He was speaking softly to Mr. Allen on the car phone; something about arrangements for later in the day as she let her thoughtful gaze wander over him and their surroundings. She had to admit that the plush luxury of the limo was indeed quite nice. She’d been amused when they entered the car to see that when Nick was working it served as a sort of mobile office. Another reminder that the man she was faced with today was a serious executive wielding incredible global influence. Shannon rather liked that. It suited him, she had to admit.
He had switched off the morning business news as soon as they were seated, apparently not at all interested in how the stock market was doing or what the latest news was on a global merger that probably should have gained his interest. She smiled an inward woman’s smile confident that his thoughts were on other things, intimate things, and felt a sense of satisfaction warm her.
Turning to peer out the window as the large car turned into an underground security garage, Shannon felt the brief flutter of nervous butterflies in her tummy and pressed her hand there for calm. They were way beyond baby steps right now with this full frontal introduction to a part of Nick’s life she’d never seen, had resented for such a long time, and didn’t fully understand. This was a giant leap. The way her stomach was doing back flips, it may be closer to a free-falling bungee jump.
Once she’d made her decision, or rather once her heart had decided to push her along to the inevitable conclusion, Shannon knew they’d have to step into his real life at some point. She’d have to see whether she could find a niche in his world where she would fit and none of her usual calming, coping mechanisms was making that inescapable truth easier to handle.
Suddenly assailed with nervousness and needing to feel his reassurance, Shannon lifted worried, self-conscious eyes to his. He was looking at her with such undisguised pride and affection that all the doubts and fears that had crowded her mind just seconds ago, vanished completely.
As if sensing her anxiety Nick smiled a lover’s smile and said, “You look amazing, little one.” His sweeping appraisal and undeniable approval wrapped around her heart, giving her the courage she needed to reach out and take what was hers no matter the changes she’d have to confront.
This was going to be an adjustment for them both and that thought gladdened her heart; knowing they were together in uncharted waters. Smiling quickly Shannon pushed images of her cowboy pirate navigating them through their newly launched journey to the back of her mind. It wouldn’t do to let her lascivious thoughts show through just at the moment he was introducing her to his life.
They traveled to the executive floors of the multi-story building in the Wall Street district of New York in a private elevator that afforded Shannon a brief opportunity to check that she was all in one piece. Smoothing down her skirt with a slightly trembling hand, she caught sight of the two of them in the polished steel walls of the enclosed space. She was instantly struck by how well they looked together.
He was tall and gorgeously attired in a classic black business suit with a crisp white shirt and a grey satin tie that made him look impressive and slightly dangerous. The superb cut of the custom suit framed his impossibly broad shoulders, offering just a hint at the incredible male physique it covered. His immaculately cut and styled hair, hand-made leather shoes and long legs made Nicholas Barrett a tempting package indeed.
Standing next to him in her fashionable designer outfit with her favorite high heeled pumps, she complimented his powerful masculinity with a counter point of stylish femininity that completed the pleasing picture they presented.
He put her hand through his arm, keeping her close to him from the moment she’d stepped from the car arriving at his side. She liked the possessiveness of his actions; something she’d never thought was a part of her emotional makeup. Seeing herself in terms of being a strong, independent woman, Shannon was endlessly amazed at how perfect she felt whenever he was doing his macho thing.
The other thing she liked very, very much was that his eyes rarely left her. He was ever watchful and aware of her every move; immensely protective of her and the seeds of hope they’d sown. Shannon felt safe with him so when the awareness of trust and faith necessary to feel that kind of security shifted into her consciousness, she instinctively tightened her fingers and hugged his arm briefly in acknowledgment.
Putting his free hand atop where hers rested in the crook of his arm, Nick leaned down and chuckled at her saying, “Maybe we should stay ten paces apart. I seem to have a one track mind around you!”
When she looked at him in confusion he added, “Actually, I take that back. You may have to walk in front of me unless we want everyone and their mother’s brother seeing evidence of what your presence by my side makes happen in my pants.”
