Chapter 24 #2
“Let me get this out and then you can ask questions, okay?” I paused and swallowed another sip of tea.
“I told you about my boss, Rowan? Well, we became friends and then, well, we fell in love with each other. And he told me we should stop until my contract ended, in case the press got wind, and sure enough, there was an article and a picture of us released today that’s all over the news.
And then my co-worker, Kayla, found me leaving Rowan’s bedroom at five this morning, and she was the one who helped leak the story to the press.
I told Rowan it would be better if I left.
Give him time to think about our relationship cause what the hell is he doing with me?
And I did. I left. And here I am.” I was totally out of breath.
My mom sat beside me and held my hand gently. She smiled in that way that told me everything would be all right. I was grateful to see her kind eyes staring back at me. She was so comforting, and her warmth wound through me, a soothing balm for my fucked-up nerves.
Until she smacked my hand. Hard. Southern mamas are fierce about tough love, y’all.
“Given what you went through with Anton, you went and fell in love with your boss? Again? And how could you put yourself and the man you love at risk like that? If you love Rowan, you should’ve waited!”
My cheeks heated. “I couldn’t help it. This is unlike anything I’ve ever felt.
Look at him, Mama, would you have resisted?
” I pulled up the picture of the two of us on my phone, the only one I had (outside of the pics now circulating on the internet), the one I couldn’t delete, and showed it to her.
Goddamn, the adoring way we looked at each other.
Our love was right there for anyone to see.
“You make a fine couple, Andrew, but you know better than that.” She shook her head at me and munched on a cookie. “What’s going to happen now? How long are you home for?”
“I don’t know. I just want to bury myself under a blanket and never come out.”
“Come on, Drew, we didn’t raise a quitter. If you love Rowan like you say you do, you need to sit down with him and figure it out. Don’t let other people destroy your happiness.”
“Is this a sign that I should let him go? He’s a billionaire, Mama. How would I fit into his world? What can I give him?”
“Honey, you are so smart and funny and sarcastic and gorgeous, kind, sweet…Lord, I could go on all night, but I don’t want you to get a big ego.
Most importantly, you care so much about people.
Your heart is full of kindness and love, and that’s the best gift he could ever receive.
He is the luckiest man in the world to have you.
” She smiled at me and wiped my face. “And you’d fit in just fine.
You make friends wherever you go, no matter the situation.
Is he the man you want to build your life with? ”
“Yes,” I replied without hesitation. “I never expected to fall in love like this. But I’m scared of being kicked to the curb.
Again. What if the same thing happens with Rowan?
I don’t think I could go through that. And this would be way worse because the love I have for him is so much deeper than what I felt for Anton. ”
My mom sighed. “I know you cared for Anton, honey, he was your first love. But he didn’t care for you the same way.
I saw it and so did your dad. He was selfish and immature, and his actions at the end reflected that.
But don’t let that stop you from something wonderful with Rowan.
If he’s the man for you, you need to take a chance and jump. ”
“You’re right.” I took a deep breath. “I love Rowan so much. And his family too, they’re awesome. We had quite the Christmas.”
“You met his family? And they like you?” she asked.
I nodded.
“But that’s when I was working for him. They don’t know about our relationship. They may end up hating me when the press descends. He’s already dealing with high blood pressure from stress.”
“If you love each other, you’ll find a way.”
“Rowan told me it wasn’t over, so I guess I should have faith.”
“Exactly. Get cleaned up, and I’ll fix you a plate of supper. Your dad will be home soon. Then you can tell us about your business plans and figure out your happily ever after with Rowan.”
“We fell in love. I said nothing about marriage.”
My mom gave me a glare that meant business. “You’re my only child, so I expect a wedding and eventually, grandbabies. But for now, I’ll settle for a wedding.”
I laughed out loud for the first time in hours, and it felt good. That little bit of hope burned brighter inside of me. I clung to it and refused to let go.
ROWAN
The captain preferred to handle the situation with Kayla on his own, but I wanted my say. He was already seated when she entered my office, and her face didn’t look the least bit surprised.
