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

Chapter 35

Harrison Cash has renamed the group chat “When is Harrison Proposing”

Presley: Dylan, you might want to go over and check on Mom.

Harrison: Cash, it’s been 5 minutes.

Mom: I’m okay. Just so thrilled all my kids have found their perfect match.

Dylan: It’s all thanks to you, Mom.

Mom: I have no idea what you’re talking about.

Harrison: Regardless. We love you.

Mom: I love you all too.

Cash has renamed the group chat “Harrison is Mom’s Favorite”

I set my phone aside, scrolling through a résumé Cabrina sent me earlier. It’s important that my brothers and I have quality time outside of work to be with our families. To make that possible, we’re hiring a director of operations to handle the growing workload and streamline operations, with plans to expand our executive team once they’re onboarded.

The change is a complete reversal of how I used to manage the business, where I took on a heavy workload and was reluctant to delegate. But it’s the right thing to do to find a better balance in my life, and I couldn’t be more pleased about it.

The rest of the day drags on, and by the time I reach the apartment building after work, I’m more than ready to see Fallon.

Walter opens the door when I get to the entrance. “Good afternoon, Mr. Stafford,” he says with a tip of his hat.

“Good afternoon, Walter. How’s our girl?”

“Miss Fallon had a good day. She brought me cookies this morning, and we toured her restaurant space during lunch. I’ve never seen her this happy.” He beams proudly. “You’re a good man for treating her right.”

I clap him on the back. “She deserves nothing less. Thanks for always looking out for her, it means a lot to both of us.”

“No need to thank me. Fallon is family, plain and simple. It’s my privilege to be in her corner.”

My heart swells at his sentiment. I know Fallon feels the same, and I’m glad they’ve become so close. Although it’s a shame her grandmother failed to see how incredible she is, that’s her loss. Fallon doesn’t need that kind of negativity in her life when she has me, my family and Walter by her side.

Last week, I contacted the building manager to arrange a substantial bonus for Walter and to tell him it’s from all the residents. I usually send him something during the holidays, but I want to go beyond that. He’s an important presence in Fallon’s life, and from now on, I’ll make sure he’s well taken care of. Whether he eventually retires or not—though I doubt he ever will.

I head for the elevator. “See you soon, Walter,” I smile.

“You too,” he replies with a wave.

When I get to the penthouse, I drop my briefcase off at the entry table, greeted by the rich aroma of herbs and spices with hints of garlic and onion. I follow the smell to the kitchen, where I find Fallon at the stove, dancing around to “What a Feeling.” Her hips sway to the beat, and she holds a whisk to her mouth, belting out the lyrics, her energy contagious.

It takes me back to the first time I saw her dancing in the kitchen when my desire for her was waging a war against the resentment I convinced myself was justified. As I watch her, it’s obvious how far we’ve come. The attraction that once caused conflict now fuels an unbreakable love that can’t be shaken.

“I’ll never get tired of coming home to this view,” I say, speaking over the music.

Fallon looks back, a broad smile on her face. “You’re home!”

I turn down the music off on my way to greet her. “Whatever you’re making smells delicious.” I wind an arm around her waist and bury my nose into the curve of her neck.

“It’s beef stew. I figure we can eat before we go on our date to the Mavericks game.”

Even though she refuses to take any more paychecks, she still wants to prepare our meals. Fallon doesn’t trust anyone else to do it like she can and she says it’s good practice. She might refuse to let me pay her a salary, but I’ll make sure she gets the best equipment for her restaurant and every opportunity to make it thrive. It’s the least I can do after everything she’s done for me.

“Sounds perfect. I can’t wait to try it,” I say.

The stew begins to simmer, bubbles rising to the surface. Fallon turns, spoon in hand, stirring the pot as she leans back into my embrace. These simple moments are the ones I cherish the most. They remind me that everything I need is right here, and nothing else can compare to this feeling.

My world used to be a series of transitions, where every choice was a deal to be made. Focus and precision were my guiding principles, and I thrived on structured order. Now, I leave work early to be with my beautiful girlfriend. Our living room is bursting with plants, and Cat, our little demon, has woven himself into our lives for good.

Fallon turned my carefully structured life into a beautiful chaos that fills our house with warmth, laughter, and a love I never saw coming. With her, I’ve learned to slow down and appreciate what’s right in front of me. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Getting a private chef didn’t turn out anything like I expected, but now I know what happens when a CEO gets a second chance…

She becomes the love of his life.