Our love story

6

SHAWN SHANE WINSTON POV

"Waylen, please deliver this file to my mother and return promptly." I slid the file across the desk to him.

He nodded, picking it up. "Does it require her signature?" he asked.

I frowned, slightly irritated. "Just attend to the task, Waylen. No further questions."

He turned to leave, but the door opened again, and I prepared to reprimand Waylen for returning so soon. However, Owen walked in, a grin spreading across his face.

"Can't you see I'm busy, Owen? I have a board meeting in two hours, and I need to prepare myself for those...challenging discussions." I glanced at my watch. "And it's not even your break yet."

Owen poured himself a shot of whiskey and downed it. "We're going to Keith's club tonight. You can't decline."

I sighed, feeling overwhelmed. "Can't you see I have a lot on my plate?"

Owen's expression turned serious. "I know you do, Shawn, but you need a moment to breathe."

I relented, knowing he was right. "Fine, I'll be there. Anything else?"

"I had a talk with Nadia,"

I said, giving him a stern look. "And who gave you the right to get close to her?"

He chuckled, seemingly amused by my reaction. "No need to get possessive, I wouldn't steal your girl. But I did offer her a position as your personal cook. She'll prepare meals for you in the morning and evening."

"I don't need anyone to cook for me," I replied, trying to maintain my independence.

He raised an eyebrow, his expression turning serious. "Stop acting like a jerk, I'm trying to help you out here. I know you have feelings for her, but you're too hesitant to admit it."

I rolled my eyes, trying to appear nonchalant. "And what was her response?"

Owen snorted. "Now you're interested?"

I put on my glasses, trying to focus. "Just tell me."

He relented. "She said she'd think about it. And when she agrees, I'll set up a meeting for you both to discuss the details, including compensation."

I nodded, trying to process my feelings. Did I have feelings for Nadia? I couldn't quite say, but the thought of her with someone else was unbearable. I pushed the thoughts aside, focusing on the task at hand.

"I've got it. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a lot to attend to."

Waylen returned, and we proceeded to the conference room. As I entered, the attendees rose from their seats, and I took my place at the head of the table before they resumed their positions.

"Let's get straight to the point," I began. "Why hasn't the deal with Marino been finalized?"

Fred spoke up, "They're refusing to sign unless they meet with you personally, sir."

I raised an eyebrow. "And why am I only hearing about this now?"

Fred hesitated. "I apologize, sir. I didn't want to bother you with what seemed like a minor issue."

Matthew, the elderly but sharp executive, chimed in, "I still strongly advise against partnering with Marino."

I leaned back in my chair, intrigued. "Care to explain, Matthew?"

"Last year, their company filed for bankruptcy, only to miraculously recover all losses within three months," Matthew explained. "In my opinion, they're engaging in questionable business practices. Partnering with them could tarnish our reputation."