For You I Will

by Hadley Raydeen

  Daniel stepped forward. “Seriously? You're in the hospital and she stops by to talk business?”

  “While she was here, we had a good talk, Daniel. They will go through you from now on for any business matters, starting tomorrow. They’d like to work with different companies to invest and represent, therefore making additional money for the firm. They will go over those business plans with you tomorrow. I’ve also put in a petition with the board to make you named partner, Daniel. If that is passed, then the firm will be Harmon, Morrow and Associates.”

  Daniel’s breath caught in this throat. It was everything he’d worked for to be a named partner as well as the managing attorney. But he could feel Callie’s gaze flip to him.

  “Are you okay with that, Callie?” Paul asked.

  Daniel held his breath. He knew their past hiccups had been because of her feelings like he was managing or controlling her. Ultimately with this promotion, he would be her boss. He would never throw that in her face. Especially with how far they’d come.

  She nodded. “Yes, of course. Daniel has been doing a great job managing the firm since you've been out. I think this promotion would be good.”

  Daniel studied her face. He didn't know if she was being facetious or if she really did think he would be a good fit as named managing partner. They had some good conversations and made progress personally over the last few hours and he wanted to believe she did think it was a good fit for the firm, but it wouldn't be fair for her just to continue being the office manager and him get a promotion. Paul must have noticed the look in his eyes because he continued to speak, his voice faint. “Good. I’m glad you feel that way, Callie. I also put in a recommendation to the board to make you VP of Operations of the firm. This title could make you a partner in the firm as well.”

  Callie's head shot up, and she stared at Paul. “But I'm not an attorney. How is that possible?”

  “The board is aware you don't have your JD. They’re looking to see if revisions in the firm's bylaws can be made to accommodate this request. You've been with the firm long enough to know everything that's needed for this promotion of partner. This is suitable for you in my opinion. Of course, there will be the typical buy-in and all that.”

  “Yes, of course.” Callie shook her head understanding the fees associated with being a partner in a law firm.

  “Maggie will be an advising consultant which is why Harmon will stay on the wall after I'm gone.” Paul paused to take a deep breath.

  “There's no way we would take it down, Paul. That is your firm. It always will be,” Daniel reassured.

  “You're a good man, Daniel. I’m very proud of you and the accomplishments you've made. I trust my law firm is in good hands and you'll do right by my name. You have a good woman here by your side; strong-willed, smart, fierce. Callie, I didn't know what path you would take when I first started mentoring you, but I knew you would always be great on whatever path you chose. I see it in you and I believe the both of you can be great, together. It's instilled in you. Now, my days with you are short, and I want to make sure what lessons I did teach during my short time with you, stuck.” He tried to laugh, but it came out as a cough. Daniel glanced at Callie and noticed the tears in her eyes as she listened to Paul. He was right. He wouldn’t be with them much longer, but they had each other and the life lessons he taught them both would remain and help them in their future.

  “You know I love you both like you were my own blood. It’s been more than a pleasure watching the two of you grow in life, in profession and hopefully in love.”

  Callie looked up at Daniel and sniffed. He wished he could read what she thought about that. She, instead, turned her head back and leaned in pressing a kiss to Paul's temple. She whispered something in his ear and the old man smiled.

  Daniel traded places with Callie and leaned in for a handshake and a hug. It was Paul's turn to whisper in Daniel’s ear. “I think she may be your one. Take care of her and she will take care of you. You're good for each other. I see it.”

  Daniel pulled back from Paul and this time he felt tears in his own eyes as he looked in the man’s chocolate eyes, weak like life was slowly fading from them. At that moment, the door opened and Maggie walked in with their middle son, Izayah.

  “Hey, you two,” she said, her voice warm as always, but she sounded tired. “I see you snuck in to see him.”

  “Hey, Mags. Couldn’t stay away,” Daniel said backing away from Paul and giving the woman a hug. He then shook and embraced Zay giving him the same greetings he had the other two brothers.

  Maggie glanced at her husband and then looked at Daniel and Callie. “Everyone should be headed out for the afternoon. Paul needs his rest,” she said.

  “Absolutely, we just wanted to check in on you, Paul,” Callie said, squeezing the man's hand once again before releasing it. He offered her a weak smile and turned his gaze on Daniel, offering the same. “We will stop by again. Maybe after the board meeting, we can let you know how everything went,” Daniel promised.

  “I trust you will handle that just fine, Daniel,” Paul assured.

