If You Give a CEO a Chance (Aspen Grove #3)

Chapter 32

I ’m gripped with anxiety the moment I wake up. I had every intention of talking to Harrison about Theo’s offer last night, but that plan vanished when he walked through the door. Nothing seemed more important than being held in his arms, and what we shared last night was confirmation that I want this to last forever.

My worry is that if we make things official, I’ll get too comfortable and lose sight of my ambitions. What if I wake up years from now realizing that I never chased the goals I set for myself and worked so hard to achieve? And then there’s the challenge of balancing work and personal life. I don’t want my role as Harrison’s private chef to define us. What we have is rare, and I want him to know that I’m in this for the right reasons.

Harrison is on a conference call in his home office when I get out of bed.

After I check on Cat, who’s perched in his climbing post, I head down to the lobby to chat with Walter. It’s early enough to avoid the morning rush of residents heading to work.

He’s at his desk, smiling when he sees me. “Good morning, Miss Fallon. What brings you down here so early? Expecting a delivery?”

I lift the bag in my hand. “I made banana bread last night and wanted to bring you a loaf.”

I cross the empty lobby and perch on the edge of Walter’s desk, holding out the container of sliced bread.

“Thank you. This will go great with my second cup of coffee,” he says with a grin.

“My pleasure.”

Walter sets the bread aside, his gaze fixed on me. I bite my lip, glancing at the front door, second-guessing coming down. I’m sure the last thing he wants is to hear about my problems today.

Like he can read my mind, he pats my knee and asks, “Why don’t you tell me what’s bothering you, Miss Fallon.”

“I’m fine,” I say, but my voice betrays me, cracking on the last word.

I’m anything but.

Walter adjusts his cap, his eyes sharp with concern. “Oh really? So, you came to see me when you knew no one else would be around just for the fun of it? Because you look like you’ve got the weight of the world on your shoulders. I won’t push you to answer, but I’m here if you want to talk.”

I swallow the lump in my throat, trying to push down the emotions rising to the surface. Walter has quickly filled the role of the doting grandparent I’ve always longed for. It’s still strange to have someone who listens, genuinely cares, and wants the best for me. Which makes it impossible not to confide in him now, not when he looks at me with patience and compassion, and I know he’ll listen without judgment.

“Do you think I’m a failure?” The question spills from my mouth before I can rein it in.

He recoils, his expression hardening. “Why would you say that? If it was Mr. Stafford, I’ll be having a serious conversation with him when he comes down later.”

I shake my head, resting my hand on his shoulder. “Harrison wouldn’t say that,” I assure him. “I’ve just been thinking about what my grandmother said when she was here.” I bounce my knee, glancing at the floor. “I gave up a steady career for what? A pipe dream of owning a restaurant and publishing a cookbook? Maybe she’s right. I’ll never amount to anything.”

“That’s not true.” Walter’s tone is firm. “I’ve been around enough people like her in my lifetime to know that woman spews nothing but lies, hiding behind her own misery and self-pity. She’s just jealous of your confidence and desire to forge your own path. In simple terms, she’s a bitter woman and her opinion is worthless.”

I give his shoulder a reassuring squeeze, then place my hand in my lap. “You’re a good friend, Walter. I’m lucky to have you.”

“Likewise, Miss Fallon.” He smiles.

He rises from his seat and heads to the coffee station in the corner to pour himself a cup.

“What brought on this self-doubt?” he asks.

He adds splash of hazelnut creamer into his coffee and stirring it slowly.

“I got a job offer from Theo, my old boss,” I admit, finally saying it out loud for the first time since Theo and I talked. “He wants me to manage a new restaurant in London.”

Walter nods thoughtfully, sitting back down in his chair. “It sounds like an incredible opportunity.”

“Yeah, it is. The only problem is that it’s not…” I hesitate, struggling to articulate my thoughts.

“Your dream,” Walter finishes for me.

I nod. “Exactly.”

“So, what’s stopping you from declining?”

“With Theo, I’d have access to brand strategists, a PR team, and an experienced operations manager. With that kind of expertise, success is practically a sure thing.” Walter taps his coffee cup thoughtfully as he listens. “If I venture out on my own, it’ll be a big risk requiring a leap of faith.”

Walter purses his lips. “Hmm. What does Mr. Stafford think you should do?”

Warmth rises to my cheek as I rub a hand across my face. “I haven’t told him yet,” I admit.

Walter blinks in shock, nearly choking on his coffee. I give him a light pat on the back as he clears his throat.

“Are you alright?”

