Total pages in book: 85
Estimated words: 78249 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 391(@200wpm)___ 313(@250wpm)___ 261(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78249 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 391(@200wpm)___ 313(@250wpm)___ 261(@300wpm)
It took her several seconds to compose herself, but she finally lifted her eyes and cleared her throat. "I think...I think they should tell a story. Yes, they need updating. Yes, they need to be profitable. But they should honor the families who worked there. Maybe we convert part of the rubber factory into a museum about the industry's impact on the city. Maybe we create a scholarship fund for the grandchildren of former workers..."
She trailed off, noticing us both staring at her.
"Sorry," she said quickly. "I am actually still working on the official proposal with these ideas to bring to Mr. Foster and make it legitimate. I shouldn't have voiced all of that without running it by you first," she said, looking my way.
"It's alright," I said, still watching Davenport.
"Mr. Foster," he said, eying me from beneath thick gray brows. "Your employees see the heart of these buildings. The question is: do you?"
I looked at Ember, really looked at her. She was biting her lip, color high in her cheeks, brilliant ideas practically spilling out of her. And suddenly I understood what Davenport meant.
She saw people where I saw profits. Heart where I saw hardware. It was part of the change I was seeing in myself these past few days and weeks. She was rubbing off on me, and while I had a ways to go, I could finally understand her perspective.
I took a moment to gather my thoughts, then leaned forward, hands clasped. "Part of being a good leader is finding the right people, Mr. Davenport. Another part is recognizing when you've got the right person for a job. So, I can't promise you I have the heart or vision Ember does for your buildings. What I can promise you is that Ember Hartwell has my full trust and confidence. If you decide to work with Foster Real Estate on this project, I would be happy to let Ember take the lead."
Ember was watching me with an expression I couldn't quite decipher. I gave her a small nod of encouragement all the same.
Davenport smiled. "Good answer." He stood. "Well, I think I've heard enough for today. Miss Hartwell, would you mind walking an old man out? I have a few more questions about that spreadsheet of yours."
The moment they left, I collapsed into my chair, loosening my tie. Through the glass, I watched Ember lead Davenport to the elevator, animated as she showed him something else on her phone.
She was extraordinary. And terrifying. And absolutely going to be the death of my carefully ordered world.
26
EMBER
"Can I get you started with drinks?" the server asked.
Through the restaurant's windows, I could see the last of December's snow melting on the sidewalks.
To my complete surprise and delight, Orion had invited me on a double date of sorts with his “best friend,” Colton. He mumbled something about business, but it felt like he wasn’t trying as hard to veil this outing as a purely professional matter, and I wondered what that meant for us.
"Martini, extra dirty," said Colton's date, Jessica, barely glancing up from her phone. She was a cardiac surgeon with perfect hair and an impeccable blazer that probably cost more than my rent. I couldn't decide if I liked her or if she intimidated me too much to form an opinion.
"Just water," Orion said. Of course. Heaven forbid he lose even an ounce of control.
Colton ordered a beer, then looked at me expectantly. He was very handsome, but had a much more easy-going and relaxed atmosphere than Orion, who always looked like he was preparing to execute a few dozen prisoners.
"Wine," I said. "Red. Dealer's choice."
"Lightweight," Colton teased, though his eyes twinkled with amusement. He was nothing like I'd expected Orion's best friend to be. Where Orion was all rigid control, Colton had an easy confidence that made everyone around him relax. "One glass of wine at dinner and she'll be calling our boy here 'daddy' again."
I nearly choked. "He told you about that?"
"No," Colton grinned. "But you just did."
Orion's lips twitched as he studied his menu. "I like him for a reason."
"I'm starting to see why," I muttered, hiding behind my own menu while trying not to think about that night at his mom's. Or how his eyes had darkened when I'd called him daddy. Or how much I wanted to see that look again.
"So," Jessica said, finally putting her phone away. "How exactly did you two meet? Orion's usually allergic to office romance from what Colton tells me."
"Oh, we're not..." I started.
"It's complicated," Orion finished.
Colton and Jessica exchanged knowing looks.
"Ember used to deliver hate mail to him," Colton offered helpfully. "Now she just drives him crazy in other ways. From the sounds of it, Orion is hardly even getting hate notes anymore. When he does, the CEO of the company has personally been delivering them because Orion resorted to bribing everybody she sends his way."