Page 17 of I Choose You

I paused in the hallway at Todd’s voice.

Shit. Nerves returned.

“Can you come in here for a sec, please?”

I smiled as I stepped into his office. “How’s Joey doing with his arm? That poor kid.”

“Oh, he’s a trooper. Hey, I’m going to need you to start setting up times for the new project.”

My shoulders slumped. So much for trying to distract him to talk about something else first.

“I am so glad you reached out to Wagner Industries. Specifically Kaden.”

First names already? “Oh, really?”

“I’m very impressed. You know, such a reputable conglomerate like theirs?” He shrugged. “When you first told me about the email, I’ll admit I was skeptical. I mean, Wagner Industries? I expected him to be a hardass and not compromise. I figured he’d be stuffy and full of himself, another greedy, corporate asshole.”

Isn’t he?

He sat back in his chair and set his hands on the armrests to swivel. “He’s so polite and patient. Professional and sharp. I’m truly glad you reached out to him.”

“I’m happy to help. I’m always ready to find ways to improve the company’s success.” But maybe not with him?

He grinned. “And we can count on plenty of success with the deal we struck.”

I raised my brows. “But…”

“What? I value your input. Tell me.”

“A deal? Already?”

Frowning, he slowed his side-to-side swiveling. “Yes. Why drag it out?”

“Well.” I drummed my fingers on his doorframe. “I sent out a few emails. You never know. We could get another deal, and if—”

“Another deal with someone else? No. Why would we pass on a chance to work with Wagner?”

“Isn’t it too hasty of a decision—of a big decision?” I’d written the proposal. I knew how much we were talking about. “Maybe you could speak with someone else on their team before going ahead.”

His frown deepened. “Do you have a reason you don’t want to work with Kaden?”

I swallowed and hesitated. Wanting to be a team player warred with wishing I never had to see Kaden and spare myself the memories from high school. He stared at me expectantly, and I finally shook my head. “Oh, no, not at all. I’m all for it.”

He smiled as he scooted closer to his desk. “Good. Then you better get cracking on the schedule.”

“Me?”

“Yes, you.” He chuckled like he was confused by my reaction. “You’re the best person to handle this account.”

Oh, sure I am.

7

KADEN

By the time Friday came, I was more than ready for the weekend. I only had one more meeting to go to, and I’d been looking forward to it since Tuesday. Brooke had sent me a follow-up email, asking to further discuss the deal I’d agreed to with her boss. Seeing her name excited me, which was bizarre.

I hadn’t thought about her—or anyone from high school—for so long. Now that I’d run into her, I couldn’t wait to see her again.