  Maggie walked them to the hallway. “I will see the both of you tomorrow. Tyonn and I will be at the luncheon. I will bring a report back to Paul. Honestly, Daniel and Callie, this will probably be the last time you see Paul. The doctor is saying his immune system is weakening. We need to keep the visitors down to a minimum.” She choked up as she spoke. “I'm sorry. I don't mean to be like this, but…”

  Her sons surrounded her and Daniel took her hand. “There is no need to apologize, Maggie. I figured by the way Paul was speaking just now, this would be the last time…”

  “I’m glad we got to see him.” Callie’s voice was small but Daniel turned to see tears had returned to her eyes and he hugged her into him.

  Daniel then shook the hands of the four men he considered brothers and hugged Maggie one last time. The four Harmons said their goodbyes and Daniel took Callie’s hand as they walked back toward the elevator.

  Chapter 16

  “Callie and Daniel, lunch was great. Thank you for hosting and being so open to hearing the ideas the board has moving forward for the firm.” Lauren Tillerson, the board president, stood in front of them in the office after the Monday afternoon board luncheon.

  They could all breathe a sigh of relief since the conversation had gone well. They had talked about the direction the firm would go in now that Paul was no longer at the helm and Daniel was now named partner. It was mentioned in the past Paul was involved in investment ventures with different small startup companies to help with legal matters and to provide the financial backing for those companies to help them off the ground. The firm would then get an overall percentage of earnings once the company became successful. The board wanted ideas of companies the firm could invest in as soon as possible. If paying corporate clients saw the firm was successful in other ventures after Paul’s departure, they would be more invested in staying on as clients. Of course, there was always a method to all of this madness.

  “I'm just so sorry to hear about and see Paul like this. He is a really good man. This is very unfortunate, but we do expect great things for the future of this firm and we believe you will be able to handle the responsibility; the both of you,” she said looking back and forth between them. “Paul speaks very highly of the two of you and I'm excited to see where we go with the firm. So, for now we, will hold off on any such talk of selling the firm or assigning different partners until we see where we land. Please be in touch as soon as you're able to think of a company to invest in.” She shook their hands, turned on her expensive heels and walked out of the board room.

  Callie spoke first. “Did it sound like she said if we don't find an investment company as soon as possible, we’d be out on our ass?”

  “That's exactly what it sounded like to me,” Daniel responded, adjusting his red tie. “I didn't realize our jobs were at risk.”

  Maggie and Tyonn came up to the two when
Lauren walked away. “That conversation looked interesting.” Tyonn raised a brow.

  “It was very interesting, bro. She pretty much said they are expecting us to find companies to invest in as soon as possible to parade in front of our current clients or we are out of a job. I don't know if Paul's wishes are being met here.” Daniel shook his head.

  “Well, I know for a fact they aren’t following my husband’s wishes. I can see if he is up to speaking to them…” Maggie looked worried, and that was the last thing Daniel wanted.

  “Maggie, it is up to us to take care of these things now. I don’t want you to worry about this. Okay? We got it. We’ll give the board what they want and make sure the clients are satisfied too.”

  The older woman nodded her head, but concern still etched her face. Daniel had a feeling it had more to do with Paul and less to do with the meddling board members.

  Callie spoke up. “Why don’t we sit down?” she said pulling up a chair at the table the board had just vacated. She waited until the three others in the room sat down before she continued. “Paul had past dealings with a venture capitalist group in Baltimore. He worked with them often to finance new upstarts and provide legal guidance. An email was sent out last week about a presentation by a new business, or at least a meeting, taking place sometime this week.”

  “I looked into them. I heard that meeting didn't happen,” Daniel said. “Something about all the investors pulling out of the business idea because of lack of interest in the VC firm. I don't know if that would be the right thing for us to be involved in at this time…”

  Looking at Callie's face made him stop in his tracks. He was doing it again, dismissing her ideas, and they had just gotten to the point they agreed they would work together and not apart.

  He retraced his steps. “You know, we could make some calls and see if there is any validity to what I heard and see if they are still entertaining investors.”

  “Yes, I think it's at least worth a try. I mean we can always look at other places, too. I can always check with Lana Cooper, our event planner. I know she’s worked with a couple VCs planning events for their clients. She may have some ideas.”

  “We're going to have to put this event planner on retainer for as much work as she’ll be doing for us.” Daniel chuckled.

  Callie pulled out her cell phone. “She has already left after lunch was served for another event but I’ll give her a call.”

  An hour later, after Maggie and Tyonn said their goodbyes, Daniel hung up his office phone after speaking with the VC in Baltimore Lana had suggested from Callie’s phone conversation. It just so happened to be the same capitalist group Callie had mentioned. He was glad he heard her out and didn’t dismiss her idea.