When the elevator doors swooshed open anybody looking their way would have caught a glimpse of an openly grinning Shannon and a quietly laughing Nick as they shared a lighthearted moment.
“Showtime.” Nick muttered as he ushered her across the beautifully decorated reception area on the executive floor where his private office was situated.
Nick tried not to look at her legs when he heard the soft tap tap, tap of those elegant high heels hitting the tiled floor as they made their way, her hand still firmly resting on his arm, around the open spaciousness that made up the private floor of exclusive offices.
Several people congregating in the lobby area looked up at their appearance and immediately stood at attention in the presence of the Barrett CEO.
“Good Morning, sir” she heard a bland-suited woman say. “Glad to see you back. Did you enjoy your vacation, Mr. Barrett?”
“Yes, I did Gloria and good morning to you too.” Nick answered. Guiding Shannon closer to the group of people, he introduced her without hesitation.
“Shannon, this is Claire’s admin team.” He nodded in turn to each person as he mentioned their names. “Gloria Haynes, Anthony Burke and Miguel Estaban, this is Shannon Reynolds.”
The curious expressions thinly veiled with shock on each of his employee’s faces told Shannon that Nicholas Barrett having a female on his arm was not a normal everyday occurrence. And certainly not at the office. She remembered the searing hurt of having felt for so long as though she wouldn’t fit in his world, was not the proper social class to be at his side and gloried in the sound of pride that infused his voice as he’d introduced her. That and the way he wouldn’t let go of her hand shone a bright beaming light of happiness in to her soul.
The enthusiastic welcomes being showered on Shannon were interrupted when Claire Dennison rounded a corner, saw them and made directly for her boss’s side.
Shannon watched her approach and privately admired the woman’s professional demeanor and the way she handled herself. Claire had been the sole of efficiency in dealing with the Reyes family and all the arrangements necessary for Nick’s guests and for the man himself upon his arrival back in New York. She had to admit to herself that she’d be lying like the proverbial rug if she didn’t own the fact that she’d be out-of-her-mind with jealousy over Claire’s closeness to Nick, if not for the fact that the woman so obviously rooted for the same-sex team.
In her current frame of mind Shannon was surprised to realize she was feeling rather possessive where Nick was concerned. Thinking of him with other women had the effect of a deep freeze on her already shaky emotions. Knowing that the smart and savvy woman walking toward them was the height of discretion and obviously quite high on the loyalty curve where he was concerned made up for any left-over anxiety.
“Good Morning, Ms. Reynolds.” Claire smiled with pleasure as she put out her hand in greeting. “It’s a pleasure to see you again so soon.” she added earning quizzical glances from the staff present. Shannon appreciated that Claire was making it abundantly clear to her team that Shannon’s appearance at Nicholas Barrett’s side was not a surprise, not to her anyway.
Smiling back, Shannon finally eased her hand from the crook of Nick’s arm to gen
tly wag her finger at Claire while declaring, “You promised to call me Shannon, Claire and I am holding you to it!”
“It’s a deal then, Shannon.” Claire said before turning to her boss adding, “Good Morning sir. Mr. Allen alerted me to your arrival and I’ve quickly arranged for you to meet briefly with the Santiago merger team. They are waiting for you in the conference room.”
With all the skills of a seasoned pro, Claire quickly dismissed her still gaggle faced team with directives and requests causing them to all rapidly scatter, after expressing delight once again at meeting Shannon followed by quiet nods to Nick and Claire.
Once alone Claire told Nick, “I’ll give Shannon the fifty cent tour while you talk merger details and we’ll meet back in your office in half an hour?” More a statement than a question Shannon marveled at the woman’s take charge persona while she smiled at Nick when he turned worried eyes her way.
“Is that alright with you Shannon? I’m sorry to leave you but this merger is time sensitive and I’d like to clear it from my schedule for now.” The implication that he wanted to free himself of work responsibilities reminded Shannon again that they were in uncharted territory.
