Inundated by his voice whispering, “I’m right here with you,” and the way he’d felt rocking gently inside her, she couldn’t concentrate on his speech. Dessert in the bathtub, talking about his mom, her mom, his dad, and all of the things that made them who they were—it had filled her in a way she couldn’t describe and feared she’d never find again. The ease of being comfortable with one another combined with the exhilaration of her desire for him was a heady thing she’d somehow become addicted to. Wine companies should figure out how to bottle that.
“Fate, tune in,” Gwen whispered, clenching her hand so tight that it was painful.
“Ouch. What did he say?”
“Pay attention. I think he’s talking about you.”
At that, Fate focused one hundred percent of her ability to hear on the man at the front of the room.
“And what kind of CEO would I be if I let this go? If I continued to support a policy that I myself couldn’t uphold?”
Oh sweet Jesus, he was going to out them. Fate wanted to jump up and run headlong at him at full speed in an attempt to cover his mouth. This wasn’t necessary. She’d resigned. She would be gone soon and no one would ever need to know what had happened between them.
Dean’s eyes met hers and she furiously shook her head back and forth. “Don’t do this,” she mouthed, but he only gave her a sad smile and continued.
“Before I began working here, I met someone. And she was beautiful and mysterious and intimidating, which is saying something, because if you know me or my father, you know we’re not easily intimidated. Frankly speaking, she scared the hell out of me. Because, for the first time in my life, I’d met a woman, aside from my mother, God rest her soul, who saw me for who I really was and wanted more than what I thought I was capable of giving. It’s a frightening thing when someone wants more from you than you’re positive you can give. Much like this position, I could stand up here and drone on about the metaphorical leaps and bounds I’d like us to make together, or my five and ten-year plans for the company’s success. But what you really need to know is the truth. And the truth is, I want to see this company continue to thrive and grow as it has since my great-grandfather founded it. However, whether I get to see that from my office as chief executive officer or just as a shareholding Maxwell family member is really up to all of you.”
Fate had to breathe. She was in danger of passing out. She couldn’t figure out where he was going with his speech and the lack of clear direction made her dizzy. Or maybe that was the lack of oxygen from holding her breath.
“Right here and right now, I have to ask you all to do more than just eat lunch and welcome me with open arms. I need you vote on something. Something important to me.”
A ripple of chatter floated through the crowd. The board members looked confused and the international affiliates were on a slight delay from the translation.
“This affects all of us, so everyone should get to vote. My assistant here will count them.”
Regina stood and gave a little bow-nod hybrid gesture.
“If you want me to be your chief executive officer, I need you to veto the ‘no intracompany dating’ policy here and now. Because if you don’t, the woman I love might resign and then you would have a heartbroken CEO and I wouldn’t be worth much of anything to any of you.”
Fate’s heart took flight in her chest. She placed her hand over it to keep it from escaping. Had the man completely lost his mind? This was a hugely important company luncheon, not the high school cafeteria.
“Did he say love?” she asked Gwen without taking her eyes from Dean.
“Sounded like love to me,” her friend responded.
But…she’d seen him. She’d seen him leave Gwen and Keaton’s party with another woman.
“So let’s put it to a vote. All in favor of removing the policy, raise your hand.”
Hands went up all over the room and Gwen let go of Fate’s hand to look at something on her phone.
She laughed, and Fate looked over at her. “Keaton just texted me. Said he knew no one was adhering to that stupid policy.”
“Yeah? Well, what does Keaton say about Dean’s date from last Friday? Or why in the world he’s doing this right now?”
She hadn’t been serious, but Gwen furiously tapped her fingers across the screen of her phone.
As Regina tallied the very few number of hands that had risen in favor of keeping the policy, Gwen held up her phone. Fate leaned closer to read Keaton’s response.
He didn’t sleep with her. Or do anything with her. Her name is Callie and she’s his interior decorator. She left his place soon after he asked what she thought Fate meant by asking for “more.”
Warm relief spread like melted caramel from her heart outward to the rest of her body.
“See? Spy on the inside.”
Fate smiled. “I sincerely hope that’s not the only reason you’re marrying him.”
Gwen shrugged. “Eh. He’s all right in the sack too, and there’s the whole ‘job security’ thing.”
Before they had time for any more witty banter, Regina announced that the ‘no intracompany dating’ policy was no more.
“You did the right thing, ladies and gentlemen,” Dean announced proudly. “And now, I’m going to make a complete idiot of myself because I believe that this company is my family. All of you. You’re my family. So if you can’t humiliate yourself in front of your family, who can you humiliate yourself in front of?”
Fate’s heart skipped a few beats as he began making his way through the crowd toward her. When it tried to catch up, it just fell further out of rhythm.
“What are you doing?” she mouthed to the crazy, beautiful, mixed-up man only a few tables away.
“I lost her once, folks. I let her go. And it was the worst mistake of my life. As CEO, I can’t promise not to make mistakes, but I can promise not to make the same mistakes twice.”
Flames of embarrassment licked her face as Dean converged on her.
“You’re insane,” she said softly once he’d reached her.
