Chapter 30
CHAPTER THIRTY
KEATON
W e fly back home on Wednesday.
The last seven days were precious, but I don’t know what will happen when we retake our daily routine. Things between us felt real. He could be the one I love. Maybe I’m in love with him already.
I’m usually good at following rules, but I guess this time, I failed miserably.
We had sex—so many times I lost count. Not because they weren’t eventful.
In fact, each time was better than the previous one.
We’re so in sync that we even know where the other one is in the room.
That takes me to the second rule I broke.
I fell in love.
How am I supposed to fix that? Or deal with it?
He said so many things during the trip, but I’m aware he was taken by the moment.
The place was romantic. All his favorite cousins are married and happy.
He wants to be like them when he grows up.
Not that at thirty-four, he’s not all grown, but I get it.
Alex, the youngest, is thirty-seven or thirty-eight, and Jackson, the oldest, is well in his forties.
They not only have careers but families.
So, who better to be a part of the Hawaiian fantasy than me?
Reliable, loyal, handy Keaton.
Did I seriously call myself handy?
Well, I was in the right place, at the right time.
It’s like everything in life. My mother had me because my father knocked her up, not because she planned on having a family.
Once she was older and mature, she had a family.
One she fought hard to stay sober for, so she’d never lose them.
My father…well, he went to make a family when he got bored of me. He protected his children from me.
The guys I’ve dated weren’t any different.
Aslan will find a woman who’ll be just perfect for him. I don’t want to be the placeholder. I’m tired of being the one standing in until people find the right person who’s worth their time—and love.
Tim, who picked us up at the airport, drives us toward Lex’s place.
The car is silent. It isn’t until we’re close to the first drop-off that Savannah breaks the stillness. “I’ll be staying at Lex’s tonight—maybe the weekend.”
I glance to the back seat, staring at her. What am I supposed to say?
She’s an adult. During the trip, she also made it clear that she’d rather stay with her boyfriend than me. I can’t fight that. See? I’m no one’s first choice.
“Call us if you need anything,” Aslan says, putting his arm around me and kissing the top of my head. “Hopefully, I'll convince Keat to stay with me over the weekend.”
It’s not until we drop Lex and Savannah that I say, “My work clothes are at home.”
“We’re not going to work until Monday.”
I look at him in disbelief. “You’re taking the rest of the week off?”
“We are,” he corrects me.
“You think I’m going to use my PTO on you?”
He winks at me. “I’ll make it worth it.”
“Promises, promises.”
“Stick around. It’s going to be even better than Hawaii.”
A few more days won’t hurt, how bad can it be?
We spend the rest of the week in Aslan’s penthouse having sex on every possible surface, including his roof. He makes sure to lock the elevator so his brothers can’t access the penthouse or the roof, delivering on what he promised—the best sex I’ve had in my life.
On Sunday, he drives me home just to pack some clothes because he wants to keep me at his place for a few more days.
The first order of business when I’m finally back to work is calling Ethan Killion.
We met during the family reunion, but Hannah warned me not to mention business while we were there. Ethan and his husband happen to be honorary members of the Spearman family. Now that I know they give out memberships, I want to apply for one.
“How are you doing, Keaton?”
“I’m well. How about yourself?”
“Good, so what’s this business you needed to discuss with me?”
I take a big breath and try not to talk too fast. “Spearman LP wants to buy Monti Media. We learned a couple of weeks ago that you’re also interested in them. As a professional courtesy and as a favor to Mr. Spearman, we would like to ask if you could withdraw from the running.”
He chuckles. “Why didn’t he call me?”
“I’m invested in the company. This project is important not only for Spearman but also for me. I’ll get to head Monti Media and make sure their employees are taken care of,” I say almost everything in one breath.
Okay, I’m nervous. In a way, my entire life depends on this call.
He makes some noncommittal noises, then speaks, “I tell you what, Ms. Nealy. I’ll withdraw if you come work for me.”
“What?!” I was prepared for almost everything but that.
“You can’t say no this time. It’d be the second time you decline an offer from HANNETH. I understand the last time we were a much smaller company that couldn’t offer you what Spearman LP did. Now I can double your salary and offer you a position they can’t.”
He might think I’m just Aslan’s assistant, but I’m a lot more. “I’m the Vice President of Operations, sir.”
“Call me Ethan,” he chuckles.
“Ethan, I appreciate your offer, but I’m calling to discuss Monti Media, not my current employment. As I mentioned, I’m the VP of Operations. If all goes well, I’ll become the president of the small company we’re trying to acquire.”
After a long silence, he says. “I understand why you’re calling me, but I have a counteroffer. Hannah and I need someone capable who’ll be our COO. That’s two steps above your current position, Ms. Nealy. I’ll pay generously, including housing and benefits that will help you with your family.”
It takes me a few seconds to process everything he says.
COO of HANNETH or any other company might be one of my dream jobs.
Is he for real? I don’t understand why he emphasizes the benefits and my family.
Did I mention my mom’s health during our vacation?
I didn’t, but there’s Savannah, who sometimes talks a lot.
“What are you talking about? You don’t know me or my situation.” I might sound a little defensive, but something sounds off, though his offer is enticing.
“The day you called asking to speak to me, I had my people do some research about you. I know a job offer like I’m about to extend will improve your quality of life and help your mom.”
“I don’t know how to feel about the intrusion.”
“That’s secondary. You should think about the position. If you like, I can fly you to Seattle, so you can tour our offices and discuss the generous salary that you’ll be receiving if you accept to be a part of HANNETH.”
“About Monti Media? I think Spearman LP will be the best fit for the company.”
“I’ll withdraw if you come to work for me.”
“If not?”
“Your boss can’t have everything, can he?”
If given a choice, Aslan would prefer to get the company. He’s always said it, employees come and go, the assets always stay. It sounds cold, but I understand. In this day and age, people switch jobs frequently, even when he pays fair salaries and has good benefits.
Before I make any rash decision, I should talk to him. He’s not going to let me go, is he?