Miss Match (10 page)

“I didn’t realize my personal life was causing the company so much distress,” Luke said. The words caught in his throat, but he forced them out anyway. “It wasn’t my intention to endanger the company. I’m as interested in seeing Ryder Communications continue to succeed as the rest of you, obviously.”

Darius smiled. “I’m glad to hear it.”

Luke swallowed hard. “I’ve allowed my grief to overcome my good sense the last few months, but I see that it’s time for me to put that all behind me. What can I do to regain your trust?”

The next two hours were grueling. The board’s demands were numerous, but nothing he hadn’t been doing daily until two months ago. Show up to work every day. Show up sober. Show up before nine. Stay out of the tabloids. Get back on track with the corporate version of the home automation system, and launch it by summer. Either fix Talia’s bugs, or start over with a new voice automation system.

“We want shareholders to feel like the company’s making progress,” Darius told Luke as they finished up. “It’s been a while since our successes with the security features and integration systems of early models. We need to restore confidence in you as CEO, and Ryder Communications as a company. Let’s see if we can’t launch some new products and get stock up, okay?”

And if I don’t?
But Luke didn’t ask that question. He already knew the answer.

“I’ll handpick a team today for the corporate automation system and revamping Talia,” Luke said. “And I’ll personally oversee both.” He hadn’t brought anything with him to the meeting, but the intern had graciously brought his work laptop from his office. “I’ll get to work immediately.”

“Excellent,” Darius said. “We’re pleased you’re willing to work with us. I feel like we’ve made good progress today. We’re hopeful things can turn around. Let’s reconvene in a month and see where we are. Meeting adjourned.”

The room broke up into individual conversations. Members of the board left the conference room, rushing to whatever it was they did with the rest of their time. Luke closed the lid on his laptop and stood.

From behind, Darius clapped Luke on the shoulder. “I hope we weren’t too harsh with you. Your father was a dear friend of mine. I don’t want to see his company destroyed because you’re mourning.”

Luke clenched his jaw. “It’s my
company too, Reginald.”

Darius frowned. “I hope you can handle the job. To be CEO at twenty-five . . . I’m sorry such a burden has been placed on you.”

Me too.
But Luke wasn’t about to let Darius know that. “My father was twenty-five when he started Ryder Communications. If he could do it, so can I.”

“Yes, but back then he was the company’s sole employee, and mostly doing contract work. Plus he had your dear mother to help him.”

Luke stood and grabbed his laptop off the table.
Don’t say a word.

“Karen supported and helped him through the hard times. Family is really all we have, when you think about it. I doubt Ryder Communications would’ve ever gotten off the ground without your mom’s help.” Darius smiled. “I’ll check in with you regularly, and if you need any help, don’t hesitate to call. I’m on your side.”

Luke gave Darius a tight nod and left the room. Mitch trailed his footsteps. The two men were silent as they walked down the hallway to Luke’s office. Luke’s personal secretary looked up in surprise, jumping to her feet as they approached.

“Mr. Ryder,” Krista said. “I thought you’d head home right after the meeting.”

Luke raised a hand to his eyes and rubbed. His tie felt like it was suffocating him. Had he really been so unreliable lately? “No, I’m back to my regular schedule. Mitch and I have business to attend to. Hold my calls, and don’t let anyone bother me for the rest of the day.”

“Of course, Mr. Ryder.”

“I need a list of all project manager stats and current projects as soon as possible,” Luke continued.

“I’ll bring it right in.”

Luke nodded. He opened the door to his office, and shut it behind Mitch. His vision was tunneling, and he blinked rapidly.

“You handled that well,” Mitch said. “I think if we keep our heads down for the next few months, this’ll blow over. If they see you’re trying, they won’t even consider—”

“I can’t believe this is happening.” Luke grabbed his hair and pulled, his breath coming in gasps.

“Luke?” Mitch put a hand on his shoulder.

