Total pages in book: 71
Estimated words: 69096 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 345(@200wpm)___ 276(@250wpm)___ 230(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 69096 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 345(@200wpm)___ 276(@250wpm)___ 230(@300wpm)
We shake while I smile at her. “It’s good to meet you too.”
She steps back to glance at Declan. “My attorney had to bow out last minute because of an unexpected health matter, so today is just a meet and greet between us. She’ll handle all the finer points of the deal with you.”
“Of course.” I nod.
“I’m glad that Declan has a woman on the case.” She smiles, and her brown eyes light up. “You may be surprised to learn that almost half of our annual sales are to women.”
I shake my head. “Actually, I’m not. I bought a box of Lluara condoms just last night.”
I can feel Declan’s gaze burn into me, but I keep mine focused solely on Kalina.
“I trust they added to the fun.” She winks.
It’s been a few days since I turned down Declan’s dinner invitation. I’ve used that time to review the details of the contract Rook prepared for my work with Wells. He walked me through everything and provided all the materials I needed to get up to speed on the acquisition.
I also fit in a few hours with my sister.
“Your product is amazing,” I tell Kalina. “I’ll be using them forever.”
That comes out sounding awkward, so I shake my head as I think of what I really wanted to say, but before I can, Kalina jumps in. “Repeat customers are a treasure. I’m almost sad to let the condom division go, but I promised myself I’d sell it when the time is right.”
“That time is now,” Declan says decisively.
Kalina looks at him. “If the price is right.”
“It will be,” I interject. “Mr. Wells is committed to this deal being fair and equitable. He recognizes the effort and dedication you’ve invested in developing the product, and our initial offer will reflect that.”
Kalina smiles. “I’m glad to hear that.”
“Wells will honor what you created, Ms. Ash,” I say as I finally glance at Declan to find him completely focused on me. “You can rest assured that you’re trusting it to the right people.”
“You’re one of those people.” She circles a finger in the air toward me. “I already like you, Abigail.”
“Abby.” I smile.
“Abby,” she repeats. “Please call me Kalina.”
Fifteen minutes later, I extend a hand to Declan’s brother. “It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Wells.”
Sean glances at Declan before a broad smile coasts over his lips. “I’m not a stuck-up jerk like my brother. You’ll call me Sean, and I’ll call you Abby.”
I can’t help but grin as he gives my hand a soft shake. “I’m looking forward to working with you.”
He tilts his chin down. “Declan will handle this. I’ve got a lot on my plate and a baby on the way, but I’m only a phone call away if you need anything, even if it’s just to complain about Decky to someone.”
“Declan,” his brother bites his name out.
“Decky is a nickname from when we were kids,” Sean explains. “If you want to piss him off, use it.”
I hold in a laugh. “I’ll remember that.”
“You’ll forget you ever heard it,” Declan says. “Abby and I are headed out to grab some coffee. Do you think you can handle things while I’m gone?”
Sean rubs a hand over his chin. “The real question is whether you think I can handle things while you’re gone.”
Their fondness for each other is seeping through the bickering. I’m used to it since it’s how Carrie and I communicate sometimes.
“When exactly did you two meet?” Sean directs that question at me.
I look to Declan for guidance because that night we met turned into the best night of my life, and I doubt he wants his brother to know about that.
Before Declan can say anything, a ringing phone lures his gaze toward his brother. “That’s your phone. Answer it.”
With a hand diving into the pocket of his jacket, Sean nods. “I got it.”
I take a step toward the door because this feels like the perfect time to make myself scarce. I know all about privacy and phone calls. I don’t want people listening in when I’m talking on the phone.
“Contractions!” Sean yells. “What? Fuck! Now?”
“What?” Declan asks in barely more than a whisper. “Now?”
“I’m coming.” Sean’s voice takes on a gentle tone. “I’m coming, Champ.”
I turn to see Declan with a grin on his face. He takes a step closer to me. “It’s Sean’s fiancée. He calls her Champ.”
It’s an endearing nickname. I suspect it holds a lot of meaning for the two of them. “Is the baby coming?”
“I think so.” Declan nods. “I’m going with him, so…”
“So, we’ll meet up another time,” I finish his thought.
Nodding, his gaze darts from me to his brother.
I follow his lead and glance at Sean to see a tear streaming down his cheek as he ends the call with a tender “I love you.”
“I’ll call you,” Declan says.