10
Alex
When Savannah doesn’t show up to the pool the next morning, I try to not overthink things. Surely we’re past the stage of her avoiding me, aren’t we? As I lose myself in my workout, my mind has time to wander. Too much time. Is she regretting what she said last night when she agreed to give me a chance? Fuck, I hope not. I haven’t felt this invigorated about pursuing a woman…well, ever.
I end my workout early, skip the hot tub, and hurry through my shower and routine at home. I’m anxious to get to the office and see if she’s there.
But several hours later, there’s no sign of Savannah at the office and my phone is distressingly void of messages from her. I’ve considered sending her a text at least a dozen times, but I always stop myself. I’m aware that my actions lately have been very out of character. Chasing after a woman the way I have with Savannah is strange for me, to say the least. I know I pushed things last night; now I must sit back and see how she handles the situation.
When Brayden pops his head into my office, I toss my phone down, thankful for what I hope will be a distraction from my obsession.
“You ready to head down to Fable?”
It takes me a second to remember what the hell he’s talking about. “Shit. The photoshoot is today, isn’t it.”
He nods. “Did you forget? Rhonda put it on both of our calendars.”
I can’t very well admit that the only reason I forgot about it was my momentary insanity, thanks to a certain leggy brunette whom I can’t stop thinking about. I push back from my desk and put my damn phone in my pocket. “Let’s go then.”
As we exit my office, and head toward the elevator, Brayden says the words that make me way too fucking happy to hear.
“Savannah is meeting us there for a lunch meeting to go over her findings so far.”
Thank fuck.
I don’t acknowledge his statement with anything more than a sharp nod of my head. But inside I’m both relieved that I’ll finally be able to lay my eyes on her and see for myself that things are truly okay between us, and nervous as hell because of what was said between us on the phone last night.
Once we arrive at the restaurant, I don’t have time to think about Savannah, as Brayden and I are whisked away to have some light makeup applied, and to discuss the setup for the shoot with the photographer. It’s forThe New Yorkermagazine, and we consider it a real coup that we managed to score the article. It is intended as a piece to celebrate our success, as well as tease our potential expansion. Hopefully, Savannah has some good news for us about her review of Fortune’s finances so that we can move ahead with plans.
An hour later, my face is stiff and I’m sweating from the heat emanating from the lights the photographer is using. I’m tired, hungry, and irritated because I haven’t seen Savannah yet.
When the photographer finally announces that we’re finished, Brayden goes to speak with the journalist writing the article while I go into the staff washroom and clean the makeup from my face. The cool water does wonders for my agitation, and by the time I return to the main dining area, I see her. Savannah is chatting animatedly with Brayden beside a table set for the three of us. I walk over and without thinking, lean in and press a gentle kiss to her cheek before moving to take a seat. I feel her startle under my touch, and I smile.
“Savannah. You look lovely today.”
Brayden raises his eyebrows at me, and I give him a quick shake of my head to dispel any notion of him questioning my actions. I dare not look at Savannah or I might not be able to stop from touching her again. But I notice she settles into her chair next to me, and her hands flutter into her lap. I ache to reach over and cover them with my own, but I don’t. The kiss was pushing the line for propriety, but I couldn’t help myself.
“Right. Well, let’s get down to it, shall we?” I say, finally glancing up at her. I’m pleased to see her composed.That’s my girl.When did I start thinking of her as my girl? I have no idea, but I like the thought.
Savannah opens her folder, and hands Brayden and I several pieces of paper. I skim the reports, not fully understanding what I’m looking at, so my gaze turns back to her.
“I dug deep into the inventory reports from Fortune. Several months ago, your inventory costs started to increase. Slowly at first, then steeper. Now, your food costs account for far more of your monthly expenses than they should. I’m talking about a sixty percent increase over last year. Give or take.”
That alone makes me raise my eyebrows, but I can tell from the formal tone of her words, Savannah isn’t finished.
“Even when I factor in the rising cost of commodities, something didn’t add up. At first glance, it appears that sales were down, but in fact, they aren’t. Sales have been relatively stable for the last year. The problem is arising entirely behind the scenes. You’re spending more on inventory, and not seeing the increase in sales that would justify the increase.”
I look down at the papers in front of me again, and now the numbers make more sense. The purchase orders for some basic ingredients and supplies have slowly been increasing. And the same person is signing off on each and every purchase order. The manager of Fortune, Zeke. Anger builds inside of me as Savannah goes into the details of exactly how much she believes he has taken thus far, and how bad it could get if it isn’t dealt with swiftly. Thousands and thousands of dollars gone because of one man’s greed.
“You could press charges, but before you do that, it might be worth a second opinion to verify my findings,” she finishes, closing the folder in front of her and looking back and forth between me and Brayden.
When I glance at my partner, I see the same tight set to his jaw that I can feel on my own. He’s just as angry about this as I am. Summoning my composure, I turn to the beautiful woman at my side.
“Thank you, Savannah. Your work has been excellent and your insight very valuable. Even though you’ve confirmed our fears, I’m confident that we can move forward. I don’t think we need anyone else to corroborate Savannah’s findings, do we Brayden?”
He shakes his head grimly, agreeing with me.
“I’m sorry you’re facing this.” Her voice is soft, intimate even. I watch her hand dart out, then pull back, like she wanted to touch me but thought better of it, considering that Brayden is right here. Suddenly it dawns on me. Perhaps now that her contract with us is complete, she’ll be more comfortable seeing where things can go between us. But as quickly as that thought brings me hope, Brayden destroys it.
