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Arranged To Be Mine

Page 124

by Weston Parker

“Wouldn’t have missed it.”

I cupped her face in my hands. “You did it, Darcy. You actually did it. CEO of Corwin Gems. Your name on the door. The whole empire at your feet.”

“It doesn’t feel real yet.”

“Give it time. It’ll sink in when you’re drowning in paperwork and boring meetings.”

She groaned. “Thanks for the reminder.”

I leaned in closer, lowering my voice. “You know, I’ve discovered something about myself recently.”

“Oh yeah? What’s that?”

“Turns out I have a thing for boss babes.”

She burst out laughing, drawing a few curious looks from nearby. “Boss babes?”

“Women in power. Authority figures. CEOs of major jewelry companies.” I waggled my eyebrows. “It’s a real thing.”

She rose up on her toes and kissed me, quick but sweet. “Thank you. For everything. For believing in me when I didn’t believe in myself.”

“Always.”

I glanced toward the hallway that led to the executive offices. “So, speaking of your new position of power… how soon can we christen that corner office of yours?”

She swatted my chest, but she was still laughing. “Beau!”

“What? It’s a legitimate question. You’re the CEO now. You can do whatever you want.”

“My father’s stuff is still in there. He hasn’t even moved out yet.”

“So we wait until tomorrow?”

She shook her head, but I could see the flush creeping up her neck. “You’re impossible.”

“Impossibly charming. Impossibly handsome. Impossibly in love with you.” I pulled her close again. “Take your pick.”

Before she could respond, Lou appeared at our side.

“There you two are,” he said. “I was hoping to steal you both for a drink. If you can spare a moment from all the celebrating.”

Darcy looked at me. I nodded.

“Of course, Dad.”

We followed him to a quiet corner of the atrium where a small seating area had been set up. Lou had already commandeered a bottle of champagne and three glasses. He poured for all of us and raised his glass.

“To Darcy,” he said. “May your tenure be long and prosperous.”

“To Darcy,” I echoed.

We clinked glasses and drank. The champagne was excellent. Lou Corwin didn’t do anything halfway either. Now I knew where Darcy got it from.

“I want to thank you, Beau,” Lou said, settling into his chair. “For everything you’ve done for my daughter.”

“I didn’t do anything. She did all the work.”

“That’s not true and we both know it.” He fixed me with those sharp eyes, so similar to Darcy’s. “You helped her recognize her value. That’s no small thing. I thought I was doing that all these years, but I think I missed the mark a bit.”