Page 29 of Triplet Babies for the CEO
I want to try to fit into his world, to be someone who could stand beside him and not look out of place. I want to figure out how to make myself a part of this, not just as his assistant, but as someone he could care about, someone he’d want around for more than just business.
It feels stupid to even think it, but I can’t help myself. I’m scared I’ll mess it up, that he’ll wake up and see right through me, but I can’t stop wanting it.
I look over at him, taking in the way his features soften in the dark, the way his hair falls across his forehead. He’s so handsome, and when he’s like this, he doesn’t look like the powerful CEO everyone respects.
He just looks like a man—a kind, generous man who let me into his life, who offered me a chance. I’ve never had anyone do that for me before, not like this.
If he knew what I was thinking, would he laugh? Would he send me packing? Or would he smile and tell me I was silly for worrying so much?
I reach out, tracing my fingers lightly down his cheek, careful not to wake him.
I wish I could believe that I belong here, that I could have a future with someone like him. But even if I can’t see it coming true, I’m going to try. I want a life that’s more likethis:warm and secure, not the cold, uncertain struggle I left behind.
If there’s even the slightest chance that I can find that with Brody, I’m going to do everything I can to make sure I don’t lose it.
Chapter Eleven
Brody
Things at Thorne and Thorne Construction are in full throttle by mid-November.
The unmistakable crispness of fall turning to winter bites at the air, the sharp edge of cold mingling with the constant hum of machinery as we close in on the final stages of three major projects.
The rhythmic sounds of power tools, the low rumble of delivery trucks backing into position, and the melodic clang of metal and stone echo through the work site. They serve as a relentless backdrop to our efforts.
Josh and I have been stretched thin with all of our projects, keeping every moving part in sync, trying to ensure that each project wraps up on time, and ideally, under budget.
Our biggest undertaking has been the Crosswinds Shopping Center in the suburbs, a massive $12.3 million development. With permits, multiple suppliers, and a team of subcontractors working simultaneously on interiors and exteriors, it’s been an intricate job from the start.
Finally, we’re at the finishing stages.
I can see teams working on everything from laying the final tiles to installing custom lighting fixtures. The air around the site smells of fresh paint and newly cut wood. The numbers look promising, and that’s something to look forward to as the holiday season rolls in.
We’re counting on a solid profit from this project, and the city developers have hinted at a substantial bonus if we deliver by the first of December.
Then there’s the Madison High renovation, a $4.5 million contract dedicated to overhauling the sports facilities. It’s a complex job with tight deadlines and high expectations from the school district.
I’ve put Josh in charge of managing the suppliers for this one. He’s one of the only people I can trust to execute it properly.
He’s been coordinating with concrete vendors, steel suppliers, and specialty companies for sports flooring. I can see him getting more comfortable in his role. He’s learning the art of balancing quality with budget, and every time he updates me on his progress, I find myself impressed with what he says.
It’s so satisfying watching him handle something this big on his own, seeing him take charge.
The Madison High job is a critical piece of our fall portfolio, and Josh’s success with it will be a key step in his growth as a leader within the company.
Finally, we’re working on a smaller, but still prestigious project downtown, the historic Haverly Hotel. Balancing modern updates with the preservation of the originalarchitecture, we are transforming the building into luxury suites. It has been a delicate task.
The building is steeped in local history, and keeping those classic touches intact requires a level of finesse and care from our crew. There’s an elegance to the design: ornate moldings, antique fixtures, stained glass accents, all which demand attention to detail.
If we hit our incentive markers for this project, it could bring in another $3 million.
That’s not even mentioning the reputation boost from working on such a notable landmark.
It’s a very busy season, and the pressure’s on while we’re closing out late-fall projects while still prepping bids for winter contracts.
My days have been long and rough, and normally I’d be feeling every bit of that exhaustion settle into my bones, but lately, it’s not just the work that’s keeping me up.
My late nights with Tasha linger in my mind, and I’d be lying if I said it’s only deadlines and deliverables wearing me down. She’s been a warm presence in my life.