“This meeting is to advise that you are being terminated effective immediately. And I will be contacting my team of solicitors to sue you for breaching your NDA. You contact me, Andrew, or anyone related to this ship or my business ever again, and I will drag you through so much litigation you’ll be in debt in perpetuity. ”
Her face visibly paled, but she lifted her chin. “I have other pictures.”
“I don’t care. Captain, please escort Kayla to her bunk while she packs and do not leave her unguarded.”
“Of course,” George replied as he stood up. He motioned to the door, and Kayla stomped out.
Good riddance.
Picking up my phone, I placed a call to Aiden. I was not looking forward to this conversation, but all I cared about was getting Andrew back in my life. I would take whatever tongue-lashing my legal team would no doubt dispense. My uncle had already left several angry voicemails to that effect.
“Fulman, Furrow, Barstock, and Alden, how can I direct your call?” A smooth voice answered.
“Rowan Carter to speak with Aiden Barstock, please. It’s urgent.”
“One moment please.”
I tapped nervously on my desk as I waited.
“Rowan, what the fuck is going on? I just received a message from your media team that a serious storm has blown up, something about you having an affair with one of your employees.” Aiden’s booming voice echoed through the line.
“I’d like to set up a remote press conference. I’m currently docked in Anguilla.”
“Tell me everything.”
I proceeded to explain the whole story, including the news article and Kayla’s involvement.
“You should have let the captain handle her dismissal and avoided any further contact with her. Don’t ever do anything like that again without contacting me first.”
“I’m sorry, Aiden. Well, not really. It felt fucking amazing to sack her.”
I could hear Aiden’s sigh on the other end of the line. “Was that hot American arse worth all this trouble?”
“It’s not just sex, you eejit! I love him, and he loves me. If I have my way, we’re going to get married, so stop insulting my future husband,” I spat out.
“Married? Is he pushing for that? Are you sure Andrew’s motives aren’t suspect? Have you had him investigated? In fact, I’ll get on that right away.”
“Do what’s needed, but I trust Andrew. He’s friends with Ravi, and he vetted him carefully.”
“Like he did with Kayla?”
I rolled my eyes. “Investigate as you see fit, but let me tell Andrew.”
“Fine.”
“I also need you to advise me on how to respond to Lionel. I got the deal with Owen signed, but this media blow-up will tip his hand. The board will not appreciate my sex life being front page news again.”
“You’re right. I think it’s best I head down on the next flight to prep you for the media scrum and to discuss our strategy with the company.
And I want to talk to the captain and get a suit filed against that woman as soon as possible.
We’ll also need to discuss your assets if you and this Andrew bloke decide to embark on a relationship. ”
“I’m not stupid, Aiden.”
The loud snort on the other end of the line indicated otherwise. Aiden was not subtle in the slightest.
“All right, I acted without thinking of the consequences, but it will all work out in the end. And I’m happy to have my private charter waiting at Heathrow for you, just tell me when.”
“As soon as possible. I can be at the airport in two hours.”
“Done. And thank you.”
“Of course. You’re also my friend, and I don’t leave friends stranded during times of crisis,” Aiden sighed. “Tell me about your Andrew. He must be someone special to catch your attention.” Underneath all the gruff, smart-mouth replies, Aiden was a true friend.
A half hour later, we wrapped up our call.
“If I’d known you’d blather on about your boyfriend for thirty plus minutes, I would’ve made more room in my schedule. As it is, I should submit your salacious yet saccharine story to Mills and Boon for publication and be compensated for my valuable time.”
“Bugger off, you cranky wanker. You’re just jealous. Let’s deal with this mess so I can reunite with my man. It’s been seven hours since he left my bed, and I’m going out of my bloody mind.”
“Please save your ridiculous proclamations for someone who actually believes in romantic love. I’ll text you when the conference call is set up.
In the meantime, I’ll chat with your PR team, and we’ll issue a brief release about the press announcement.
DO NOT speak to any reporters or your uncle until that time. Understood?”
“Right. Thanks, Aiden. I owe you.”
“Don’t worry, you’ll get the bill.”
I didn’t care how much it cost; it was worth everything. So long as Andrew came back to me.