Cecily wasn’t convinced. “It’s not me that I’m worried about. If I can’t convince you not to go then can you please promise me that you’ll be extra careful?”
Tenderly he kissed the top of her head. “That, I can promise.”
*****
This was the final day the agents for the US Patent and Trademark Office were going to be on the premises of Manchetti Enterprises. Alexandro and his senior management team had one more critical meeting before they wrapped up their on-site inspection. Everyone had been prepped and briefed for months for this meeting. However, his General Counsel - Giovanni LaPezzia, had to be quickly brought up to speed since Braylee wasn’t going to be attending.
Alexandro sat around the conference room table with everyone as they went over for the millionth time some of the questions, the agents were sure to ask. They were deep into the conversation when the door opened and lo and behold, Braylee Hinsdale walked in. Everyone looked up from the table surprised to see her. None more than Alex. He’d left earlier than usual so that he could hit the gym before he went into the office. He needed to work off some of his anxiety. However, when he left Braylee, she was still sleeping. She’d tossed and turned all night, so he knew she had to be exhausted. He was more than a little irritated that she was here. They hadn’t spoken very much since he’d told her everything. He understood she’d been through a lot over the past couple of days, not the least of which was mourning the loss of Nate. He had told her last night that Giovanni was going to handle this meeting and that she should stay home to rest. Of course, she protested, but he’d thought he convinced her that he was right. Needless to say, the frown on his face reflected his displeasure.
Braylee ignored him as she walked into the room with her briefcase in hand. “Good morning, gentleman. Sorry, I’m late.”
His staff looked from Alex to her not really knowing what to say. Everyone knew about the bizarre events over the last couple of days and thoroughly understood when Alex informed them she wouldn’t be able to attend. The tension between them was thick and because of it, most of the team mumbled their greetings under their breath.
Giovanni stated the obvious. “I can’t help but say we’re all pretty surprised to see you.” He was also more than relieved that he wouldn’t have to take the lead dealing with the US Patent and Trademark agents either.
Braylee didn’t make eye contact with anyone as she sat down at the table. She leaned over her briefcase and with her good hand pulled her portfolio out as she responded matter of factly. “I don’t know why? We’ve prepped for months on this case. Nothing would keep me from finishing what I started.” She straightened then looked directly into Alex’s eyes as he sat at the opposite end of the table; to say he was angry was putting it lightly. Braylee continued. “I’m still breathing and perfectly capable of doing what I do best. As long as that’s the case, I see no reason why I shouldn’t be here. Now, please…don’t let me interrupt. Where were we?”
Braylee knew Alex was pissed. But, what was she supposed to do? Sit in that bed and continue to wallow in her misery? Dwell on the complete mess of her life? No. When she was angry, she worked. When she was hurt, she worked. When she didn’t know what the hell to do, she worked. Being busy with work was always best when life became too overwhelming. If he expected her always to fall in line like one of his employees, then he was dating the wrong woman.
They spent the next hour going over their game plan before everyone stopped for a break. The agents were scheduled to be arriving within the next half hour. Most of Alex’s staff got up and left except for him. Braylee felt his glare all the way from the other end of the table. Instead of entertaining it, she continued to review one of the documents she’d been handed during their meeting.
He was barely able to contain his frustration. “I thought you were staying home.”
Braylee never looked up from the R & D report. “That is what you suggested. I felt like I needed to be here. Did you know that the initial trials for the TNG2 produced some stellar results?” She almost spoke as an afterthought. “I can see why Luciano wanted to pursue this. Incredible. You know…”
Alex had had enough. “Braylee! What the hell are you doing here?”
“Where am I supposed to be Alex?”
“Home taking care of yourself!” He roared. “Why won’t you ever listen? What’s so damn hard about letting me take care of you?”
Finally, she looked up into his stormy eyes with anger in her own. “Why are you always trying to tell me what to do?” She stopped herself. It would have been impossible for anyone who might be walking past the conference room not to hear them yelling at each other. Instead, Braylee took a couple of deep calming breaths and decided to take a different approach. She knew Alex was consumed with keeping them all from harm. However, keeping them in a glass box wasn’t the way to do it. Braylee brought her voice down and softened it just a bit. “Look, physically,
