by Elsie Davis
All week, the steady pace of orders had rolled in, keeping him hopeful the business would be a smashing success. Anxious for Grace to compile the sales data, he’d broke down and asked her to expedite the report and complete it over the weekend. He was like Charlie opening a candy bar to find the golden ticket for Willy Wonka’s Chocolate factory. But once he’d asked, he felt better. Especially considering she’d agreed to work on the report after church, totally understanding his impatience.
He clicked on the button to refresh his email server, unsure when Grace would finish the report. But he had another reason for the constant email checks, one he hadn’t told a single soul about. After hours and hours of deliberation, mostly to talk himself out of it, Ryan had hit the send button to reply to the foster care agency regarding his sister. There was no way to know how long it would take for the process to move to the next step, but he was as nervous about hearing from Bella as he was about getting the numbers from Grace. His life was in a state of turmoil now, something he wasn’t used to. But he also felt more alive than he had in a long time.
His phone rang, Jordan’s name popping up on the screen. “What’s up?” he answered, cutting the formalities with his partner.
“Any word on the numbers?” Jordan had every right to be nervous, his partner having invested a considerable sum of money.
“Not yet. You’ll be the first to know, followed shortly by the investors. Grace promised me she’d pull the reports today, and she will. She hasn’t let me down yet.”
“I still can’t believe you let her bring a baby to work. Asking for trouble, in my opinion.” Jordan had given him a fair amount of grief over the issue, but in the end, he’d backed down for the same reasons Ryan had. They needed her.
“For your information, she has childcare now, and it was only the first week. And judging from what I’ve seen, you did a great job hiring her, and it was just a small hiccup that we all got through.”
“Glad to hear it. We have too much tied to this venture to have anything go wrong.” Jordan was right. Everyone who had believed in him and his plan stood to lose if this didn’t fly the way the forecast models had shown.
“I agree. Hang on, I just got an email notification. Let me check while you’re on the line.” Ryan tapped the buttons to bring up his mail account.
From: Grace Baxter
Subject: Grand-Opening Numbers
He scanned the document, dropping his gaze to the bottom line number that reflected the total sales for the week. Better than any projections or expectations they’d had. He let out the breath he’d been holding and forwarded the email to his partner.
“Well, how does it look?” Jordan asked.
“Hang on, I’m going over it now. I forwarded it to you, but my first impression is a good one. A really good one.” It seemed hard to believe, but the numbers don’t lie. “This is cause for a celebration.”
“Really? I like the sound of that.” The tension had gone out of Jordan’s voice.
“We exceeded our initial goals by almost twenty percent.” Ryan shook his head, floored by the numbers, still finding it hard to believe.
“Yes,” Jordan exclaimed. “The man with the golden touch has struck again. I sure am glad you brought me along for the ride. Shoot the numbers to the investors. It’ll buy us a lot of time with this kind of profit margins the first week out. All we do have to do now is keep the ball rolling. If we don’t let up on the marketing and keep pushing the name and concept, our customer base will continue to grow and eat into our competitor’s share exponentially. Let’s celebrate next week. I’ll come to town, and we can go to dinner.”
“Sounds like a plan.” Except Ryan felt like celebrating tonight. The numbers were a big deal, and he wanted to bask in the good news. Without giving it too much thought, Ryan called Grace. Who better to share it with than someone who completely understood the huge success the numbers represented?
She answered on the first ring. “Hey there. I got the email. I can’t thank you enough for compiling the information today. And I promise, no more Sunday work. It was fantastic news, and I’ve sent the report on to my partner and the investors.”
“That’s what you said about last weekend when I had to work Spring Fling,” she teased. “Seriously, I’m glad I could help. If it had been next Sunday, you can be sure I would have told you no, so consider yourself lucky.”
“Next Sunday? What’s so special that makes it off-limits? Besides my promise not to make you work weekends anymore.”
“Mother’s Day. Why is it that men always forget special holidays?”
“I don’t know about most men, but in my case, I haven’t celebrated that day since I was seven. Trust me, it’s better to forget.” Ryan had spent the last twenty-two years trying to forget, but now, thanks to Grace he was remembering. But it was a good memory. The last drawing he’d made for his mother. Her smile had been like sunshine on a cloudy day, the love in her eyes genuine. He’d given her a moment of joy in what turned out to be her final days. Maybe that was half his problem. Ryan should have focused on the good times with his parents, not the miserable aftermath.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to—”
“Don’t worry. My mother was very sick before she passed away. It was a long time ago.” It would have been easier to laugh off Grace’s comment and play dumb, but for some reason, with her, he couldn’t do it. She invoked shared confidences he wasn’t used to.
And even more reason to change the subject. “Listen, your ads made all the difference. The changes you made were insightful and spot on. I want to celebrate the success, and I think you should celebrate with me. Tonight.” Ryan stopped pacing and waited. It wouldn’t be like a date. Just a boss and employee toasting the company’s success—at least the way he saw it.
“Tonight?” Grace asked, her tone incredulous.