“Nick, you go on and take care of business. Let Claire show me around your mighty kingdom.” she laughed as she enjoyed the infinitesimally brief look of shock on his PA’s face at her obvious needling of the great and powerful Nicholas Barrett.
“Besides, how can I find out all your secrets if you don’t let me grill your PA?” she added with one of those enchantingly shy, downcast eyes sweeping up to his expressions that filled him with happiness.
Nick threw back his lead and laughed with complete delight at how cheeky she was being and earned the attention of everyone in their vicinity. He noted absently to himself that apparently laughing out loud was something he must rarely do if the stupefied expressions of those nearby were anything to go by.
God, he liked how having her back in his life felt. Liked how suddenly carefree and joyous his outlook was. He also very much liked that Shannon seemed relaxed and cheerful. This could only mean that, as he had hoped, the careful steps they’d been taking on the road to overcoming the past were paying off.
Seconds later he got swept away by clamoring voices coming from the open doors of the conference room where they’d made their way. Claire pushed him along assuring Nick the whole way that she would see to Shannon’s every comfort and would yes, walk slowly and not put any further stress on her wounded ankle.
Once he was drawn into the crowded conference room and the door shut behind him, Claire turned her full attention on Shannon immediately asking if she was okay to tour the executive wing.
The next half hour melted by as Shannon listened with increasing interest to Claire’s tour guide explanation of the green technology and systems Nick had insisted on even here in Barrett’s inner sanctum. She couldn’t help but be impressed by how seriously he approached this particular business philosophy and remembered exactly how passionate and determined he’d been as a younger man when it came to addressing some of the planet’s more immediate and pressing environmental and societal challenges.
Shannon asked a few questions but for the most part Claire was a font of knowledge who clearly knew her stuff. That she was proudly enthusiastic about the way Barrett did business was obvious, giving Shannon a measure of satisfaction at how well Nick’s efforts were paying off.
During part of their conversation Shannon must have said something that alerted Claire to the length of time that she and Nick had known each other. She couldn’t fault the woman for being curious but to her credit, Nick’s PA knew not to step too far over the invisible line of business vs. personal. Shannon offered just enough detail to satisfy some of the questions which must be running through Claire’s mind and then left it at that.
“We worked together on a water project in sub-Sahara many years ago.” she intoned. “Nick was a team leader, of course.” she laughed and added “I was a translator so in a way you could say that I worked for him too!”
At Claire’s riveted expression Shannon went on, “It was my job to make sure that Mr. Get-it-Done didn’t step on too many local toes…something which wasn’t always easy.”
The two shared a quiet chuckle at that assessment and with Claire’s curiosity somewhat appeased the tour continued. When they’d made their way to Claire’s desk outside Nick’s private suite of executive spaces Shannon was just starting to feel the effects on her still sore ankle of having been walking around in heels.
“Do you mind if I sit down for a bit Claire?” she asked. “My foot is starting to complain. Nick tried to dissuade me from wearing my favorite shoes and I’d rather not give him the satisfaction of knowing he may have been right!”
The two women laughed together as Claire guided her solicitously to a nearby sofa and offered to fetch her something cool to drink while they waited for the man of the hour to re-appear.
Several long minutes passed as the two sat chatting while Shannon rested her foot before Nick’s voice sounded in the reception area. When he turned the corner Shannon had a moment to observe him in deep conversation with a younger man at his side as they talked and looked to be comparing notes on their smartphones.
Claire stood in anticipation of her boss’s approach while Shannon continued watching Nick’s demeanor with his employees. He seemed approachable and of course well-mannered and polite to everyone he came in contact with.
There was something about the young man at his side though, which sparked her curiosity. He seemed familiar somehow but yet not. Turning her entire attention on the two men as they got nearer, a thunderbolt of memory surged through Shannon when recognition lit up her memory.
“Oh my heavens!” she cried. “Is that you, Obi?
