Page 19 of The CEO

“I can’t, Adam. You know that. In your heart of hearts, you know that.”

Adam sighed. “I do know that, and I don’t want to risk our friendship either. I know that you still mourn Brad. In some ways I do, too. Although right now I wish he would just go away and not come between us.”

“Adam—” Her heart was breaking. She was fouling Adam’s memory of Brad and that is not what she wanted

He raised a hand and shook his head. “No, I’m being honest. I won’t apologize for wanting you, wanting the marriage to be real, but I know that is impossible at this point in time.”

She bobbed her head. “It is.”For now. Perhaps sometime in the future, but I’m not ready. I know that. I need love, and not just the physical, but the emotional, too.

CHAPTER 5

Two months later

Bree and Adamsat having their morning coffee at the large round table in the kitchen’s nook. “Bree, we are attending a get-together at the home of the man whose company I want to acquire, a week from today. If you need a dress, you’d better hurry and pick it out. It’s a formal affair. He wants everyone in tuxes and evening gowns.”

“That seems odd for a “get-together”, she made finger quotes. “That term makes it sound like it would be a casual outing.”

Adam shrugged. “I know but it is what it is.”

“Well, it so happens, I’ve been looking at this gorgeous gown online, and I’ve seen it at a boutique at the Cherry Creek shopping center. I’ll head down there today with Lilly. I’m sure the ladies there will love to watch Lilly while I try the dress on, assuming they have my size.”

“And if they don’t?”

“They have lots of gowns, so I’ll find something appropriate. Don’t worry.”

“Get Lilly a fancy little outfit while you’re out. I’m sure she’ll look adorable.”

“Oh, face it, you’ll like whatever she’s dressed in because she is adorable. Have you asked Carole to babysit?”

“No, I thought we’d take her to my parents for the night. Mom will love having her granddaughter overnight. Then we can go to breakfast and pick her up the following day. They probably would have come and picked her up, but I don’t want them driving at night. It’s too dangerous.”

“I agree. That sounds good. Madelyn will be thrilled.”

“My thoughts exactly.”

“The boutique opens at ten. I’ll be there right when they open and still be home in time to put Lilly down for her nap, even though she’ll probably fall asleep in the car on the way home.”

Bree stood.

Adam did, too. He took Bree in his arms.

She smiled and looked up at him. “What’s this about?”

“I just wanted to hug you.” Then he leaned down, kissed her forehead, and then her cheek. “Have fun today.”

She pulled back, her forehead wrinkled and cocked her head a little, then she gave it a slow shake. “Oh, I will. I like nothing better than spending your money.”I wonder what he meant by those kisses. That’s not like him.

He barked out a laugh. “If only that were true. You never buy anything for yourself. Now, Lilly, that’s a different story. Neither of us can resist buying her things. We’ll have to start using one of the other bedrooms for all her toys.”

Laughing, Bree stepped back out of his arms. “On that note, you need to go to work, and I need to get showered while Lilly is having her morning nap.”

He released her. “Okay, I’m outta here. See you tonight. I want a fashion show after dinner. You and Lilly.”

“I think that can be arranged. By the way, who is this person having the get-together?”

“People. Wade and Stacy Danvers, from Danvers Industries. They are the same couple we had to get married for in order to even be in the running for acquiring his company.”

“Ah. I understand. I should get something conservative today then.”