Page 88 of See You Maybe
Olivia’s eyes narrowed. “That’s almost fifty people. You need them.”
Declan twirled his pen between his fingers. “XEROS will be manufactured at a company I own in Ireland. The tax benefits make it a more attractive option.”
Olivia’s lips parted in shock. She knew he would try to lean the company down to make it attractive to a buyer, but to hear the dismantlement would start so soon was disheartening.
“Declan, there must be?—”
“A companywide memorandum will go out today. Those who choose to leave now will be offered a more generous package than those who wait until it becomes necessary to eliminate their position. Though everyone will be offered something.” Declan’s expression softened the tiniest amount. “I’m not trying to ruin people's lives. This is business.”
Frustration and anger had her shaking as Olivia pushed to her feet. “You said I have thirty days to change your mind.”
Declan let out a long exhale through his nose. “That’s not what I said.”
“It’s what I heard.” With that parting shot, Olivia turned on her heel and stalked to the door.
“Olivia.” Declan’s voice stopped her at the door. “Thanks for…” He held up the paper files she had delivered to him, and despite herself, her cheeks heated.
“What’s this?” A worn, thin paperback dropped on her stomach. Olivia set her e-reader on the bed next to her and picked up the thin volume. “This is the book you just finished?” Her eyes lifted to his.
“You said you hadn’t read it.” Declan shrugged.
“I’m not sure I took you for a physical book kind of guy.” Declan lifted his eyebrows. “You strike me as more of a techie.” Olivia lifted her device and wiggled it in the air.
Declan dropped onto the bed next to her. “Nah. I’ll always prefer the analog route when it comes to reading.”
“Really? Why?”
He shrugged. “I pay more attention if I’m touching it.” He gave her a sly smile as he ran a finger down her bare arm, drawing goosebumps.
Olivia wanted to snap that she hadn’t given him paper copies on purpose… but she had. Now, she was furious with herself.
A young man appeared in the doorway, his eyes going from Olivia to Declan.
“I’m sorry to interrupt, but you have a phone call.”
Olivia watched irritation wash over Declan’s expression. “Not now, Todd.”
“I’m sorry. She is insistent.”
Declan’s lips turned down. “My sister?”
“It’s Fiona Carrol.”
Olivia’s stomach twisted unpleasantly.
Declan is marrying another woman.
I’m just someone from his past who temporarily works for him.
She needed to remember that. And, she told herself, the pressure in her chest had nothing to do with jealousy.
Liar.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Atlanta–Present Day
Declan knew he shouldn’t look forward to his meeting with Olivia as much as he was. If he were smart, Declan would leave someone else in charge here and go back to New York.