Merger to Marriage (Boardrooms and Billi - By Addison Fox Page 0,38
Annette.” For the first time since the incident at the property line, he heard signs of normalcy in her voice. “I don’t know the full extent of her challenges, but she’s very deliberate and rational in her communication.”
Holt opened the gate to a small grazing area and got the horses situated. “How long has she been here?”
“I think about three years now. Her mother was able to get her in on a scholarship, and the time has done wonders for her.”
“Why don’t you go on and let me get the horses situated so they can graze a bit.”
Mayson handed him the reins before she walked over to embrace the young woman. The hug was natural and easy, and it stopped him in his tracks. Could any other women of his acquaintance give of themselves so willingly to someone who faced more challenges in the world than most would ever understand?
He made quick work of getting the horses settled and followed in her footsteps. He’d have had to be blind to miss the speculation he saw on Annette’s face, and thought the combination of protectiveness and curiosity was particularly telling.
“Annette, I’d like you to meet my friend, Holt.”
Holt took the immediately proffered hand and couldn’t hold back his smile at the girl’s eager expression.
“I think you mean boy friend, Mayson,” Annette said.
“You could call me that.”
Holt got a giggle from the girl, before she pointed toward the grazing horses. “Did you have a good ride?”
“It was a beautiful morning.” Holt saw Mayson’s gaze relax as he side-stepped the question. “Do you enjoy the horses?”
“Not so much. They smell. I like painting. And bikes. And swimming. And going to the movies.”
Mayson patted the girl’s shoulder. “Last time I was here, Annette showed me a painting she was working on. Did you finish it?”
Annette’s vivid green gaze lit up with excitement. “I finished it and two more. Want to see them?”
At two sets of expectant eyes, Holt knew his cue. “I’d love to see your work, too. Why don’t you two go in, and I’ll follow after removing the horses’ saddles and getting them back in their stalls.”
“I can help you with that.”
Holt waved Mayson off, the irrational desire to keep her away from the horses still pounding strong in his veins. “It won’t take me long at all.”
“Okay.”
As he watched them walk away, he marveled at the easy camaraderie and simple warmth Mayson seemed to hold for everyone. Here was a woman at the very top of her game professionally, a member of one of New York’s most well-respected families, yet she innately understood how to give of herself to others.
Her smiles were easy and sincere, and he could see how happy she was here.
Once again, the whisper of his past tugged at him, making him feel as if his feet were encased in cement. His young life was so ugly. He’d done everything in his power to push it down deep, to pretend as if it had never existed. Hell, he’d even used his business to try and erase past crimes. But no matter what he did, it had existed, shaping him into the man he was, molding him into the businessman he was. Except for Keira and Nathan’s house party, when was the last time he’d spent a weekend off? Or spent time outside in the sun? And had he ever spent the afternoon with a child?
Never…
His weekends were simply another part of the work week. Time spent outside was to advance a business goal, like a round of golf, not leisurely walks over lush acres of farm. And children? The reality was he had absolutely no experience. But he would. Soon he’d be a father. And every metric he’d used to evaluate his life needed to change.
…
Holt found the art classroom easily enough, the building that housed the student’s activities a small structure about a hundred yards from the barn. He made mental notes as he moved through the hallway. Simple ways they could make quick improvements, even if they did ultimately get their funding.
He followed a small corridor, the sound of voices growing louder as he reached the last classroom. At the opportunity to watch unobserved, he deliberately eavesdropped on the conversation.
“I met him at my sister’s wedding.”
The mention of the wedding had Annette going off in gales of girlish smiles as she asked about the dresses and the party, and Mayson indulged her, pulling up some pictures on her phone for them to ooh and aah over.
“The