Jumping to her feet with all thoughts of her aching ankle instantly forgotten, Shannon beamed with unrestrained delight when the young man with Nick lifted his head in confusion and stared her way.
A momentarily surprised Nick looked back and forth between the two in confusion before realization hit him as well.
“Sharona?” the young man asked in a voice marked by shock. “Sharona?” he asked again as his eyes swung between the obviously pleased woman and his boss who mugged at him with a happy smile, nodding in answer to his shocked question?
Stepping forward before Nick could actually say anything, the young man swept Shannon into a mighty bear hug and swung her around in greeting.
“My Sharona!” he laughed over and over while Shannon giggled in delight.
Putting her down the two looked at each other like long lost siblings until Shannon finally chimed in with, “You’re all grown up Obi Wan. I can’t believe it’s you! What are you doing here?” she asked as she took in the tall, dark skinned young man wearing a western business suit whom she remembered as a local youth dressed in khakis and sneakers that they’d known from their time in Africa.
“I work for Barrett Global now.” he said acknowledging Nick with a nod in his direction. “The Big Bwanna helped me get into a good college and once I had my degree he gave me a chance to work here.”
With that Claire who still stood nearby cut in with, “Big Bwanna? Obi Wan? Sharona? Am I missing something?”
The three of them laughed as Obi carefully explained that nicknames were how they all addressed each other years ago.
“We called Shannon by the name Sharona. Something I bet she learned to despise since all anyone ever did was sing My Sharona around her! My real name is Obi, so Obi Wan was a no brainer.”
Claire smiled, clearly charmed but asked, “And Big Bwanna?”
Shannon and Obi looked at each other laughing while Nick cleared his throat before adding, “Think John Wayne.” This brought giggles from Shannon, a huge grin from Obi, and stunned mirth to Claire.
When Obi did a dead-on impersonation of John Wayne’s stagger as he instructed invisible cowboys to ‘put the wagons in a circle’, it looked like Claire had to bite
back an explosion of laughter that neither Shannon nor Obi tried to stop.
“Alright, alright.” Nick cut in. “Enough with the joking at the boss’s expense. My dignity is at stake you two and now Claire is wondering if she can permanently block that spot on impersonation from her mind, so thanks a million for that Obi”.
Although he sounded every inch the annoyed executive Shannon delighted in the twinkling smile that lit up his face accompanied by those wicked dimples of his which never failed to heat up her thoughts. When Nick put an arm around her waist in clear possession, Obi’s raised eyebrows told a million stories and asked a million more.
“I didn’t know you two were still in touch.” he said carefully. When neither Nick nor Shannon fed any explanation into the brief silence which followed Obi added, “Mama Jo will be so happy to hear that she was right all this time.”
At the mention of Mama Jo, Nick’s arm around her waist had tightened ever so slightly as Shannon’s questioning face met Obi’s.
“Mama Jo?” Shannon asked. “What do you mean she was right?” She looked up at Nick and found the confusion on her face mirrored on his. He shrugged in silent response and waited for an explanation along with Shannon.
Shuffling slightly as if he recognized perhaps he’d gotten too personal in front of Nick’s PA, Obi looked at his boss for clues how to proceed from there. When Nick asked, “You’re still in contact with Josephine?” Obi released a small sigh of relief and answered.
“She stays in touch. My mum keeps her up-to-date with letters and pictures I send home. Mama Jo runs the children’s center that Mr. Nick built last year.” he said with obvious gratitude as he looked from Shannon to Nick to Claire. “She always thought you two were destined to be together.”
Shannon tried swallowing around the huge lump of emotion that clogged her throat when Obi’s words hit home. Nick hadn’t abandoned the project they’d worked so closely on all those years ago. Not only had he found a way to bring Obi from desperate third world poverty to a job and a career in New York, he’d also kept his interest alive with a much needed family resource in a struggling area where children were often left without much in the way of aid or education.
The Billionaire's Second Chance Page 31