“Yes. A business dinner. Is Faith still there to watch Holly?” He preferred an adult dinner, but he also missed the baby, and having her around wouldn’t be so bad. Not to mention, it would make it less date like.
“Yes, but I don’t know if that’s such a good idea.” Neither did he, but he wasn’t running away. It was just business.
“Her watching the baby tonight, or you coming to dinner with me?” he asked, realizing her comment could be taken a couple of ways.
“The latter. I don’t want to complicate things. Between us,” Grace said, her voice dropping low. He wasn’t used to her being unsure of herself.
“It’s a celebratory business dinner. Nothing complicated about it. I realize we are both mature adults who happened to be attracted to one another.” It was easier to admit than he thought it would be, but he hoped a straightforward disclosure would lend itself to keeping things on the level. “But it doesn’t mean we have to do anything about it. The boss-employee line is clearly cut in the proverbial sand.” And in the employee manual.
“Okay, then. As long as we are on the same page. This job is important to me, and I wouldn’t want the boss to fire me over something like this. I’m already walking a fine line with him,” Grace teased, the sound of her laughter like music.
“You’re not going to get fired. Trust me. You’re great at your job, and I don’t want to lose you, so there is that. I’ll pick you up at six. Is that okay?” Ryan’s heart raced in double-time, the idea of spending the evening in Grace’s company far more pleasing than it should be.
“Any idea where you want to go?” she asked.
“That’s up to you. We can stay in town if you prefer, maybe go to O’Malley’s Charm? I totally understand if you don’t want to be far away from Holly. You’re a good mother, Grace.” In fact, she was just like his mother, from what he remembered before she died.
“About that… There’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you,” Grace said, the hesitation in her voice catching his attention.
Ryan’s phone beeped with another incoming call. “Hold that thought. I’ve got another call coming in. Why do
n’t you tell me tonight?” Judging by whatever it was, it had to be important and in person might be better anyway.
“Okay.”
“Thanks. Got to run.” He pressed the end button and switched the call to the other line. “Hey, Larry. Did you get my email?” Larry was one of the largest investors and controlled a lot of the board’s decisions.
“I did, which is why I’m calling. I wanted to tell you how pleased we are. I hope next week’s ads are just as exciting and continue to bring in the business. It’s rare to exceed goals in the first week of a start-up.”
“I’ve been reviewing and approving them all week. Grace is a dynamite ad exec, and we were fortunate to get her.”
“Excellent.” They talked for another five minutes, but then he heard a woman call Larry’s name. “That’s the wife. Got to go.”
“Gotcha. Goodnight.” Ryan felt a tug in his heart. Larry had a loving wife and two daughters. Family. Something Ryan had always vowed to never have in his life, and yet the familiar pang struck at odd times. Like now.
He glanced at his watch and realized he needed to jump in the shower and change right away if he didn’t want to be late picking up Grace. It took him less than twenty minutes, but he resisted the urge to show up early, knowing it wouldn’t look right to act like an overzealous suitor showing up at her door.
* * *
Grace tried on several outfits for her so-called business dinner, settling on jeans and a coral blouse, adding coral earrings and a white beaded necklace to spruce it up. Simple yet dressy.
It had surprised Grace when Ryan admitted he was attracted to her, but his off-limits declaration—that was totally expected. She agreed it was better, all things considered. Unfortunately, her heart wasn’t totally on board with their mutual decision.
Grace finished applying the last touches of makeup just as the doorbell rang, announcing Ryan’s arrival. Lucky barked and ran out of the room, determined to check out who was visiting.
“I’ll get it,” Faith hollered. Her sister had been amazing this past week, helping whenever and however she could. It was as though she’d grown up overnight. Grace could only hope it lasted when the job was over. Her sister had taken to Holly, and clearly, Holly felt the same adoration. The baby followed Faith around everywhere, to the point Grace was almost jealous and wished she didn’t have to go to the office every day.
Grace could hear Ryan and Faith talking in the front room, Ryan’s deep voice carrying down the hall. A shiver of excitement washed over her. He’d been clear it was just business tonight, but part of her wanted to imagine what it would be like to be his date. A real date.
“The man cares about you.” Her mother’s words came back to her, but in this instance, her mother was wrong. Okay, so maybe only partly wrong. But attraction was not caring. Ryan didn’t do relationships, something he’d made clear. Repeatedly.
Grace spritzed on her favorite perfume and headed for the living room, drawing up short as she entered, surprised to see Ryan holding the baby, talking and laughing with her. Dressed in khaki slacks, a dress shirt, and a blue sport coat, he looked totally GQ, his wavy curls adding a touch of boyishness to his appearance. The man was a natural charmer, and Holly and Faith were clearly charmed, judging by the rapt attention he was receiving.
She’d forgotten to remind Faith not to say anything about Karen and hoped the subject hadn’t come up. Grace planned on telling Ryan the truth tonight. She was tired of covering her bases, and clearly, he wasn’t going to fire her over the situation. Especially now that Faith was taking care of Holly every day. At least, she would be for another week.