“I fell for you, Fate. Completely. I am falling in crazy, irrational, insane love with you at probably the most inconvenient time in our lives. But I’d rather lose everything including the shirt off my back than risk losing you again. Don’t leave me. Don’t run this time and I won’t either.”
His gorgeous, hazel eyes held so much hope, and Fate knew in that moment that the worst thing that had ever happened to her truly had put her directly on the path to the best thing.
“Keep your shirt on, Mr. Maxwell. I’m not going anywhere.”
When he lifted her in his arms, there was a collective intake of breath from the crowd. And when he kissed her, there was applause. Even the international affiliates eventually caught on and clapped politely.
After their moment in the spotlight ended, Dean walked around the room chatting amicably with employees during the luncheon. Fate sat with Gwen and Keaton, watching the man she loved looking happier than she’d ever seen him. Once the meeting ended and several people had offered them congratulations, Keaton and Gwen stood laughing with them.
“You always have to one-up me, don’t you?” Keaton shook his head. “I get promoted to CFO, you have to be CEO. I propose over dinner, you profess your love in front of the entire company. No wonder I’m your only friend.”
Dean grinned. “Yes, but you’re the witty one.”
Keaton glared playfully. “I’m also the smart one, but no one seems to appreciate that about me.”
“I do,” Gwen piped up. “I could never love a stupid person.”
Keaton grinned. “And here I thought you only wanted me for my body.”
They two of them left the room teasing each other about their most redeeming qualities. Fate saw that Daniel Maxwell and Dean’s inherited assistant, Regina, still remained.
Daniel cleared his throat, garnering Dean’s attention.
“Come here,” he said, taking her by the hand and leadi
ng her to where his father stood.
Fate’s heart rate tripled. Dean’s father was intimidating and she wondered if he would admonish his son for behaving the way he had.
“Dad,” Dean greeted him. “I’d like you to meet Fate Buchanan. My…girlfriend.” He said the word as if he were trying it on for size, but when Fate looked over at him, the pride on his face was reassuring.
“Nice to meet you, Fate,” his father said, extending a hand. Fate shook it and smiled, deciding not to remind the man of their previous encounter at Lux.
“Nice to meet you too. I’m glad to see you’re doing well, sir.”
“Takes more than a little heart attack to slow me down.” He winked, but Fate noticed tension tightening Regina’s features.
“Well then, if you two will excuse us, my first official act of business as CEO is to take the rest of the day off.”
Daniel chuckled, easing Fate’s concerns. “Well you already removed one long-standing antiquated policy, so I’d say you’ve put in a day’s work.”
Dean grinned, that adorable boyish grin he had that Fate loved so much. “I promise I am going to put everything I have into this company, dad. I would never want to do anything to shame our family or mom’s memory.”
“Don’t put everything you have into it, Dean. Some parts you need to save for yourself.”
Nodding, Dean gave Fate’s hand a squeeze. “I can’t say I’ll put my heart into it, because my heart belongs to her.”
“I promise to take good care of it,” Fate said, squeezing his hand right back.
“Well you two enjoy your afternoon. But it’s back to work for both of you tomorrow.”
“Hey, you’re retired remember? Go home, old man.”
Regina laughed at Dean’s jab at his dad, and suddenly Fate was overcome with the feeling that this would be her new normal. They were in an enormous conference room, but they could’ve just as easily have been sitting around the dinner table. She hoped her mom would like Dean and his dad and that they’d all get to know one another.
Slow down, girl. Pace yourself.
She’d promised not to ever put her future in the hands of a man, but watching Dean profess his feelings in front of the entire company had changed her outlook. On everything. After they’d said goodbye to his dad and Regina, they headed out of the building still hand-in-hand.
“Some meeting, Mr. CEO. That’ll be a hard one to top.”
Dean nodded and scratched his chin thoughtfully. “Damn. That’s a good point. How do you feel about letting the board vote on baby names?”
“Baby names?”
“You know, one day.”
Fate nodded slowly. “I was thinking maybe you could take me on a real date first.”
“Got it. I’m still figuring out this more business.”
“I see.” Fate attempted to look pensive. “Dean?”
“Yeah?”
“Just for the record, I meant more like in a becoming-an-actual-couple type way. Not necessarily announcing-our-relationship-to-the-entire-universe-via-satellite way.”
“Ah.” He nodded as if he hadn’t even considered this, though she suspected he had. “Well, Mama always said, ‘Go big or go home.’”
“Dean?”
“Yeah, sweetheart?”
“Let’s go home.”
With the powers vested in me by the state of New York, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.”
Fate watched as the happy couple locked lips. Her gaze drifted from them to Dean, where he stood across the altar in his tux. Damn, the man could rock a suit like no other. When she saw him watching her, she bit back a smile and blushed. They’d been dating for a year and were about to move in together. It was a big step, one she’d put off for fear that, if it didn’t work out, she’d be homeless. Again.
But in the charmingly tenacious way he had, Dean had convinced her to trust him. And Keaton and Gwen had promised that she could always come live with them if Dean drove her crazy.
