Chapter 23
Silvie
Morning light now fills the windows of my home office, all glass, and my laptop’s open, reports stacked next to me in rows, numbers and projections lined up on my desk like little financial soldiers.
I’ve been awake for quite a while. I probably slept for maybe three hours.
Time goes by quickly when your brain won’t turn off.
I’m not nervous, I’m excited. I’ve worked so hard for this. Today is my day.
I look up and find Cal leaning in the doorway looking sexy as hell with his hair messed up, watching me. “You’re up early,” he says.
I laugh softly. “Bold of you to assume I slept.”
He frowns, crossing the room. “You need your sleep, Silvie.”
“I can sleep on our way home tonight,” I say.
He stops in front of my desk, taking in my organized chaos. “How can I help?”
“Nothing to help with.” I shrug, closing my laptop. “I just couldn’t sleep. Had a lot of ideas churning.”
He leans down and kisses me, slow, and says, part joking, “If you don’t listen to me, I’ll tell Birdie. She’ll make sure you’re not staying up all night.”
I shudder. “You wouldn’t.”
His eyes are on mine. “I would.”
I scoff. “You know she’ll have my ass.”
“She absolutely would,” he says, serious. “And I happen to like your ass. So, let’s keep it safe and rested.”
I laugh, rubbing my tired eyes. “Fine.”
He glances in the direction of the kitchen. “I saw you have breakfast food. Let me make us something while you get ready.”
I nod and reach for my phone to check the time. “I have time for a quick soak in the tub.”
I don’t tell him this, but I need it for my nerves. I’m starting to get nervous.
“Good,” he says. “You get ready, I’ll cook. It’s going to be a great day. You’ll see.”
The confidence in his voice settles me in ways I didn’t know I could be grounded. He’s done that since we met, and somehow it feels way less daunting to have him here by my side.
He kisses me again and saunters off. I watch him go and take in all of his tattoos and sigh. In the bathroom, I turn on the tub and pour in my favorite salts and oils, filling the water with bubbles, and lavender and eucalyptus fill the air.
I open the door, still standing in my pajamas, and Cal stands there, with messy hair and holding a mug of coffee and my water bottle, probably filled.
“Thank you,” I say as I set them on the edge of the tub.
“No, problem,” he says easily. “I’ll bring you a plate when it’s done if you want to eat in here.”
I wrinkle my nose. “But I want to eat with you.”
“Okay,” he says, smiling, and disappears down the hall.
I slip out of my clothes and sink into the bubbles with a long sigh.
Today’s my first day as CEO. I fought so hard for this for years.
I fought daily for respect and a seat at the table I now command.
And now that I have it, I wonder if it needed to be such a battle.
I wonder if it’ll feel like I imagined. Earned.
I rest my eyes, and time passes. A knock at the door makes me open my eyes.
After I tell him to come in, Cal saunters in, carrying two plates.
He’s so nonchalant about it. Like, I’m not naked in the water in front of him, covered in bubbles.
He says nothing about it and is a gentleman.
I wish he were not a gentleman. I wish he’d join me in this tub and fuck me senseless. But his food looks so good.
“You still want me to eat with you?” he asks, looking at me and back at the door. “I can eat in the kitchen.”
I nod and motion. “Yes.”
He sets my plate on the tray over the tub. I’m covered in bubbles from the neck down, but I still notice the way his pupils darken when he sees me, like he wants me just as bad as I want him.
And the realization that this man will bring me breakfast in the tub when he knows all I want to do is soak, and he does it to just be with me.
I think I’m falling in love with him. I’m not sure when I started falling for Callahan Bennett.
But I did. And I’m falling stupidly even harder. I can’t even stop myself.
He sits on the floor, across from me, his plate resting in his lap while he eats. He made us eggs that are cheesy and fluffy, toast with my favorite jam, and bacon.
“Breakfast of CEO champions,” he says, taking a bite.
“This is so good,” I say, covering my mouth.
He grins. “I’m surprised you don’t have a chef.”
“I have you,” I say with a smirk. “Nobody can make me breakfast and eat in the bathroom with me like you, Cal.”
He winks at me.
“Besides,” I continue, “I had a meal service before. Delivered prepared meals, but they were so bland. I missed good food. I’m not going back to that.”
He doesn’t laugh at that, because he knows I wasn’t being healthy before my first wedding.
