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She warily looks at me, “Okay.”
As soon as she closes the door, I reach out, take Val into my arms, and give her a hungry kiss full of promise. She kisses me back; she can’t hide her body’s involuntary response to me. It’s telling.
I lift my head but keep my arms around her waist. She looks up at me and bites her lip.
“First. Val, I called my realtor this morning to cancel tomorrow’s appointment to see a house. I found a place I think would be perfect for us to move into.”
“Us?”
“Yes, I thought I could talk you into selling the duplex so we could move into a larger home with more room for both of us. Carol’s assistant didn’t know we were married. She thought you were worried about having a new neighbor.”
Val gives me a soft, relieved smile, then lifts her eyebrow, “Does this house have a big kitchen?”
“It’s got a huge kitchen and three bathrooms.”
“A walk-in closet?”
“A his and hers, walk-in closet.”
“What about the backyard?”
“It’s got a great backyard, but could probably use a few more plants.”
“Anything else?” her eyes search mine.
“Yes, there’s four bedrooms, one that would be perfect—“
The door is suddenly yanked open by a frantic-looking Ellen. Dave is standing behind her with an apologetic look on his face.
“There you are. Val, they’re asking for you in the board meeting.”
Val turns reluctantly, “Alright. I’ll be there in a minute,” then she stops and looks at me, “Chase–”
“We’ll talk later,” I promise her and squeeze her hand.
“Do you want to join us for the meeting?”
“Yes, I’d like that.”
Forty-Three
Val
I give Chase a nod. Then I turn toward Ellen and Dave, “All of us will be attending the meeting,” I inform them firmly.
“We will?” Ellen and Dave both look at me wide-eyed.
I then hand them each a small stack of papers, “Yes, Ellen, you helped prepare these for me. If you and Dave could pass them out to the board members while I review the numbers, it would be helpful. Then, we will all be available to answer any questions that might be asked. Okay?”
They both nod. I turn back to Chase and take his hand. Then, with a spring in my step, we walk out of the copier room and cross over to the boardroom.
When I open the conference room door, I give everyone a wide, friendly smile. The Chair and Vice Chair of the Board catch my eye, and they nod solemnly to me as I enter. I nod back.
“Good morning,” I walk toward the head of the conference room and gesture for Chase to take my normal seat. I remain standing between Chase and my uncle, who’s at the head of the table. I notice Ellen and Dave are standing ready to hand out the report.
I address the room, “Everyone, this is my husband, Chase Knight, and I’ve brought two people from my department with me today. Ellen Stone and Dave Johnson.”
My uncle turns toward me with a frown and states loudly, “Valentina, I called this emergency board meeting because I just received word this morning that your major buyer has backed out. He is refusing to sign the contract.”
