“Thank you again,” she said to the server, impatient to return her focus to Clay. This was one of the rare times she got to see him away from work, and she wanted to study his interactions with others, particularly his sister, Miranda, who had just arrived. Astrid’s connection to Miranda was improbable—Miranda had been married to Astrid’s ex-husband, Johnathon, when he died two months ago. Astrid also, quite unfortunately, had learned a terrible secret about the start of Miranda’s marriage to Johnathon. Astrid was desperate to keep it buried forever, but it was eating at her nonetheless. Astrid liked Miranda quite a bit. Plus, she knew what it was like to have once been wed to a man who took whatever he wanted.
“Let me know if you need anything,” the server said before departing.
What I really need is a map of Clay Morgan, or at the very least, a set of instructions.
On the other side of the room, Grant gently tapped a spoon against his champagne glass, begging for everyone’s attention. Tara, the first of Johnathon Sterling’s wives, joined him. Together, Tara, Miranda, and Astrid had controlling interest of Sterling Enterprises. The announcement Grant was about to make likely impacted them all, greatly.
“I first want to thank you all for coming this evening. I have several exciting announcements to make.” Grant’s warm brown eyes lit up with anticipation. He loved his job and was an able company leader.
Clay, for his part, stuffed his hands into his pants pockets and leaned against a nearby column. Astrid couldn’t help but admire the long plane of his body—the defined chest currently wrapped up in a well-made black dress shirt, the dip of his trim waist, and the legs that seemed to stretch on for eternity. She marveled at his ability to convey power and brilliance in the most casual of ways, all while he remained oblivious to the effect he had on her and quite possibly, other women.
“As many of you know,” Grant continued, “About two weeks ago, on September 7, Sterling Enterprises passed the first round for the Seaport Promenade project with the city. We couldn’t have done it without the dedication of the entire team, including Clay Morgan, Astrid Sterling, and of course, Tara.” Grant reached for Tara’s hand, and Astrid saw the moment when their fingers hooked and their connection became palpable. They’d fallen in love, despite the fact that Tara had sworn there was nothing going on between them. “Which leads me to my next announcement. Tara and I are not only planning to operate the company as co-CEOs from this day forward, we’re engaged to be married.”
There was a gasp from the throng of guests, followed quickly by a roar of applause and guests hurrying to offer their congratulations. Astrid hung back, and she couldn’t ignore the fact that Clay was doing the same. Astrid had her own reasons for being reticent about the purported happy news. She, Tara, and Miranda had a deal. They were supposed to be a coalition within Sterling, and the whole thing had been Tara’s idea, a plan hatched after Johnathon divided his majority interest in the company between his three wives. Tara’s engagement to the current CEO would at best divide her loyalties, and at worst, tear them away for Miranda and Astrid.
Astrid wound her way through the crowd until she reached Miranda, who was standing not far from Tara and Grant, apparently waiting for the moment when she could congratulate them.
“Did you know about this?” Astrid asked.
Miranda shook her head. “I had my suspicions. It makes perfect sense, doesn’t it? They’ve known each other for years, and the few times I’ve been around them both, I definitely sensed a spark.”
“But co-CEOs?” Astrid asked the question as quietly as possible. “Between that and the engagement, it seems that Tara has fully aligned herself with Grant, when she was supposed to be doing that with us.”
Miranda nodded, focusing on Astrid. She was one of the few people who took Astrid seriously. “Let’s talk to her, then. See where we stand.”
They approached Tara, who seemed totally swept up by the moment. “Can we talk with you?” Astrid was already leading them into a corner of the room for privacy.
“Yes. Of course. What’s up?” Tara asked.
“First off, congratulations,” Miranda said.
Astrid was more than a little annoyed that she had to be the one solely focused on business right now. “Yes, congratulations. I’m very happy for you both.” She scanned Tara’s face, which was relaxed and confident. “But I also have a question.”
“Let me guess,” Tara said. “You’re concerned that I’m in too deep with Grant.”
“You’re getting married and you’re co-CEOs. I don’t think it’s possible for you to be in any deeper,” Astrid answered.
“Don’t you have to consult with us before you assume the position of co-CEO?” Miranda asked.
“Technically, yes. And of course, you two are able to register your objections, if you have any. But this is good for the three of us. I’m no longer merely floating around the company with an ambiguous role. I have the title and all of the power that affords me. That’s good for us. If anything, it protects our interest in the company.”
Astrid wished she could be so sure. “As long as you’re still dedicated to the Seaport Promenade project.” As far as Astrid was concerned, this was the perfect time for her to be selfish and push her own agenda. That project, a large undertaking for the city that involved what would eventually be a vast public space, kept her working with Clay. She very much wanted the chance. If he truly didn’t like her, she at least had to figure out why.
“Yes. I need some assurances