He nods, grabbing a tissue to wipe his mouth. “Why haven’t you told him?”

“We haven’t defined our relationship. What if I pass on the closest opportunity I’ll have to achieve my dream, and it turns out to be the wrong choice?”

“That’s one way to look at it,” Walter says, his mouth curling into a grin. “My Pearl used to say that every ending is just the beginning of a new adventure. What seems like a dead end is the first step on a new path you haven’t discovered yet.”

“Pearl was very wise.”

He laughs softly. “Yes, she was. Have I told you how we met?”

I shake my head.

“I wanted to be a doctor, but I wasn’t accepted to medical school. The rejection stung, especially since my parents were disappointed. It felt like there was no path forward, and I was so upset I almost said no when my friend asked me to go with him to New York for the weekend. We rode the subway to Central Park, and a woman sitting across from us caught my attention. She had hazel eyes and wore a yellow dress with a lace collar. I noticed she was reading Oliver Twist , one of my favorites, but I was shy and didn’t have the courage to talk to her before she got off the train. I pushed it aside until the next day when we stopped at a coffee shop, and there she was, standing behind the counter. Pearl and I got married three months later and made a home in New York.”

“Oh, Walter, that’s such a sweet story,” I say, resting my hand over my heart. “I wish I could have met her.”

He gives me a fond smile, patting my arm. “She would have loved you, and I’m sure she’d have far better advice. All I know is that sometimes you have to take a risk, or you’ll regret not trying.”

The elevator chime has us both glancing up as a businessman in a pinstriped suit steps out, phone pressed to his ear and a briefcase in hand. A woman trails behind him, leading a Yorkie on a leash.

“Looks like the morning rush is about to start,” Walter says. “Promise you’ll think about what I said?”

I give him a parting smile. “I will. I’m heading upstairs to talk to Harrison now.”

“Good, I’m glad.”

He adjusts his tie and hurries to open the door for the residents leaving the building.

On my way up to the penthouse, I reflect on how much has changed between Harrison and me. We started as adversaries, both driven by personal vendettas, and now we’ve become the most important person in each other’s lives.

It’s made me realize that if I want this to work between us, I need to be open and willing to share my fears and dreams. He’s shown that he cares and wants to support my ambitions—and now I just have to take a chance and tell him how I feel.

When I enter the penthouse, a shrill fire alarm pierces the air. I race toward the kitchen, quickly scanning the room, first landing on Cat sprawled in his bed, unfazed by the chaos. He must be desensitized from all the scary movies that we’ve watched. Maybe it’s time to introduce him to cartoons.

A loud clatter draws my attention to Harrison standing by the stove. He’s holding a smoking skillet with one hand, and moves fast, dropping it into the sink with a thud and turns on the cold water, sending a hiss of steam into the air. He lets the sink fill halfway before turning it off, exhaling sharply under his breath as he hops onto the counter to disable the smoke detector on the ceiling.

“Fuck, that thing is annoying,” he mutters when there’s finally silence.

I walk toward him, thoroughly entertained. “Are you trying to burn down my kitchen?”

Harrison snaps his head in my direction, his eyes widening when he sees me. “I got off my call early and wanted to make you breakfast, but clearly, I’m hopeless in the kitchen. I can’t even cook eggs without burning them.” He jumps down from the counter, closing the space between us, and wraps me in a hug.

“Good thing you have me or you might starve,” I joke.

“I’m definitely lucky.” He smiles, pushing my hair back to give me a quick kiss.

His hands always seem to find me when we’re close, and I can’t get enough. “I’ll make breakfast if you keep me company,” I say, kissing him again.

Harrison rubs the back of his neck, a light frown creasing his forehead as he meets my gaze. “That sounds great, but could we talk first? There’s something I want to tell you, and it can’t wait.”

A flood of possibilities crosses my mind, and while I’m anxious, this is my opportunity to address Theo’s job offer and finally be upfront about my feelings, no matter where that might lead us.

“Yeah, I’d really like that,” I say, shifting my weight from one foot to the other. “There’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you, too.”

A brief flash of worry crosses Harrison’s face before he schools his expression. “Let’s sit down, and you can share what’s on your mind.”

I nod, accepting his outstretched hand as he guides me into the living room. I appreciate him suggesting I go first. I’ve kept this all bottled up inside, and I’m afraid I might burst if I don’t get it out soon. We settle next to each other on the couch, and I cross my legs, resting one knee against Harrison’s thigh.

“Ladies first. What is it you wanted to tell me?” he asks, taking my hand in his, holding it tight.

