Chapter 14: Forever With The CEO: Chapter 14

I always prided myself in taking things as they came and simply doing what needed to be done. I liked to foresee things, of course. Predictions were helpful; preparation even more so. But I’d completely failed to foresee that Mom would get wind of my impending marriage.

“How come my son is getting married and I didn’t hear it from him?” she said instead of hello.

Usually, she waited for my call so that I wasn’t in a meeting or anything similar. Then again, it was seven thirty in the morning. She knew I didn’t have any meetings scheduled this early. I was surprised she was awake, though. She was in Asia right now. I’d completely lost track of time zones.

“Who blabbed?” I asked as I threw my clothes for the day on the bed.

“It doesn’t matter. You thought I wouldn’t find out?”

“Mom, I was planning to tell you.”

“When? I need to organize myself and buy tickets.”

I stilled in the act of pulling a tie from the tie rack. “You want to come?”

“Nick! Of course!” It was the first time I’d heard her warning tone in years.

“Whoever blabbed told you why this is happening, right?”

“Yes. I got all the information.”

“And you still want to come?” I double-checked.

“Yes. It’s going to be a very nice moment, and I want to be there.”

“But there’s nothing to celebrate,” I reiterated.

“I disagree. My son is taking this huge step to make sure that his best friend’s kids are cared for.”

Her words disarmed me completely.

“You don’t need to worry about plane tickets. I’ll buy them.”

“Nonsense. I love that my sons take care of me, but I’m making a good income with my yoga and Pilates classes. And my cost of living is really low here in Bali.” She spent most of her time there these days, though she moved from one island to another in Indonesia.

“The ticket is on me,” I insisted. “It’s going to cost a lot because it’s such short notice. No reason for you to break the bank. How long do you want to stay?”

“Depends when it is. I’ve got some retreats planned.”

“Mom, really, you don’t have to come—” I began, but she interrupted me.

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world. I’d rather cancel a retreat. Besides, I miss you boys.” After a pause, she added, “Unless…”

“Unless what?” I asked.

“Unless you think it would make things awkward with your half brothers.”

I sucked in a deep breath. No matter how much time passed, this would always be a difficult topic. My brothers and I were all closer now than ever before, but I wasn’t sure how they felt about Mom. It had to be awkward for sure. Gabe was the only one who’d met her, and he’d been perfectly polite to her, but that didn’t mean the others would react the same way.

“I’m sure it’ll work out.” I’d never allow Mom to feel unwanted, no matter what everyone else was feeling.

“Then I look forward to it. Do we have a dress code?”

“It’s just a city hall ceremony.”

“Oh.”

I laughed. “Disappointed that you’re flying over here just for that?”

“No party?”

“No. We’re just going to have an early dinner at a nice restaurant afterward.”

“Well, it’s the company that matters. Now, tell me about Allison. I don’t think I’ve ever heard anything about her.”

I gave up on the idea of dressing while talking and instead went out to the terrace overlooking Boston. I’d miss this view, but it was more than worth giving up. Besides, it was only for a short time. Who knew? If this stretched on for too long, maybe we would all move in here. I was certain the twins would enjoy having a playroom. The realtor who sold me this place told me it was perfect to raise a family. I’d scoffed at the notion back then, but now I could see the benefits.

Fucking hell, I’m going to have a family. The marriage might be fake, but the responsibility wasn’t. And I wanted to care for the twins for real. I wanted them to have the best.

And I wanted the same for Allison.

“Allison is great. She’s a CFO and works hard as hell. She immediately took the twins in after the accident.”

“But how is she as a person?”

“I don’t know her very well.”

“Oh, I don’t think that’s true.” As usual, Mom cut through the bullshit.

“I’ve really only gotten to hang out with her over the past few months. She’s a very warm person, very dedicated.”

“And attractive, I hear.”

“Leo blabbed, didn’t he?” I asked.

“Yes. He might have also mentioned that you’ve noticed how hot she is.”

I closed my eyes tightly and then opened them again. I didn’t want to be short with my mom; however, I was going to be short with Leo later. I didn’t need this type of commentary floating around. Things were going to be difficult and confusing enough as they were without his help.

“That’s irrelevant, Mom.”