Luke shrugged it off. He fell to his knees, his heart racing. His hands tingled and he shook them violently, trying to get rid of the sensation. “They’re going to fire me. And I’m going to lose the company.”
It’s all I have left of Dad.

“Calm down.” Mitch crouched next to him. “Breathe. Look at me, Luke. Look at me!” He shook Luke roughly, and Luke stared into Mitch’s concerned face. “I’m not going to let you lose this company—it’s why I gave you a heads up about the meeting. Do you hear me? You’re not going to lose it.”

Luke’s heart beat started to slow as he followed Mitch’s lead and took deliberate, even breaths. “It’s overwhelming,” he whispered, feeling like an idiot.

“I know. But we’ll make a plan and make lists and get everything done. I’m on your side. I’m here to help.”

Luke nodded, rising from the floor and brushing off the knees of his suit. “What do we need to do first?” he asked Mitch, even though he already knew the answer.

Whatever it takes.

CHAPTER TEN

“What was that about?”
Zoey asked when Brooke arrived back at their shared cubicle.

Brooke sank into a chair. “I’m going to sign Luke.”

Zoey’s eyes widened. “You’re joking.”

“I’m not.” Brooke quickly explained the discussion she’d had with Charlotte. “It makes sense. It’s risky, but it’s the only thing I can think of to save the company.”

“But Luke?”
Zoey folded her arms and shook her head. “He’s your best friend. He’s been in love with you for eight years.”

Brooke rolled her eyes. She booted up her computer and swiveled back to face Zoey. “That was ages ago.”

“If you gave him any encouragement, he’d be all in.”

“You’re being ridiculous.” Brooke clicked on the icon to log into her computer. “What I’m worried about is whether or not he can handle it right now. He’s not great with relationships.”

“I can’t believe you’re going to be Luke’s matchmaker. That’s messed up.”

“I’m not—Charlotte thinks it’s best if someone else is his matchmaker. And you won’t be complaining when we can still make rent next month.”

“That’s even more messed up. What will Luke say? What will Antonio say?”

“Luke will do it for me. Antonio will get used to the idea.” He would hate that Luke was doing her a favor, but love that he was dating others. “I’m taking off early for our cake tasting this afternoon. I’ll tell Antonio then.”

It was a fairly slow day, which was becoming more and more typical. Brooke spent a few hours scanning the database for client matches, and then had two client appointments before logging off for the day at five.

“Leaving for the cake tasting?” Zoey asked.

“Yes.” Brooke tossed Zoey the car keys. “I’ll have Antonio drop me back at home.”

Zoey grinned. “I love chocolate, if the maid of honor’s opinion holds any weight. Just sayin’.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

Zoey nodded, waving a hand absently as she returned her focus to her computer screen. Toujour’s database was open, but it didn’t look like Zoey was having much luck finding her client a match.
That’ll all change as soon as Luke signs.
With more clients in the database, it wouldn’t be as hard to find matches.

The chatter of employees conversing was overtaken by music as Brooke made her way to the front lobby. Antonio was already there, waiting for her. He leaned against Lianna’s desk, his head tilted toward hers as she laughed at something he’d said. “Oh, Antonio.” Lianna swatted at his arm playfully.

Antonio chuckled. “Careful, Lianna. You’ve displaced the poinsettia.” He straightened the potted plant on one corner of her desk.

Brooke swallowed back the jealousy that threatened to choke her. Antonio was only being friendly. Women always flirted with him. It didn’t mean anything.

“Hey,” Brooke said.

Lianna turned to Brooke, her cheeks flaming pink. “Brooke. I didn’t hear you come in.”

I’ll bet you didn’t.
Brooke tried to smile, but she worried it came off more as a glare.

Antonio strode over to Brooke and leaned down to kiss her on the lips. “
Ciao, mia dolcezza.
You look absolutely ravishing today.”

