“That’s good.” Damn, her self-confidence turns me on.
She narrows her gaze. "But I have to ask, why me?"
"Why not you?"
"Because I’m your wife?" Her gaze darts to the rings on her left hand.
"Yes.”
She jerks her chin up with something like shock in her eyes. "But that’s?—"
"And because you’re the most qualified for the job. And you have shown that you can take over the running of the company."
"Hmm.” Her eyes light up.
She’s pleased with my praise.
"You handled the board meeting without much of a briefing. You put in the hours. Studied the issues involved. And had the mettle to hold your own against senior members who have years of experience over me."
"All of that is true. But I have to ask why you chose me over those who have been with the company far longer than me, and who could do the job."
I set down my fork. "They may be more seasoned, but what they lack is the firepower, the freshness, the ability to look at situations and come up with out-of-the-box thinking, which you can."
She rubs at her forehead. "Not that I care particularly, and of course, it’s not anything I’m not used to, but there are going to be some very upset people if I take that role."
It pisses me off to think of all the misogyny and ill will she’s faced to get this far in her career. And yes, I’ll be giving her a leg up when I make her CEO. But she’ll bring a fresh perspective to the role. One it will benefit from.
She gives me a look. "You’ll be off finalizing funding for startups while I’ll be putting out the day-to-day fires."
"And closing deals,andoverseeing expansions like the one in Asia. You enjoy the adrenaline.” I lower my chin. “People who want to be critical will be, no matter what. You’ve shown you have the courage to hold your own. That will take you far."
Her features soften. But the dip between her eyebrows tells me that she’s not completely on board.
I take her hand in mine, wanting to maintain the connection. And missing the feel of her skin, the taste of her mouth, the sweet scent of her body, which is etched into every cell of my body.
"What if I told you that Arthur is supportive of your taking over as CEO?"
She reels back. "You’re kidding, right?"
When she tries to pull her hand from mine, I hold on. Then place my other hand over hers, so her palm is caught between mine.
"It’s true.”
"Oh." Her eyes widen in surprise. "Your grandfather thinks I should be CEO?"
I smile. "News of how well you handled the sharks in the boardroom meeting travelled up to him. He has enough eyes and ears in the organization that stories of your capabilities and astute decision-making reached him almost instantly."
"Oh." Some of the tension goes out of her. "That’s huge praise, coming from him. And frankly, a lot to take in.”
"I understand." I rub my thumb over her knuckles and am rewarded by her shiver.
Damn, I feel triumphant that she’s so responsive to my touch.
"When we spoke before we left on our honeymoon, he told me he’d throw his weight behind my decision. He’ll make it clear to the entire Davenport Group how much he respects your astuteness and values your judgment. And if Arthur vouches for you, there’ll be no doubt in anyone’s mind that you're the right choice for the position."
Her features turn pensive. "Is he doing this because?—"
"—because you’re my wife?" I laugh. "Can you see Arthur risking his reputation for anyone else, even if they’re family?"