I exhale deeply, gathering my courage. “Theo, my old boss, called yesterday and told me he’s opening an allergy-friendly restaurant in London.”

He shifts in his seat, blinking rapidly, a mix of confusion and concern in his eyes. “Are you okay with that? I assume you’ve told him that you want to open one of your own someday?”

Here goes nothing.

“That’s the thing. His market research team found a growing demand for a restaurant specializing in food sensitivities. He wants me to move back to London and manage the one they’re launching.” I rush to explain, wanting to get it all out at once.

I glance over at Harrison. His features don’t betray emotion, and the silence stretches between us. I’m not panicking because his hand is still firmly clasped around mine, his touch grounding me amidst the uncertainty. I’m tempted to give him more information, but I hold back, allowing him time to process. He’ll ask questions when he’s ready.

I let out a breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding. It’s only been a day, but keeping this from Harrison for even that long felt wrong.

He clears his throat before finally speaking. “Is it a good offer?”

“It is,” I answer truthfully. “I’d have full control over the menu, a dedicated team to support the launch, and a state-of-the-art kitchen. Plus, I’d be involved in hiring the staff and overseeing the daily kitchen operations.” Even as I speak, a knot tightens in my stomach.

“That does sound like an incredible opportunity,” Harrison admits hesitantly. “Have you given Theo an answer?”

I shake my head. “He asked me to take some time to think about it and to reach out once I’ve made my decision.”

Harrison scoots closer, his side brushing mine as he rests his hand on my knee. While his other hand remains wrapped around mine. “Can I ask why you didn’t say yes right away?”

I frown, caught off guard by that question. “If I moved to London, we’d be on different continents.” I state the obvious.

“Yes, but this is your dream. You’ve wanted this for so long, so why hold back when it’s finally within reach?”

Now, I better understand his line of questioning.

The opportunity isn’t as alluring as it was when Theo called me. On paper, it looks like a wish fulfilled, but I can’t shake the thought that I’m trying to force a square peg into a round hole, settling for something close to what I want, but not quite right.

“My dream is to run my own restaurant, where I have control over every aspect of the operation. With Theo, I’d have to answer to him and his investors,” I explain. “What I really want is the autonomy to make the decisions and create something that’s mine.”

It’s not the financial success or prestige that drives me as much as the desire to build something that honors my mom’s legacy. A tribute that reflects her kind spirit and the passion for cooking she passed down to me. Though she’s no longer here, I want to make a space where her love for food and family lives on.

“What’s holding you back?” Harrison asks.

I bite my lower lip, glancing out the window at the skyline. “My lack of resources. I’ve been saving, but it’s nowhere near enough to cover the initial lease, let alone permits, licenses, renovations, and all the promotional costs, especially in New York City. Plus, I’m only one person. With Theo, I’d have a team to help support the venture.”

Most restaurants fail within the first five years, and without a solid marketing strategy and financial backing, I wouldn’t make it past one. It’s a harsh truth to accept. In the past, I wore rose-colored glasses, believing that passion and hard work would be enough, but now I know I can’t overlook the practical side of things if I want to make this happen.

Noticing my uncertainty, Harrison gently turns my chin to meet his gaze, offering me a reassuring smile. “You’re far more capable than you give yourself credit for.”

“I just wish there was a simple solution. It seems like no matter what I choose, there’s a tradeoff.” I breathe out slowly, releasing my pent-up tension. “Can we switch topics for a bit? Maybe it’ll give me some perspective. Wasn’t there something you wanted to tell me?”

“Yes, but before I do, I need to say something. I want you to know that whether or not you decide to accept the job offer, I’ll be there with you,” he vows. “If you want to move back to London, we’ll find a place with a view of the Thames or Notting Hill. Or if you decide to open your own restaurant somewhere outside New York, we’ll find a place with a sunroom for your plants and plenty of room for Cat to explore.”

His willingness to put his own career second to mine catches me off guard. No one has put me first since my parents died, and it makes me see that I’m the most important thing in Harrison’s world—just as he is in mine. I wish I knew what I did to deserve him, and I plan to spend forever showing him how grateful I am.

“Harrison, you’re the CEO of the largest real estate firm in the country. You can’t just move out of New York on a whim when this is where you do business.”

He holds my gaze, making sure he has my attention. “I’d give up everything for you if I had to because you’re all that matters,” he states with unwavering determination. “Besides, what’s the point of being the boss if I don’t have flexibility in where I live? Now, back to the thing I wanted you to know about.”

When he doesn’t elaborate, I furrow my brow. “Well, are you going to tell me?”

He smiles. “I’d rather show you.”