That at least made her feel better. Antonio didn’t look the least bit flustered at her arrival.
He was just flirting.
They were going to look at wedding cakes, for heaven’s sake. They were committed. Seventy-one percent compatible.
He isn’t my dad.
She needed to pull herself together. “Ready to go?” Brooke asked.

Antonio nodded. “If I stay here much longer, this incense is going to give me a headache.”

“Bye, Antonio,” Lianna called as they left.

Brooke inhaled sharply, sticking her hands deep into her pockets and curling her fingers. It didn’t escape her notice that Lianna hadn’t said goodbye to her. She turned right and walked rapidly down the sidewalk. The bakery was only a few blocks away, and she needed to burn off steam. They could come back for Antonio’s motorcycle later.
Lianna has some nerve.

Antonio followed, completely oblivious to Brooke’s jealousy as usual. His shoulder brushed hers, and he pulled her hand from her pocket and held it. “Slow down,
bella.
It’s such a beautiful day, and I want to enjoy it with you.”

Brooke’s heart melted, and the last of her anger disappeared. Antonio hadn’t meant to flirt, and neither had Lianna. Probably. Either way, Brooke wasn’t that insecure in their relationship.
Let it go.
She needed to tell Antonio about her deal with Charlotte—before she told Luke tomorrow—and she didn’t want to have that conversation while fighting. It would be dicey enough without the added tension.

“How has your day been?” Antonio asked.

She wouldn’t find a better opening than that. “Stressful. Today Charlotte gave us an ultimatum—start turning a profit in the next three months, or she’s closing Toujour.”

Antonio stopped, turning to face Brooke. “Are you serious?”

Brooke tugged his hand until they were walking again. “Unfortunately, yes.”

“You knew Toujour wasn’t doing well.” Antonio rubbed his thumb over her knuckles. “Oh,
mia dolcezza,
I am so sorry for you.”

Brooke blew out a breath. “If it weren’t for Toujour, we’d have never met. This is my dream job, Antonio. I worked so hard to get where I am with the company. I can’t give up.”

The bakery shop windows were cheerily decorated with fake snow and an appealing display of holiday-themed baked goods. Antonio opened the door and held it for Brooke. A bell tinkled as the door shut behind them.

“It’s not giving up,” Antonio said. “It’s unfortunate it’s come to this, but three months won’t make a difference.”

The words cut Brooke. She glared, lowering her voice to a harsh whisper so the employee at the counter wouldn’t overhear. “Are we even having the same conversation? I told you I’m losing my job. Let’s forget the fact that I love where I work, just for a minute. Let’s forget about how an entire business is closing, putting twenty employees out of work. All that aside, we need my income if we’re ever going to move out of your studio apartment into something larger. We can’t survive on just your commissions.”

Antonio grinned. “But that is what I wanted to tell you today. Your news makes the timing even better. The art gallery I signed with in Rome wants me to move there this spring. Isn’t that fantastic?”

Brooke’s breath caught in her throat, stolen by the announcement.

“Welcome to Sweet Dreams,” the woman behind the counter said, smiling broadly. “How can I help you?”

Antonio stepped up to the counter. “We have an appointment with Sara. For a cake tasting.”

The girl smiled. “Oh, you must be the five-fifteen. Let me take you back to our tasting room.”

Italy!

Antonio took Brooke’s hand again, and she let him lead her to the tasting room. She barely registered the music playing overhead, or the sample cake displays along the back wall, as she and Antonio took their seats.

“Sara will be with you shortly,” the girl said, then left and shut the door.

Brooke whirled on Antonio. “When were you going to tell me about this?”

“About what?”

“Rome!”

Antonio shrugged. “I didn’t want to ruin our happy reunion yesterday. I thought today would be a better time to bring it up.”

“I thought we agreed to stay in the States for at least five years.” Brooke had counted on those years. They had a plan—work for five years, have a baby,
then
move to Italy.