. Let’s go into the gathering and set things straight with Architech’s employees. You can tell them that you’re staying on. From here on out, Jeremy will be your go-to.” She lifted her lips to my cheek, letting her lips brush my skin. And then Lena turned and headed toward the door.
Before she turned the knob, I spoke. “I know fear too.”
Spinning back, her chocolate gaze met mine.
“Risking everything on Architech was scary.” I shook my head. “Colton and I started with very little. The high-end deals that you obviously do on a regular basis scare me.” I dropped my hands to my side. “Shit, having the money I made from this sale scares me. I worried it would make people…women…see me differently. I’ve never had this kind of money, and I don’t know what to do with it.”
She stood silently, steadfast, as emotions swirled in her light-brown orbs.
“For one week,” I went on, “I found a woman who was more than a beautiful distraction. I found a woman I admired for her fortitude, her determination, and her willingness to relinquish control, something that I knew from the moment I saw you was out of your norm.”
Lena nodded.
“I’m frightened that if I let that woman slip away, I’ll regret it for the rest of my life.”
“Look at me.” Her voice was strong and hushed. “I’m not a catch, CJ. I’m a workaholic, and a woman hell-bent on success with a side of revenge. I can count my friends on one hand. Over twenty years of therapy bills can support that I’m not a person who opens up easily. Business. That’s my life. Failure isn’t in my vocabulary. I’m not afraid of it because I’ve learned through blood, sweat, and tears that not succeeding isn’t failing. Giving up is. I won’t give up my life to wait at home for a man, doing his dishes or cooking his meals.”
“Lord, Lena. You don’t know me well, but I’d never assume or ask that. I’m not a misogynist. Yes, I enjoy holding the reins in the bedroom. I also enjoy a woman who knows what she likes and wants. You may have noticed I can share. The women in my life who I care about are equal forces in their relationships. This isn’t 1950. I’d never expect you to be a doting woman.”
She shook her head. “You would eventually. It’s the natural progression. No one can break free.” Her gaze narrowed. “Jeremy confided your age to me.” She scoffed. “If you’d been born in the suburb of Chicago where I grew up, I could have been your babysitter. Twelve years. That’s how much older I am.”
Twelve years.
I would never have guessed.
I curled my lips into a grin. “Sounds like some prospective role-playing. My mother says I was stubborn as a child.”
Lena let her hands fall to her hips with a sigh. “You’re handsome, intuitive, probably a certified genius to create what you’ve created. You’re also protective and a fantastic lover. I’m not a catch, CJ. You are. Meet a nice girl your age and live out your fantasies.”
Without another word, Lena turned and reached for the doorknob.
“My fantasies include you.”
Lena paused for only a moment before stepping through the threshold. Adam and Kelsey were immediately at her side as she disappeared from my view.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Lena
Flanked on one side by Adam and on the other by Kelsey, we walked in silence. While my mind was doing its best to shut down and reconstruct the walls that had served me so well for many years, I wasn’t thinking about the direction we were headed. Instead, I believed that my two most trusted bodyguards wouldn’t lead me astray.
As my high-heeled shoes clipped along the hallway floor, my thoughts were back with CJ. Seeing him again was a cataclysmic event—the collision of two worlds with the potential of ruinous results. I needed a minute to regroup before facing a room of eyes all staring at me. Seeing a sign, I sought a moment of reprieve. I stepped away.
“Ma’am,” Kelsey said, “Are you all right?”
“Excuse me for a moment.”
“I can—”
Kelsey’s offer to accompany me disappeared as I stepped into the empty single-person restroom. Illumination filled the small room, triggered by my entry. After securing the bolt lock in the door, I made my way to the vanity, placed my hands on the cool top, and dropped my chin to my chest.
A million questions came in a cyclone, swirling and spinning. More destruction in the wake of the impact.
Why can’t our one week be just that?
How is it possible that CJ is the inventor of Architech?
As I steadied my breathing, I lifted my chin, and took in my reflection. “Stop it.” My audible advice rang much like the clang of an old schoolhouse bell, ignored by the students playing outside. That was what I wanted, my heart’s desire—to ignore the toll of the bell as well as my own advice. I wanted to turn around, go back to CJ, and admit that I wanted more. I would admit to not knowing what more meant. He’d smile and say we could find out together.
That was a fantasy—a dream.
I was never a dreamer.
There was only one person who I knew would stay true to me throughout my life—me. I was too old and set in my ways to betray myself now.
Standing tall, my decision was made.
I wouldn’t be the barrier to his dream and possibly lose myself in the process.
CJ wanted to continue with Architech. I would distance myself for his happiness.
After washing my hands, I opened the door and met Adam’s and then Kelsey’s stare. “I’m good.”
“I apologize for not telling—”
Lifting my hand, I stopped Kelsey’s apology. “You did as I asked.” I turned to Adam. “And you did too. It’s time we all move on.”
“Ma’am,” Adam said with a nod of his head, taking the lead.
“Are you okay?” Kelsey mouthed, no sound coming from her lips.
“I will be.” I feigned a grin. “Thank you.” I spoke louder to include Adam. “The meeting is probably already underway.” I inhaled. “It’s a good thing that Jeremy planned on doing the talking.”
After taking a staircase down one level, I heard Jeremy’s voice. Quietly we approached an open doorway. At the far end of the room was a podium in front of a line of chairs. The group listening had their backs toward us. Seated behind Jeremy were the two Thompsons, an empty chair, and four members of the Montgomery Holdings human resource department. The HR team had been in Austin for over a week, working with the transition.
For only a moment, Jeremy’s gaze met mine. Up until this moment, I hadn’t truly been listening to what he was saying. I’d been concentrating on avoiding CJ’s turquoise orbs.