“I respect that.”

“For the time being, we’re going to share a space and our lives. Then, once the dust settles on the custody battle, we’ll go our separate ways.”

“Yes, yes. I’ve got the gist,” Mom said. I could tell she was fighting laughter. “I’m certain it’ll go according to plan.”

I couldn’t resist. “Are you mocking me?”

“Oh, Nick, I know you. You’re going to live with a gorgeous woman, and somehow you think that—”

“Mom, this is not helpful,” I said respectfully.

“Oh, okay. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to interfere. Well, I can’t wait to see you and your brothers. And meet Allison, of course, and the twins.”

“You’ll like Allison.”

“I have no doubt. If you like her, she must be really special.”

“She is.” I headed back inside the penthouse. “I’ve got to go, Mom. I need to start my day.”

“Of course. Nick, I’m very proud of you.”

“Thanks, Mom. That means a lot to me.”

After hanging up, I threw on my suit and headed out. I didn’t often wear one, but today I was heading to an important meeting, and clothing mattered. Suits and ties always give an extra edge.

The meeting was in the opposite direction from where my offices were but not far from Allison’s building. I couldn’t wait until the weekend, but I could help her relax even before that.

I knew exactly what would help, so I texted Frances on the way. Allison said she liked hot tubs, and I’d just come up with something even better.

I mentally searched for anyone I could ask about how Allison used to spend her free time, but I had zero contact with her friends. My only liaison with her had been Nora, and we’d never really spoken about her sister. Whenever I went to their home, we mostly grilled and had a good time. And after the twins came, it had become harder to actually have a conversation because they were both chasing them nearly all the time.

No, I didn’t know too much about Allison. But I’d have plenty of opportunities to find out.

For now, I had a surprise in store for her.

***

Allison

There were days when I was happy to keep my heels on the entire day. And there were others when I wanted to change into flip-flops the second I sat at my desk. This was one of the latter.

Derek had sent me the information regarding the bonus I’d get if I took on the M&A case. It wasn’t nearly enough to make up for the extra time I’d spend working on it. So, I was faced with actually turning down a project for the first time in my entire career. I was certain it would send Derek the signal that I wasn’t quite the worker bee that I’d been in the past.

But maybe that was for the best. Before, I never cared much about setting boundaries because work had always been first, but now it wasn’t anymore. Annie and Jack were my highest priority.

As I prepared a short and to-the-point email to Derek, I felt a sense of relief. A small part of me was still a bit afraid that I was setting myself up for difficult times in the future, but I wasn’t going to let that fear drag me down. I was a damn good CFO. If I wasn’t wanted here anymore, I could always get a new job. I’d climbed to the top of my field in record time. No one was going to take that achievement away from me.

After sending the email, I checked my phone and noticed I had a message from Nick.

Nick: I have a surprise for you.

He’d sent me a link to a website for The Relaxing Oasis. There was a slider with pictures of a Turkish bath, steam and sauna, and even small hot pools. I was already starting to relax just looking at the pictures. I could practically feel my muscles loosening. Then I looked at what else he’d sent.

Nick: What would you say about spending an evening there? I’ll stay with the twins.

Oh, this man.

Nick: I’ll buy vouchers, so you don’t have to worry about anything. My treat, of course.

I grinned from ear to ear. I liked Nick Whitley as a person. It wasn’t just that I thought he was hot as hell and I was way too attracted to him—he was genuinely a fantastic guy.

Allison: Not your treat at all. I can take care of myself.

Nick: I know, but it was my idea.

Hmm. Knowing him, he wasn’t going to let go of this too easily. I had no idea what made me write the next message, but I only realized what I’d done after I sent it.

Allison: Fine. It can be your treat, but on one condition. You join me on Thursday. I’ll ask Doreen if she can watch the twins.

Nick: Deal.

Oh goodness. I’d have to wear a bikini in front of Nick. And he’d wear swim trunks, or a towel. I had a hard time keeping my wits about me when he was fully clothed. What was I thinking asking him to join me in a tight space where we’d be very scantily dressed?

Was this insane? Yes. Was I toeing a fine line? Also yes.

Did I have any regrets about asking him that?

Hell no.