Page 62 of The CEO Enemy
Eventually, Mr. Grant nods. “Oh, why not?” He glances at me and Emma. “My apologies, ladies,” he says, a sheepish grin appearing, as if he’s suddenly realized he’s treading on thin ice. “I will be sure to watch my tone from now on. Must be the jet lag talking, you know, ha-ha.” He nods again, trying to ease the tension, and it’s evident that he’s chasing his tail, realizing he overstepped and needs to regain Sean’s favor.
I go to accept his apology, which is more than I ever expected from this encounter, but Sean speaks up again.
“Oh, come on, Andrew. You can do better than that.” The hint of a smirk graces his lips. He’s loving making this guy squirm and giving him a taste of his own medicine.
Mr. Grant’s cheeks redden, and his back straightens as he adjusts his already-immaculate suit jacket, then looks at me and Emma. “Of course, of course. I’m sorry,” he says, releasing another awkward chuckle. “I appreciate your help, ladies. I will take you up on the offer for dinner and a drink, Ms. Summers. And, I’ll make sure my tone is as smooth as a freshly buttered biscuit from here on out.”
“Apology accepted, Mr. Grant,” I tell him in my cheerful voice. I try so hard not to glance over at Pauline, because I know if I do, I won’t be able to hold back a laugh at seeing this jerk of a man put so firmly in his place.
With a nod, he takes the vouchers Emma hands him and walks toward the restaurant. While his steps are slow and leisurely, I notice the tension in his shoulders and the tips of his ears turn red the farther he walks away.
As soon as he’s out of earshot, I turn to Sean, but Emma speaks first.
“Mr. Blackwood,” she says, beaming at him, “I don’t want to sound unprofessional here, but that was the best thing I’ve seen in a long time.”
“I agree,” Pauline says.
Sean chuckles—actually chuckles!—completely unaccustomed to all these Westerlyn hearts swooping his way. “I don’t have use for guests who try to nickel and dime, and he has no business being rude to either of you when you were just doing your jobs. Make a note on his account. Let the others know if he tries anything during the rest of his stay to inform me, and I’ll take care of it.”
“Perfect!” Pauline inclines her head eagerly.
“Of course, sir!” Emma continues to beam at him, and then I hear her fingers dancing across the keys as she pulls up the guy’s information. Sean and I share a brief glance before he heads back to his office while I hang around for another minute or two, just to make sure no one else shows up, or Mr. Grant doesn’t come back.
When we’re alone, Emma gives me the biggest grin.
“Oh…goodness gracious,” Pauline says dryly, giving me a “WTH was that?” expression.
“That was bloody amazing!” Emma swoons, practically bouncing up and down on her heels. “I mean, it was lovely of him to back you up and call out Mr. Grant’s behavior, but I was not expecting him to make him apologize, let alone literally demand the words ‘I’m sorry.’”
“Neither was I,” I say, equally flabbergasted, still contemplating his unexpected reaction to the difficult guest who clearly had ulterior motives.
“Oh, my God, the way Mr. Grant turned his back on you?” Emma lowers her voice. “What an absolute tosser—pardon my French.”
“A douchebag par excellence,” Pauline agrees.
“It’s all right,” I say. “I think Sean embarrassed him enough to make up for it.”
“I never would have guessed he would have that reaction,” Pauline says.
“No, me neither!” Emma exclaims, her hand on her heart, looking back in the direction Sean left. “I was convinced he was going to fire me.”
“Well, it seems he’s got a knack for keeping us on our toes!” I say and we all lock eyes, smirking at each other.
I don’t quite realize the depth of his defense and what it means to me. All I know is that my mind is reeling. All I wanna do is chase after Sean and do…I don’t even know what. Something. I want to do something with him, to him.
Pauline is the first to glance at her watch and call it a night.
Just as I’m about to storm off, she turns back and tells me that she almost forgot why she’s been looking for me. She reports that her staff is slowly adapting to using the new computer we provided for those who aren’t tech savvy. In fact, some of them even find it “cool” and “hip,” earning a thumbs-up from their grandchildren. A deep satisfaction settles in my soul, and I bring both women into the happiest hug the world has ever seen.
“Are you all set, Emma?” I ask after we finally wish Pauline a happy evening. “I’m gonna head back to finish my work if you’re good here.”
She waves, a smile still on her face and returns to her screen. “Oh, yes, I’ve got it.”
With each step toward Sean’s office, I move faster and faster, until I’m power walking down the hall.
I need to get to Sean—and quickly. The moment I see the door of his office, I know exactly what I’m gonna do when I get there. Sarah is gone by now, but he’s waiting for me, leaning on the edge of the desk, with his arms crossed. When I approach the doorway, his dark eyes meet mine.
“You all right there, Jess?” he rumbles.