“Explain to me exactly what you’re fearing.”
She fidgeted in her seat uncomfortably and instead of answering my question, she asked one of her own. “If I got a job offer somewhere else, would you be upset if I took the job?”
I was taken back by her question.The Vinewould survive without her, but it wouldn’t be the same. Haley was the star of the show, and she knew that. We’d given her free reign to do whatever she wanted, and I’d put my neck on the line for her with Tom and David to make it happen. “I don’t think upset would be the right word.”
“Angry? Sad? Disappointed?” Her probing made me wonder if this supposed job offer actually already existed.
“Has someone offered you a job?” I swallowed hard, not really wanting to hear her answer. The prospect of her leavingThe Vinebrought up a whole new problem for me. Of course I’d be upset. I’d miss her at work every day. There was no competing paper in Chicago worth transferring to, so it meant she’d likely be moving out of town. That made me sad. And we needed her to continue bringing the strongest headlines.
“Uh, no.” She shook her head, but I could tell she was hiding something. “I have not been offered a job. I’m just asking if I have autonomy to make decisions. If this car is just a means of keeping me here with you, professionally or personally.”
I sighed. Someone had really gotten in her head. Unfortunately, she was getting in my head now too. One month ago, I’d have done anything humanly possible to convince her thatThe Vineis where she should make her home—partner with me to put the paper on the map and really start to competeglobally. Adam had been right too, though. I’d never have purchased a car for an employee before all of this. I kept tight purse strings, and bonuses weren’t that large.
Things had been blurred in my mind, though I hadn’t seen it until now. I wasn’t ever trying to manipulate her, but I fully understood how her father would think that. “Yes, I’d be upset. But I’d be upset on two different levels. I know your talent, and the paper can use that right now. We can’t afford to lose you. But I’d never be angry with you because you took a position that was better for your career. That’s part of knowing your employee’s worth. And the reason I gave you that promotion and raise.”
“And personally?”
“I’d make it work, Haley. Relationships aren’t built on common working situations. They’re built on mutual trust and affection. I’d be sad because we wouldn’t see each other every day, but even if you moved to New York and worked atThe Examiner, I’d make it work. I’d just buy a private jet and fly there every weekend.” I leaned forward and took her hand. “We would make it work.”
Her eyes softened and she relaxed. “I just need to know that you respect me, as an employee and as a woman. I need that, Parker.”
“Of course I respect you. You have my utmost respect, and I want what’s best for you, even if it’s notThe Vine.” I swallowed hard and had to force myself to continue, but I said, “Even if it’s not me.”
Surprise graced her features. “But I think it is you.” She laced her fingers through mine and locked eyes with me.
“I am falling in love with you, Haley, a kind of love that I’ve never experienced before. I want the best for you. I want to make you happy, to see every dream you have manifest. That’s the only thing that’s important to me. I thought maybe you’d partnerwithThe Vineto help both of our future goals come true, but if you chose another place, I wouldn’t love you any less.”
Her eyes brimmed with tears. “You love me?”
“Yeah, I think I do.” I meant it too. The realization was only just dawning on me as I sat there staring into her eyes, but it was true. I didn’t want anyone else in the world but her, and I wanted to make her the happiest woman alive.
Haley rose from her chair and sat on my lap, draping her arms around my shoulders. She kissed me softly at first, then more eagerly as she ran her hands through my hair. Her advances were most welcome, though I knew I couldn’t stay. I had meetings this afternoon that I couldn’t skip, and Gordon was double parked. Though I did return her kisses, copping a feel of her breasts through her shirt too.
“I think maybe we should go to the bedroom.” She pulled away and stood, taking my hand.
At the same moment I stood, my phone chirped, a message notification. I pulled it from my pocket to see that Gordon had sent a message saying he had to move or risk a ticket. “I can’t stay, baby. I have to get back to work. I have a meeting with Clark Gentry fromThe Blade. They’re in a hole and we’re talking about buying them out.” I kissed her forehead and saw the disappointment in her eyes.
“It’s okay.” She dropped my hand and laid the key fob on the table. “Thank you for stopping by to bring this over. I didn’t mean to sound ungrateful for the gift—or bonus. Whatever.” She shrugged and bit her lower lip.
“I didn’t think for a second that you were being ungrateful. I can see how things have been confusing. I just want you to know I really do care about you and your heart. I don’t ever want you to think I’m trying to use my power, money, or influence to manipulate you.”
“I believe you now.” Her soft kiss on my cheek was reassuring.
“I love you, Haley. I’ll call you later this evening. Let’s have dinner tomorrow or Friday, okay? We can just relax and enjoy each other’s company without the stress of all of this.”
I tried to step away, but she clung to my hand. “What about Jack? He sounded pretty serious about that lawsuit. I don’t think he likes me very much.”
Jack Williams was the bane of my existence. “Well, I’m sure he’s going to continue to spread rumors and say hurtful things, but you let me worry about him. Okay?” I kissed her fingers and said, “If they file the suit, I’ll settle out of court and fire him for insubordination. There’s enough evidence to prove he is on a witch hunt. Besides, I told you. It’s my company. I’ll do what—and who—I want.” I winked at her and kissed her goodbye before letting myself out.
I wasn’t happy about the way it went down, but Haley’s concerns had shed new light on my motives. I had to admit to myself that I might have been a bit overzealous about keeping her around the company, but when emotions got involved, I had crossed a line. A line that I knew I’d likely cross again, especially if she really did get a different job offer. I needed her in my life, and I’d stop at nothing to keep her here. I just didn’t want to disrespect her or push her boundaries to do it.
I had to learn to assert myself with her directly and be honest about how I was feeling. That was the only way.
17
HALEY
“Oh, my God, Rachel, it’s a dream. It handles so smoothly. I may never walk to work again.” I was giddy over the new car. I’d had it for almost a full week and I loved driving it. Every time I got in and buckled up, I thought of Parker. We had dinner as planned last week and had a great time, though we’d been interrupted by a slight emergency. Dad got a flat tire and didn’t have his roadside assistance card on him, so I’d had to excuse myself to help him out. Parker was very understanding, but it took the tow truck driver four hours to get to us, which ruined the rest of the night.
