Page 37 of Legacy

“And it’s even worse in larger cities. I do know that our town council’s working on limiting those. So hopefully, that won’t be an issue soon.”

I had been hearing that concept for a while now. And while that would be lovely, it wasn’t going to help me at this moment. Not that I was going to say that.

“Anyway, my break is over now, so it’s back to this notebook.” I gestured towards the notebook and stack of folders for a local company and grinned. “Was there something you needed?”

“Yes, actually, I do have a favor to ask.” I set my pen down and stood up.

“Is everything okay?”

There was something in his eyes I couldn’t quite read, and I moved forward. “Did the doctor call with your test results?”

“Everything’s fine. Like usual. Do not worry about me. I would love for you to add a new client to your roster. One that is solely yours because I failed them in the past.”

I frowned, confused. “You failed them? That doesn’t sound like you.”

He let out a breath and patted my hand. “Sascha passed just weeks after they first opened their business, and well, I couldn’t add them to my roster like I wanted. They slid through the cracks.”

My heart hurt thinking about his late wife. She had been such a kind woman to me when I was younger. And though I hadn’t known her well, I knew Gregory missed her something fierce.

“That’s understandable. Especially since you rarely hire anyone to help you.”

“The best person, other than you, of course, that I’ve ever worked with was Eve Ashford.” He sighed again, his expression falling. “That’s why the fact that I failed her son like I did just pains me. However, I’m pretty sure Teagan finally convinced Callum to come in and request a little more help for Ashford Brews. They would be a great asset and client for us, and I truly hope that you can take them on.”

I froze, my throat parched at even thinking about working with Callum. But that was a silly reaction, considering I didn’t even like Callum that way anymore. It was a silly crush that was now gone forever. Just like in the memory of that kiss. And we were friends. He was Rune’s and Atlas’s friend. Meaning I could work with him. As a professional.

“Of course. Should I call him up?”

“No need, he’s right here. Callum, son, come on back to the office. Felicity will get you set straight away.”

My eyes widened, my palms going damp. “Oh. Now?”

I swore my voice squeaked, and I quickly wiped my palms on my linen pants. “Okay, well. I mean. Sure. This time works.”

Gregory moved back and to the side of the doorway as Callum moved forward. He had on dark jeans that molded to his thighs, a black Henley, and his leather jacket that had seen better days. It was chilly out for an April afternoon, and I couldn’t help but remember the time that he draped that jacket around my shoulders one day when we were outside, watching one of Thatcher’s kids in a soccer game. It had just been a kind gesture, one that had made me swoon. Thatcher’s daughter had fluttered her eyelashes at me, and I had rolled my eyes at her. Teenage girls saw everything, and I was grateful that she only teased me, not knowing my true feelings.

“Thanks for taking me on. Teagan is great at what she does, but she fired me.”

My eyes widened. “Really? What did you do?”

“He’s too successful. He needs an accountant.” Mr. Gregory raised his brow.

“Between Teagan and my financial advisor, I’ve made everything work, and my original staff from back when I was in the NFL still does my personal taxes, but the company taxes and bookkeeping needs someone else. So what do you say? Want to help a guy out?”

“I’d love to.” I swallowed hard again. “I mean, it’s about time you came to the best.” I winked as I said it, and Gregory burst out laughing, but Callum just stared at me, those eyes far too knowing.

“Good. I was worried you wouldn’t want to work with me.”

“Why wouldn’t she? You’re family.”

Gregory tapped Callum’s shoulder and had to reach up to do it since he was huge and took up most of the doorway before the old man and traitor left me alone with Callum, heading back to his office.

“So what is it that you’re looking for?” I asked, and when Callum just smirked, I knew that this was probably a recipe for disaster. But it is what I asked for. For him to treat me like a normal human being and not someone who wasn’t old enough to know their own ways and choices.

“I don’t know if you should phrase it just like that.”

“How else shall I phrase it?”

“Felicity.”