Saved by the Rancher - By Jennifer Ryan Page 0,121
finally found someone to spend my life with, who loves me and treats me like I deserve to be treated. I want to have a life with him. I’m pregnant with twins. I’m going to be a mother and a wife, and that suits me just fine.”
“David did that to you,” he pointed to her throat, “and you’re pregnant?”
“He doesn’t know about the pregnancy, not that it would have stopped him. So, will you accept my offer and take over Merrick for me? I’ll keep my hand in the business and vote on the board, but essentially, you’ll have the power to run the company as you see fit. I promise to try to keep my nose out of things as much as possible.”
“It’s quite an offer, but I run Ortel.”
“Ortel is small beans compared to Merrick. I don’t say that to insult you. But heading Merrick would give you the opportunity to work your magic at a bigger international level.
“You took a fledgling company and grew it into a very competitive organization. I imagine letting someone else take over is difficult, but not impossible. Running Merrick would be a coup. You’d be one of the youngest presidents to run a company the size and scope of Merrick International. This is a dream job for someone in your position, and I’m handing it to you. You’d be crazy to pass up this opportunity,” she finished.
Ortel was his baby, but she was right. He couldn’t pass this up, despite the fact it would be detrimental to his personal life and what little time he had with his daughter. A pang of guilt gripped his heart when he thought about Emma. He wanted so much to give her a good life.
“You have a deal. I’ll run Merrick’s day-to-day operations, but I want you involved even if it’s just a weekly conference call. Anyone who can take over the company the way you have deserves my respect and admiration. I’d be a fool to let you step back completely and not use your uncanny sense of trends and business savvy. No way I’m letting that asset go to waste.”
She had to admit, talking to Cameron put a lot of things into perspective. She really thought the two of them could run the company together. In fact, she was excited about it.
“Deal. We’ll work together, but it will have to be long distance. I want to live in Colorado on the ranch with Jack and the babies. I won’t give that up. But I will meet you halfway. I’ll fly into San Francisco when necessary, but never for more than a day or two.”
“Great. We’ll work out all the details later. If I understand what you have planned for the board meeting, we’ll also need to restructure the top levels of the company. I have a few people in mind for some key positions. We can discuss this at a later date.”
“We’ll do it by phone and webcam. Once we’re finished today, I’m getting back on this plane and going home. Unfortunately, David may have other ideas. Sam and I have a plan to deal with him. I only hope it works.”
“With your security, David can’t get close to you, unless you want him to.”
“Exactly.”
Cameron frowned, not understanding her cryptic answer. She was about to explain, but Jack and Sam headed toward them, looking grim.
“It’s time to go. The board meets in an hour and we don’t want to be late.” Jack gave Cameron the once-over. “Did you two come to an agreement?”
“We’re all set. Stop glaring at Cameron. He was a perfect gentleman. Don’t worry, Cameron, he’s jealous of his horse, too.”
“I am not.” Jack’s smile said otherwise.
“Are too. It’s cute though. Let’s go.”
Time to face her past and take back her future.
Chapter Fifty-Seven
* * *
JENNA’S MEETING WITH Cameron went so well, her confidence soared. The limo took them down the crowded city streets, followed by another car full of her security people. She stared out the window at the people and buildings while Jack, Sam, and Cameron talked about . . . Well, she didn’t know what they were talking about. Her thoughts were on the upcoming board meeting and the possibilities of what might happen.
Jack held her hand. Even though the guys carried on with their conversation, they remained focused on her. Even Cameron understood the stakes, and that she was, essentially, walking into the lion’s den.
They arrived in front of the Merrick International building and stepped out. What a sight