The strangest part was that he didn’t drive her crazy at all. Well…except in the bedroom. But for a man currently in his very first committed relationship, he was about as close to perfect as she could imagine. He often said that losing her that summer was, in a way, the best thing that ever could have happened to him. It made him appreciate what he had. And boy did he show that appreciation.
Fate had learned to accept that she would often be on the receiving end of many jealous and hateful glares when Dean brought her coffee or had flowers or chocolates delivered to her. Though he sometimes went a little overboard, she only loved him more for it.
“I now present to you Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Maxwell.”
The applause rang out across the courtyard at the Plaza as Daniel and Regina made their way down the aisle. Fate caught a glimpse of the love gleaming brightly on both of their faces as they passed.
Her eyes met Dean’s and she saw the promise his smoldering stare held.
One day.
Her heart skipped a few beats when Dean linked his arm with hers on the altar and they followed the bride and groom down the aisle.
“What kind of dress do you think you’ll wear when we get married?”
“A lace one,” Fate answered without hesitation.
Dean grinned. “I can’t wait to see you in it. And out of it.”
She couldn’t help but laugh even though she knew the photographer would likely get a candid shot of her with her mouth wide open.
“I love you, Dean Maxell. To the moon and back and around again.”
“Ditto, sweetheart.” Dean leaned over and kissed her behind the ear. “I have something for you. I’ll give it to you tomorrow before we move my things to our new place.”
“If it’s crotchless panties, you’re in big trouble, mister.”
Dean chuckled low, the sweet sound warming her in intimate places. “You’ll see.”
The reception didn’t last long since the newlyweds had a flight to catch early in the morning. Dean and Keaton seemed to be especially interested in speaking privately, so Fate danced with Gwen most of the evening.
“Keaton said your mom was moving here in a few weeks,” Gwen said once they took a dancing break to grab some wine. “We’ll have to have lunch once she gets to town so I can meet her.”
“Definitely. I’m looking forward to it, but I’m nervous too.”
Fate had taken Dean to Dallas on several Sundays over the past year. Her mother had checked out of The Second Chance Ranch over a month ago, and while she’d stayed sober—and single—she was lonely in Texas by herself. It was Dean who had suggested she move into Regina’s old apartment. It was near them and Regina had hated to let it go to a stranger. She’d been thrilled to rent it out to Fate’s mom.
“Nervous?”
Fate nodded. “It’s just… I work a lot, and then there’s Dean, and I don’t know. I just worry about what will happen if she relapses into old habits, you know?”
Gwen set her glass of wine on the table next to them. “Fate, you know you’re not alone in this life anymore, right? Whatever happens, you’ve got me. And Dean. And my jackass of a husband.” Gwen gestured to where Keaton was currently giving the bride a lap dance. “Swear to God, he’s smarter than he acts.”
Fate laughed as the tension she’d carried for so long floated up into the night sky above them. “Thanks. And I know I’m not alone. I’m just used to handling things on my own. Guess I’m the one slipping into old habits.”
“Well, cut it out.” Gwen nudged her arm gently enough to not spill her wine.
One of the reasons they’d remained such close friends—aside from the fact that they worked together and had been roommates—was their shared understanding of the heinous crime that was wasting wine.
Fate saw Dean heading toward them. She went into his arms when he reached for her.
“Hey, Fate?” Gwen called out as Dean whisked Fate onto the dance floor.
She turned back to her friend.<
br />
“I refuse to wear anything orange. Just saying.”
A nearly forgotten conversation came to mind and Fate smiled. She’d once said something similar about her bridesmaid dress for Gwen and Keaton’s wedding. Thankfully, they’d been a very tasteful champagne color.
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Good morning, beautiful. Rise and shine. It’s moving time.”
“Umph.” Fate rolled over and was immediately greeted by blinding sunlight streaming through the windows of Dean’s apartment. Today, they’d move his things to their new place, one of the few remaining single-family homes on Central Park West. Movers had already delivered her belongings.
Tomorrow, they’d wake up in their new home. Dean was ridiculously giddy about it. Fate had learned that he was somewhat of a morning person, one of his very few flaws.
“Come on, sweetheart. Remember that thing I said I had for you? You can have it now. If you want it, that is.”
Fate sat up and rubbed her eyes until Dean came into focus. He was dressed casually in jeans and a button-down, but she wished he weren’t dressed at all.
“All I want is you,” she pleaded, reaching for him. “Come back to bed.”
Dean’s laughter filled the room. “Not today, gorgeous. Today, we have things to do. Up and at ‘em.”
He took her hands and pulled her to her feet. He kissed her chastely on the lips and she grumbled about needing to brush her teeth. Fate shuffled to the bathroom.
“When you’re done in there, I want to do one last walk-through before we say goodbye to the place,” he called out after she’d closed the door.
She rolled her eyes and prepared to brush her teeth. Except a note written in her own lipstick on the mirror said: “Go to the living room.”
It was too early in the morning to argue with messages on mirrors, so she quickly brushed and then did as the lipstick said.
“Dean?”
Fate peeked her head out of the bedroom. The man was nowhere to be seen. But there was a trail of sand leading from the bedroom to the couch.
Falling for Fate (Second Chance Book 2) Page 29