We chat about the bathroom, and he marvels over how massive it is.
“In the winter, I turn on the floor heaters,” I tell him.
He grins. “I bet it feels great getting out of the shower when it’s cold.”
“It does,” I agree. “But this tub is my favorite part of the whole penthouse.”
When we’re done, he stands and takes our plates. “Finish up. I’ll get ready in the other bathroom.”
I bite my lip, wishing he’d stay, wishing he’d get ready in here with me. But I don’t push it.
Some things are worth letting unfold at their own pace.
I head out to the living room, still in my robe, but my hair and makeup are done. I got new makeup yesterday from the makeup artists to match my newly sun-kissed skin. I think I did a pretty good job if I don’t say so myself. My hair is still good from its blowout yesterday.
Cal’s in the living room, sitting on the couch with a mug of coffee, sleeves rolled up on his dress shirt, looking unfairly hot for someone who doesn’t need as long as I do to get ready.
He smiles and says, “Feeling better?”
“I am,” I admit. “Wilby should be here soon with my suit.”
The elevator dings, and the doors slide open.
Wilby strolls in confidently. He’s dressed in an impeccable suit, and his tie is perfect.
Calm confidence, and I remember that he’s stepping into his new role today, too.
Executive assistant to the CEO. I wouldn’t be here without him, either. It’s a big day for him as well.
“Good morning,” he says cheerfully as he holds up two garment bags. “I brought yours and Cal’s suits.”
Cal’s head snaps over, and he says, “What?”
Wilby grins. “That’s right. I got one for you, too. And if we’re being honest, I got one for me, as well.”
I laugh and shake my head. Wilby is literally the main character, and I love him.
He unzips the first bag and reveals an all-black suit, sharp and tailored, with a light pink dress shirt tucked neatly inside. It’s so pale, it’s almost white.
Cal just stares. “Holy shit. That’s nice.”
Wilby takes a bow and then opens the second bag. My breath catches in my throat.
It’s a power suit in the same shade as Cal’s dress shirt.
Strong lines, perfect cut. And it’s unmistakably feminine, soft, but intentional.
Wilby knows I’ve loved pink and dialed that back at the office the past few years.
I always wanted people to take me seriously.
And now? I can wear whatever the fuck I want. Hell, yeah.
I smile because this was my dream. Walking into a room full of people who underestimated me, wearing pink like a crown. Like a statement and a reminder that softness and strength are not opposites.
This suit feels like a giant, elegant fuck you to the old meanies who whispered and smirked.
The ones who rooted against me and called me sweetie when I started out.
The ones who assumed I wouldn’t make it to this day.
I read the reports and the forwarded emails.
I know what was said. I’ve filed those thoughts away. I never forgot.
I made it. I’m here, and today is the first day of me running a family business that I earned.
I run my fingers over the fabric and look up at Wilby. “It’s perfect.”
He nods, excited. “I knew you’d love it!”
“Damn it, you’re getting a raise.” I shake my head, thinking about how I don’t deserve Wilby.
He laughs. “You always say that. Just know I get myself presents, too, sometimes. Like this suit.”
Cal says, “I look like I’m about to overthrow a corporation in this suit or testify in court.”
Wilby claps him on the shoulder. “Both could happen. The day is young. All right. Your ride’s here in twenty.”
I laugh and take the tailored suit, which feels like karma. Today isn’t just another day. It’s my day, and I’m ready to collect.
Wilby, Cal, and I are on our way to the office. A tray of coffees is waiting in the car, and I’m so thankful, I could practically cry. I need all the coffee today.
We pull up in front of the building. I feel like I should have Cal take my picture like it’s my first day of school.
I don’t think I’ve ever paid attention to what our building looks like until today.
I feel like I’m seeing it through Cal’s eyes.
It’s massive, glass and steel stretching straight into the sky.
Cal leans toward me, his voice low and teasing. “Do you own this building, too?”
I laugh and whisper back, “No. But, the company does.”
He squeezes my hand, and I’m starting to get so nervous.
We step out of the car. Reporters are waiting, taking pictures and shouting questions.
I forgot to prepare Cal for this, but he handles it with ease.
He gets out first, shielding me, holding his hand out and pulling me alongside him, protectively.
I don’t think I could even prepare him, because he already feels like he’s two steps ahead of me in preparing me.
