Page 107 of On His Terms
She’d tried to think through everything. Truthfully, her company had never worked harder on any project.
Nerves stretched to breaking point, Chelsea checked her watch. Thirty minutes until the doors opened. Things were ahead of schedule, thank God. And they should be.
For weeks, she’d barely slept.
And it was more than just the event bothering her—it was the fact she was going to see Master Alexander—Alexander—she mentally corrected herself.
Would she ever be able to think of him without seeing him in that commanding role?
More, would she ever get over him?
Jennifer walked toward her. “Seems we have everything under control.”
“You’ve done an amazing job.”
“It was teamwork,” Jen replied.
“You’re the one who got the deal over the finish line.” After the night at the Den and saying goodbye to Alexander for good, Chelsea had been uncharacteristically detached from You’re The Star and the pursuit of her goals.
Jen had stepped into the void, and she deserved that recognition. “It’s time for you to get a raise.” Chelsea also planned to add a nice fat bonus to her admin’s next paycheck. “And sometime next week, when we’ve both had some rest, I want to talk to you about becoming my partner in the business.”
Jen’s mouth opened. “For real?”
“You’re indispensable, the only person I’ve ever known who works as hard on the company as I do. Recently, you’ve worked your ass off and you’ve been far more focused than I have.” She gave a wry smile. “You’re my rock.” At this point, Jen was also a friend and confidante, in addition to being the world’s greatest executive admin.
Grinning, Jen hugged Chelsea. “I’m honored you’d consider it.”
“We’ll work out the details next week. Either over margaritas or coffee and dessert.”
“And maybe champagne after?”
“A nice bottle. We both deserve it.”
Then, because they were so close, Jen studied Chelsea closely. “How are you really doing?”
“I’m looking forward to the event, but…”
“It’s going to be hard emotionally?” Jen guessed.
“Yes.” Time and distance hadn’t diminished Chelsea’s love for Alexander.
How could she be happy when a piece of her heart was missing?
Keeping memories of him at bay had become a full-time job. Though she kept herself busy at work, writing proposals, juggling commitments, and had started going to yoga classes, he’d continually sneaked into her thoughts. Every night, he showed up in her dreams, wearing a wicked smile, beckoning her, and she’d abruptly wake up, only to find him gone.
“I’ll be close by. I promise to keep an eye on you.”
Chelsea nodded. “You’ll be too busy.” And hopefully the same was true for her and she wouldn’t notice him at all.
As if.
“I just want to make sure—one more time—that the check-in staff understands how to upsell raffle tickets.”
“I’ll make a final pass through the space.”
Chelsea had mentally rehearsed how she was going to act if—when—she came face-to-face with Alexander. She’d be wearing her brightest smile, exuding confidence as she offered her hand and wished him lots of success. Her demeanor would be professional, and she’d give a quick excuse, then move off and see to some pressing demand.
At the end of the evening, she’d leave Jennifer to deal with the Monahan brothers while she saw to the other guests.