Charming Co-Worker - Jeannine Colette Page 0,73
that one of us could get hurt. Guess I won’t get to know now.”
“Damn. Self-sabotage much?”
“Excuse me?”
She leans an elbow on the island and looks me square in the eye. “You want a two-week rule, but how will you know it’s real if you don’t stay past the first fight? That’s when you know. Loving someone isn’t just about the fun times or taking care of them when they’re down. It’s about hating their guts and yet loving them enough to want to stick around tomorrow.”
I burst out laughing. “Of all the advice I ever thought I’d hear from you, that’s not what I expected.”
“Ask Tyler. He probably wants to toss me out of the house once a week, and I take ridiculously long baths just so I don’t have to hear him go on and on about his mother’s heartburn or whatever her latest ailment is. I mean, take a Tums and move on. But I digress. We have our lows, but the highs, the good times, are what keep us going. When I have a problem, I turn to him. When I have a funny meme on my phone, I show it to him. And when I’m raising my children, I’m doing it with him. He’s my guy.”
I smile. Melissa and Tyler have the spark.
She places her hand on mine. “It’s a great feeling, but you’ll never know it if you run away at the first sign of trouble. You just have to decide if she’s worth seeing what the next page in your story is about.”
Chapter Eighteen
Katie
Twenty-four hours have passed since Hunter walked out my office door. That’s twenty-four hours of me wondering if I should call him or if he’s going to call me. Worst of all, I’ve been sick to my stomach about how we left things.
I look out at the room of shareholders, who are here for my presentation on something way above my pay grade. My palms are sweaty, my neck is coated with goose bumps, and I’m nervous as hell, especially when I see some of the bigwigs staring at me, waiting for me to speak.
I glance over at Branson. He gives me a thumbs-up and an encouraging smile. It calms me slightly, and I take a deep breath.
Lifting my computer clicker, I begin my presentation. The information on the screen helps remind me of the script I wrote for myself and studied so hard. I start off a little shaky, but I navigate the room through the bullet points and charts, giving them my findings on the research I conducted, not just from recent months, but also back seven years where I gathered the data. My analysis on Empire Media programming is thorough, and from the nodding heads, I see I’m resonating with a few.
I must be speaking fast because before I know it, I’m on the last slide and asking the room if there are any questions.
To my surprise, there are many. I field them all with Branson’s help. Together, we’re a good team, strategizing on the spot and working through some of the ideas and concerns. The hour is over quickly. Everyone else stands. Hands are shaken, and kind words are said.
In the end, it’s just me and Branson.
To my surprise, he leans forward and hugs me, lifting me off the ground.
“I’m beyond proud of you, Katherine. You knocked their socks off. Bravo!” The look of pure admiration in his eyes makes my heart flutter.
“You really think it went that well?” I say when he puts me back on the ground. “My ramblings were half-gibberish. There’s no way I made sense when I was talking about cross-market comparisons.”
“You were exceptional. You’re a star, love. Enjoy the moment, and don’t let it end because they’re all going to be at the New Year’s Eve gala and want to talk to you about some exciting opportunities. This is all the beginning for you.”
I push a loose tendril of my hair behind my ear. “Thank you, Branson. That’s … I’ve always wanted to hear your praise.”
His shoulders relax, and he takes a small step forward, placing his hand on my arm and leaning forward to kiss my cheek. “You always have my praise. I can’t wait for tomorrow night. It’s going to be unforgettable.”
The way his voice softens makes me feel like those words are more powerful than any other ever spoken.
“I’m sure it will be.” My smile is wide as I take a step back. “Do you mind if I head