Heads turn as we walk toward the building, and conversations pause. My hand is steady in his, and I feel the second people start clocking us as a unit. I glance at our reflection in the front of the glass building. Hot damn, we look like a power couple.
Wilby trails behind at a careful distance. When we reach the elevators, he leans in to whisper, “You two look so good.”
Cal leans over and whispers back, “We had help.”
Wilby smirks. “I do have good taste in suits.”
“Thanks,” we say at the same time. “Yes, you do.”
The elevator ride is quiet and fast. When the doors open, the vibes shift.
The floor hums with power and testosterone, something I’ve always hated.
I’ve always wanted to bring more women into finance with me and show them they can do it, too.
I’ve encouraged more opportunities for women.
Previously, all of my ideas were shot down.
Now? I’m going to make damn sure that happens.
When I’m done, maybe there’ll be pink everywhere. I smile at that thought.
My mother is standing across the lobby with a small group of older men.
She hasn’t seen us yet, but I can see her shaking her head, lips tight, clearly displeased about something.
One of the men glances over her shoulder and spots us heading their way.
Then another man turns. Both of their eyes widen in surprise.
My mother keeps talking, and I hear her mention getting the board to vote on it.
Her voice trails off as she turns, and her gaze sweeps over us, taking in every detail of our outfits, our confident posture, and our hands still linked. We look damn impeccable. And unstoppable.
I haven’t seen or spoken to my mother since my wedding day to Tyler, and everything fell apart. She never reached out, and I didn’t bother to, either. There wasn’t much to say that wouldn’t have ended in bloodshed. I’m done with her bullshit.
She doesn’t say hello or hug me. Or ask to meet my husband. She doesn’t even pretend for the people standing around us.
I try to imagine Carly acting this way, and I simply can’t. The comparison alone makes my teeth clench.
“I see you’re still going to be a problem, Silvie,” my mother says, cooly glancing between Cal and me.
I stare at her for a long moment. Long enough for the men behind her to shift uncomfortably.
Then I slowly smile.
“Mom,” I say evenly. “I’m about to be the whole problem if you keep running your mouth at my work. Why are you here?”
Her lips thin, and her hands go to her hips. “I’m a part of this company.”
I don’t laugh. I just feel so unbothered by her right now. “No, you’re not. You’re married to the VP. And you can be removed from the premises if you want to disrespect anyone in this building, including me, the CEO.”
I don’t add daughter. Because she hasn’t been acting like a mother to me. She doesn’t deserve that title.
I step closer, lowering my voice. “Don’t make me do that. Because I will.”
Her eyes flash, but she turns on her heels and storms toward the other end of the lobby, looking furious.
I move toward the hallway to my office, and Cal follows, Wilby behind us. We pass my dad’s office, now labeled “VP” on the door.
My dad steps out when he sees us. “Good morning,” he says evenly, eyeing Cal.
I let go of Cal and hug him tight. “Morning, Dad.”
“I’m proud of you, Silverlyn. You’ve worked hard to get here,” he says as he pats my back.
Then it’s time for the meeting. We head toward the boardroom when Tyler appears in the hallway. He stops short, an enraged expression twisting his features when his eyes land on Cal.
“Oh, hell no,” he practically spits. His eyes rake up and down Cal. Which is comical because Cal is massive compared to Tyler.
“You brought your bartender here, Silvie? That’s so embarrassing,” Tyler says, looking at me with disgust. “You have ruined everything. You won’t get away with this.”
I don’t let go of Cal’s hand. I just stare at Tyler as if he’s a bug in the hallway we might need to step around.
Cal looks down at Tyler and says without missing a beat, “You’re not tall enough to talk to me like that.”
Wilby laughs and then coughs behind me, unable to stop himself.
We step around Tyler, who is gaping at us, not even sure what to say to Cal, checking him like that. Because it was hilarious and true.
I ignore Tyler, smile sweetly, and tell Wilby, “We’re about to turn it up a notch. All gas, no brake.”
“I can’t wait,” he mutters as we continue past a confused-looking Tyler the Turd, who is still glaring at us.
“Let’s get to work,” I tell them as we head into the boardroom, and I saunter up to my place at the head of the table. Cal and Wilby take theirs at the other end.
It’s a beautiful day to fuck around and find out.