The idea of Holly leaving soon was enough to kick Grace’s good attitude in the backside, serving as a dose of reality. But at least she’d have Holly for Mother’s Day. Karen wasn’t due to arrive until the Tuesday after. It wouldn’t seem like much to most people, but to Grace, having the baby here for Mother’s Day was like winning the lottery. Or better.
“Hey, there. Looks like someone’s having fun,” Grace said, smiling at the relaxed scene in front of her.
“She’s hard to resist.” Ryan looked in her direction, appreciation in his expression.
Wishful thinking on Grace’s part had her imagining it was a double-entendre and that he was including her in the comment.
“You should have seen Holly,” her sister said, laughing. “The minute she spotted Ryan, she squealed and went crawling to him. Suddenly, I was like minced meat, and he was the mashed potatoes with gravy on top.”
Ryan frowned. “Interesting analogy.”
Grace shook her head and grinned. “It’s something my mother always said when something better came along.”
“I see.” He smiled, twirling Holly around in his arms, making her giggle. The man was a natural with children. “Beautiful dog, by the way. I’ve never really seen one with that coloring.”
“Her name’s Lucky. She’s a roan-springer-spaniel mix, or at least that’s what the rescue center told me. I fell in love with her coloring, big ears, big paws, and long fur. Although, the dog hair can be a bit much at times.” Grace laughed.
Ryan put one hand out for Lucky to sniff, letting her get to know him. It wasn’t long before the dog started wagging her tail, and Grace knew her canine friend approved of the hunky guy. “We probably should get going,” he said, finally putting Holly down. “You look nice, by the way. If I’m allowed to compliment you on this business date.” He winked.
Her heart raced a little faster. The compliment had been delivered smoothly but effectively, judging by the ripples of pleasure easing down her spine. “It’s allowed. And thank you.”
Grace turned to her sister. “Make sure Holly’s in bed by eight. I’m trying to keep her on a schedule.”
“What for? Why not have fun while we can?” Faith shrugged.
Grace glared at her sister, trying to remind her who was standing in the room. This wasn’t how she envisioned him finding out. She preferred to ease him into the knowledge. “Because she needs structure. There is a time and place for fun, and it’s not after bedtime. Call me on my cell if you need me. Oh, and can you feed Lucky?” Grace headed for the front door with Ryan not far behind.
“Fine. Come on, kiddo. We’ve only got a couple hours to play before the battle-ax says you have to go to beddy-by.” Faith scooped up Holly, helping her to wave goodbye.
“Thanks,” Grace said dryly.
As soon as the door closed behind them, Ryan took her by the arm and led her to his car. There was nothing business-like about the move, but Grace opted to remain quiet.
Chapter Twelve
Grace was a little nervous now that they were in the car and on their way to dinner. The last time they’d been this close in a car, they’d gone to the ski resort on a business trip, but nothing about this felt like business.
“Jordan is pretty excited about the numbers, as am I. You’re a marketing genius.” At least Ryan was steering the conversation away from Holly and back to business. It would make things easier.
“I would have to say it’s more to do with the concept. The idea you came up with is incredible. I’m sure other companies will soon jump in and follow suit.” She glanced over at him, observing his strong jawline without a trace of his normal five o’clock shadow at this time of day. Had he showered and shaved for the occasion? The slight hint of woodsy cologne lingering in the car said he had, and the knowledge only served to increase her anticipation of the evening. Business or personal didn’t matter—being with Ryan did.
“So now that we have the mutual admiration out-of-the-way, can I just say I’m looking forward to this evening. You’ve worked hard the past two weeks, despite any setbacks you faced, and you deserve this.”
Ryan parked the car and the two of them made their way down the sidewalk to O’Malley’s. He opened the door, stepping back to let her enter first. Grace was pleasantly surprised when Agnes O’Malley greeted them. She and her husband owned the place but had retired a fe
w years back. It was their sons who ran the bar and restaurant now.
“It’s nice to see you, Mrs. O’Malley. I haven’t seen you in a while.”
“I finally got Frank to do some traveling.” She grinned, picking up two menus. “He won’t let on, but I think he enjoys it. Tonight, Seth wasn’t feeling well, and I offered to cover for him. Follow me, I’ve got the perfect table for you two.” She winked at Grace and started across the room.
The older woman led them to a corner booth. “Ruth is your server, and I’ll send her right over. Enjoy your meal.”
“Thank you. This is perfect.” Not. It was far too intimate and cozy for a business dinner. Mrs. O’Malley walked away, leaving them alone.
“She must think we’re a couple. She gave us the most romantic table in the place,” Ryan said as he held out a seat for her.
“I agree. But I didn’t want to be rude and make her move us. Unfortunately, the Hallbrook gossip line will have us hooked up by morning. When a man and woman go out on the town, it’s rarely business.” She gazed at him, knowing a lot could be told about a person’s true reaction based on facial expression alone. Words could lie, faces rarely did.
“Well, if I have to be the subject of gossip, I doubt I could be attached to a better person.” Ryan winked, his eyes crinkling at the corners as his smile deepened. Not an ounce of tension was exhibited to make her doubt his words.
Grace felt a warm flush creep across her face and down her throat. She was grateful for the low lighting that would hide it from Ryan.