“…Ms. Lena Montgomery.” Jeremy lifted his arm my direction, causing everyone in the room to turn.
Nearly fifty sets of eyes.
I’d spoken to much larger crowds. Those speeches hadn’t taken place after a disastrous collision of two worlds. I took a deep breath. “Hello,” I said loud enough to be heard. “It’s a pleasure to see Architech in action. It is my plan that the ingenuity and brainchild of Colton and C…Chandler Thompson will live on with Venus and prosper under the Montgomery Holdings umbrella.” There were murmurs and claps. “Mr. Wilde is your man, the connection to Montgomery. He allowed me to tag along.” The room filled with nervous laughter.
“On the contrary,” Jeremy said, his deep voice bellowing through the sound system. “When the boss speaks, I’ve learned to listen.” More laughter, less disingenuous than before.
While I had no plan on taking the chair between CJ and a member of the HR team, I walked toward the front of the room. The room fell silent as I approached the podium. “This is Mr. Wilde’s acquisition; however, since I’m here, I want to say that all of us at Montgomery look forward to the future with Architech.”
A woman in the front row stood. “Excuse me, Ms. Montgomery. I’ve been researching your long history. You’re impressive.”
“Thank you,” I acknowledged, knowing from experience that this woman didn’t stand with the sole purpose of giving me a compliment.
“Yes, it seems you’ve made a fortune by acquiring and moving on. That said, I can’t help worrying about Architech’s future.” She spread her arms. “Our future.”
I wasn’t in the right mindset, yet I knew the ropes. “Please share your concerns.” Clasping my hands behind my back, I stood beside Jeremy. He took one step to the side, giving me access to the microphone.
The woman cleared her throat. “How can we be sure that if we make the move, you won’t leave us high and dry in a new city?”
“As I’m certain you’ve learned from our extremely qualified HR team,” I began, “Venus is willing to give generous stipends if you are asked to remain with Architech and choose to relocate with the firm. Our investment in Architech is the greatest example I can give you as to our dedication to success. Once each individual is transferred to the new facility, retention will be determined by the work demonstrated.” I smiled my best Cheshire-cat grin. “In other words, if expectations are met and exceeded, there is no need to be concerned. If you’re already concerned, perhaps taking the severance package is the best option.” I turned toward CJ and back to the seated audience. “We’re happy to have Chandler Thompson stay on in a familiar capacity to assist with the transition.”
The people nodded in agreement.
The warmth behind me alerted me that CJ had stood and was now close, close enough that if I leaned back…
CJ lifted his large hand. “For the record, Venus has presented me with a generous offer. As most of you know, staying on has been my goal. However, in transparency, I will share that I have not accepted it at this time.” He looked at me, the turquoise smoldering inside his gaze. “I’m still negotiating.”
My lips came together in a straight line as the murmurs grew louder.
Gripping the side of the podium, I addressed the people. “Venus has Architech’s future in mind with all hiring decisions. With that, I’ll give the microphone back to Mr. Wilde. Thank you.”
Going to the back of the room, I stood at Adam’s side with my back against the wall, wondering how this happened, how I’d let the lines blur. The business and closed-off part of me, the loudest part of me, was screaming for me to walk away from CJ, to do as I said, offer him the position and watch only from afar.
The newly awakened part of me, the part that remembered what it was like to be in his arms, the expertise of his kiss, and the mastery of his lovemaking, urged me to slow and think. That awakened part was telling me to look at the entire package. Knowing that CJ had created what I was truly astounded by added a new dimension to the man from Cancún.
He wasn’t only sexy.
He was smart—beyond smart.
I was lost in my thoughts when everyone began standing and milling about.
“Jeremy will stay with the human resources department for another couple of hours,” I said to Adam and Kelsey. “I’d like to go to the plane and get some work accomplished.”
“We’ll take you,” Adam said, “and one of us will come back for Mr. Wilde.”
The three of us were in the front lobby, almost to the front doors, when I heard my name. I knew the voice. The address he used was different.
“Ms. Montgomery?”
Taking a deep breath, I turned. “Mr. Thompson, Mr. Wilde—”
CJ lifted his hand. “I choose you.”
The words were like slices through my heart. CJ had no way of knowing my past, the things I’d done to accomplish what I had. He only knew the woman I was for one week. One week out of over twenty years of my climb. A relationship with me would never work.
CJ was a genuinely good man. I knew in my soul that all I would do was tarnish him.
“Mr. Thompson,” I said, absent of emotion. “The decision is mine. For the record, I’m choosing you, too. Architech needs you. I made an investment in your technology. Your immense knowledge is invaluable.” I lifted my chin toward the staircase. “Those people want you. Please inform Jeremy that you’ll stay.”
I couldn’t be sure if CJ came after me or if Adam’s or CJ’s better sense stopped him.
All I knew was as I entered the back of the car with Adam and Kelsey in the front, for the first time since Lena Montgomery became a name to be reckoned with, I wished I was someone else.
“Archie and Liz weren’t expecting you back so soon. The plane is in the hangar,” Adam informed me as we took to the streets of Austin.
“It can stay in the hangar,” I said, peering out at the sun-filled sky. “It will be cooler.”
“For the air conditioning to run, it can’t be in the hangar,” Kelsey explained. “I called ahead. Archie is having the plane tugged out onto the tarmac where it can stay until ready to leave.”
Exhaling, I acquiesced, “Just get me to the plane.”
As the city passed by beyond the windows, I had another thought. It was about my niece. She lived in San Antonio. That was only an hour and fifteen minutes by car. I could get there and be back by the time Jeremy was ready to fly back to Missoula.
