Rhys helped me get all set up before whispering in my ear. “You got this.” Then he left me to put my password in.
I didn’t immediately open up the logo or the mockup for the new website. Instead, I turned to face Rhys and Gabe, even though I made sure I didn’t actually look the alpha in the eye.
“I didn’t want to completely change everything that makes the brand so recognizable, but I thought it could do with a little sharper branding. And the heart of the company, from what I’ve seen, is quality and, more importantly, this land that seems to be so essential to your family.”
I spied a look at Gabe, but I honestly couldn’t read him. But I knew he was listening. He seemed like the kind of person that didn’t miss a thing.
Okay, so step one done. Now show them the design.
I went on my browser and opened the new page for the website. And held my breath before speaking. “I went around and took pictures of the land. I know the animals aren’t raised here anymore, but Rhys said it’s very similar to your uncle’s where you get your cows and stuff from.” I tried not to panic when Gabe’s face remained impassive. “As you can see, I kept the blue and yellow, which are existing colors.”
No one spoke, but I saw a small thumbs-up from Rhys. As good as it felt, he wasn’t the one I was trying to impress. I really wanted Gabe to like me… I meant it…my work. And it wasn’t just because he was my boss, but focusing on that right now wouldn’t do me any good.
I turned and opened the Photoshop app with the logo. I didn’t speak immediately. I let them take it in and said a prayer that the silence wasn’t because they hated it so much and they just weren’t sure how to tell me.
I turned to look at the logo, even though I knew it by heart. It was a roaring bear lunging through a fence, the type/font of the ranch name, and a ranch-type scene under that in monochrome lavender. I’d kept all the original colors, just added some oomph to it.
I looked at Rhys, and he wore a smile. Although I couldn’t really tell what the smile meant, but when he met my gaze, he gave me two mini thumbs-up.
“How about you go first,” he prompted Gabe.
Gabe didn’t speak immediately, and his face was inscrutable. The butterflies in my belly were definitely trying to get out, and my heart was pounding so fast you would think I’d just run a marathon with no training.
“Why does the bear look so angry?” was the first question out of Gabe’s mouth.
I looked over at Rhys, and he looked as taken aback as I was.
“Because it’s a bear,” I said slowly.
“Yeah, but why do we even need a bear on the logo? I think CBR and Crazy Bear Ranch beneath it now is simple, and it works, right?” He looked at Rhys for support, but my friend simply stared at his brother. “The website looks nice, though,” he tacked on, “but maybe we hold off so we don’t shock our current clients.”
Rhys jumped on his feet and put his hands on his waist. “I knew you would do this. I bet you didn’t even give it a chance. I love what Kian came up with it. It’s simple and elegant and just cool. Plus, if these are just the first mock-ups, imagine how good it’ll be when it’s the final.” Rhys paced back and forth. “I knew it. I told Daddy and Papa you would do this.” He spun around and faced me. “Don’t listen to him, Kee. You did an awesome job, and I love it, and I’m sure if I showed Papa and Daddy, they would too. And since they’re still on the board—”
Gabe growled and got on his feet. “Enough!” He didn’t raise his voice, but I felt the power behind the word down to my toes. “It’s my job to take care of the company now, Rhys, of everything. I am in charge.” He punctuated each word.
Rhys’s hands curled into fists, but he didn’t speak, even though it looked like he had something to say. “I said I will consider it, and that’s exactly what I will do.”
His words were firm, and Rhys looked like he wanted to scream, but for some reason, he didn’t say a word.
Gabe turned to me. “The website does need to be rebuilt. Clients have mentioned freezing and such, so maybe start there, but don’t change too much.”
“Are your freakin’ serious?” Rhys blurted. “This isn’t what we talked about. I thought you brought me on because you appreciated my input. Apparently not.” Rhys seemed to draw in a deep breath before putting both hands on my shoulder. “I’ll see you at home. I need a run.” He didn’t look at Gabe again as he left the office, and then it was just the two of us.
I went over to get my laptop and tablet. This hadn’t gone anything like I’d imagined. There was a part of me that had imagined Gabe praising me. I didn’t expect to cause a fight between the brothers.
I could feel Gabe’s presence, but the man didn’t speak. I turned to leave, and he whispered, “I’m sorry.”
I turned around slowly, and the alpha actually looked like a kicked puppy. Why did I feel the need to comfort this man? He’d just basically shut down my ideas. Hell, I had no idea where I stood with my job.
“It’s your company. You get to make the decisions on what you think is best,” I said. Then I hurried out of the room before I did something crazy like throw my arms around him.
6
Gabe
I’d been cursingmyself six ways to Sunday since the meeting with my mate. I’d also gone back to avoiding him. I didn’t want to see the sadness in his eyes that I’d clearly caused. There was no doubt in my mind that he was talented, but the truth was I couldn’t just change over ninety years of history. Our business was doing well, very well. Wasn’t it my job to make sure I protected that, kept it going?
So why couldn’t I get Kian’s defeated eyes out of my mind? His shoulders had slumped, and he’d looked like a kid who’d just been told Santa wasn’t real for the first time.
