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“I thought you were going to work on the McAdams businesses.”
“That’s for Ben, and if not him, Ash will do it. Me, I want to start a program to fund small businesses for women.”
“Okay,” I said, wondering how I was going to fit in this.
“My first project is to give you the money you need to open your restaurant.”
“Beth, I can’t—”
“It’s not charity or a handout, Morgan. This would be business startup funding through Raven Industries. You’ll pay it back, so it’s a loan, but I can guarantee you it will be more money with a lower interest rate. Plus, you’ll get the resources Raven Industries has to offer to help your business be successful. No money down, and you don’t have to start repaying for three years,” Beth hurried through the spiel.
“I don’t know — ”
“Morgan, don’t say no just because you feel this is charity,” Ash said. “Raven Industries doesn’t invest in losers. Beth told me her goals for this small business program, and your plans, and I think this is something the company will want to do. Now, you can walk away, and we can give the first round of money to someone else. Or you can graciously accept what Beth is offering.”
“Ash,” Beth said. “She’s not being ungracious.”
“He’s right. I love your project, and I appreciate you want to help me, but … with my mom’s health, she needs me to help her in the cleaning business.”
Beth put her hands over mine. “Morgan, the startup funding will allow for you to have some income. It won’t take away from what you’re earning now. Granted, you may have to spend more time as the business starts up, but it won’t hurt you financially.”
I felt tears run down my cheeks. I hadn’t realized until that moment how touched I was by her generosity. Or how much I wanted to say yes.
“You don’t have to decide right now,” Ash said. “We can go over details and you can even discuss them with your mother. SCORE has experts you can get guidance for free from as well.”
“Morgan, when you start your restaurant, can I still be your sous chef?” Hannah asked.
I laughed. “I’d love that, munchkin.”
11
Kade — Thursday
I was working like a dog the last few weeks, trying to outrun the guilt of how I’d left things with Morgan. I knew I owed her an apology, and at the time, seeing her would only make me want her again — which didn’t seem like a good idea. But holy hell, did I want to see her again. I couldn’t remember ever having a woman haunt me not just in my dreams, but during my waking hours like she did. Each new dish I prepped for consideration at a restaurant, I wanted to serve to her to see what she thought. At night, her luscious body came to me in my dreams, which meant every morning I was jerking off with her in my mind. It was maddening even as it held an element of excitement.
With Ash back from his honeymoon, Chase called a meeting to review where we were on various projects. I was feeling a bit surly and would likely end up arguing with one if not all of my brothers. But I couldn’t come up with a good excuse not to attend, so I entered the conference room and took my normal seat.
My brothers were already there. They all looked relaxed and happy. Fuckers.
“You all right, Kade?” Chase asked.
“Just have work to do. Can we get on with this?”
Chase gave us an overview of Dad’s projects in Europe since he wasn’t there, then he went over his own project in Florida, which had a rocky start but seemed on track now. Hunter reported that all properties were having security upgrades starting with New York properties. I had nothing new to share; all the restaurants were making money. End of report.
Since Ash had been on vacation, I figured we’d be able to go, but apparently, he still had something to present.
“Beth has come up with a proposal for a Raven Industries Small Business program to help women entrepreneurs.”
“What is it about all your wives needing to get their hands dirty in Raven business?” I said tersely. It was bad enough that my brothers seemed to be living in bliss; I didn’t need their wives all up in my business too.
“What’s gotten into you?” Hunter asked.
“Nothing,” I said a little too defensively. “I just don’t think Dad’s vision was giving the company over your women. They’re supposed to be wives and mothers.”
“I knew you were an asshole, but I didn’t know you were a sexist pig,” Chase said.
Fuck. “I’m not. I’m all for them doing whatever they want, except taking over Raven Industries.”
“They’re not taking over,” Chase said.
“And we’ve already bought McAdams. Why not give that to Beth and send Ben packing?” That guy was a waste of space.