  Lana had suggested they still call the VC right away because they were still looking for investors and it so happened the client was an app development company in the process of building state-of-the-art applications for people with medical health issues. That was right up the alley of something the board would want to invest in. Daniel was all smiles at the moment.

  “Someone looks happy,” Callie said peeking in his office with a Cheshire grin of her own on her face. She entered his office and shut the door behind her when she noticed him no longer on his phone.

  “I’m most definitely happy. If this company can hit a home run on their presentation, we can breathe easy for a bit. I have Lauren scheduled for a meeting with Austin Davis, the venture capitalist associate, tomorrow. He will outline what his client is working on at the moment. We will then have an event for the company to present their idea to the entire board. You’ll have to reach out to Lana again—”

  “I already told her we’d need her again real soon. She is on standby.” Callie winked at him.

  “You are just one step ahead of me all day today, huh, Miss Johnson?” He smiled.

  “Just keeping you on your toes, Mr. Morrow,” she teased.

  “Is that so?” he asked getting up and coming around the desk toward her. He wrapped his arms around her waist bringing his head lower. He brought his lips to hers, seeking access to her inviting mouth, and she opened for him without hesitation. She moaned as he pressed his body into her, and he knew she could feel the growing erection behind his suit pants. “I miss the taste of you, kitten.” His kisses traveled up her jaw until he was growling dirty things right into her ear. “I want you. Right here, right now across this desk. I want to lift your legs and enter you, slow at first… Work up that heat you give me.”

  She gasped, “Daniel, we were just together this morning before work…” He kissed, then sucked at her neck and she moaned again. “We agreed we wouldn't do this here…”

  He slipped a hand down to the curve of her ass pressing her middle into his. “I know, but this morning was so long ago, baby. I need you—”

  “We can continue this tonight…” she protested.

  The decision was made for them though when a knock sounded at his door.

  Daniel let out a small curse, leaning his forehead against hers. “You think if I yelled, ‘go away’ they’d listen?”

  She laughed. “Fat chance. There are several deposition approvals and case files that need managed by Mr. Named Partner.” She grinned at him. “They won't just go away. Like I said, we will finish this tonight.” She landed a soft kiss on his lips, inspected him for any remnants of her lipstick, before turning on her heels and walking toward his office door. She swung it open, and said to him over her shoulder, “We can discuss the budget at another time.” Her attempt at throwing the person on the other end of the door off their scent was futile. The budget was the furthest thing from his mind right now. She could only imagine how she looked to the young attorney standing at the door. Callie flashed him a knowing grin before she disappeared from his office. He held back a deep frustrated groan. “What can I do for you, Matt?” He calmed his voice, remembering he was trying to be more personable with the staff. But, this kid was the biggest cock block of the day.

  Callie would definitely pay for making him open the damn door tonight. That was for certain.

  Chapter 17

  At the end of the week, Callie paced her office in a simple black cocktail dress and Red Bottom Louboutins fumbling with jewelry she’d brought to the office earlier in the day to change into. Daniel had asked her to come back his place to get dressed there. But, he knew as well as she, if they went back to his place after work, they would have never made it back for the board cocktail party tonight.

  Daniel had one thing on his mind, granted she had the same thing on her mind too, but tonight was too important for the extra distractions. It would be the make-or-break of the firm as well as if she got her promotion as partner and Vice President of Operations of Harmon, Morrow and Associates.

  The board still hadn't approved her promotion although they had approved Daniel’s almost a week ago. But, then again his named partner position was more important than hers. Somebody needed to take over Paul's vacant role full time.

  Of course, she wasn't holding any ill will or ill intentions toward Daniel. He’d worked just as hard as she for his promotion. It was well deserved. It did sting a bit after she had been such a vital part to the law firm for so long. But the board still hadn't seen fit to promote her until after the outcome of tonight's investors meeting.

  She felt good after talking with Lana about the app development company they were looking to invest in. They had a strong product and would pull through with their presentation. Hopefully, the team would be on board to back the company which would in turn result in the promotion for her to oversee all future investments as well as hiring an office manager to take over her place. She already had in mind who she would pick; Jayla Williams, the senior assistant that had complained about Daniel in her office. That had seemed like a lifetime ago. So many things had happened since then. Daniel had made great strides and seemed to be treating all the staff much better now.

  They’d discussed the promotion over dinner
the night before at his place. He’d cooked for her, which was something new. She had to do little to talk him into the promotion. “I think she would be amazing in the position. She is smart and knows her stuff, especially about the firm. She’s been with us for some time. I think right out of college… at least right after her son was born. Which was… Hmm, I think little Tyson is ten now. She’s just a strong woman, the Jr. Assistants respect her. The attorneys rave about her work on their files. I think she’d be perfect as office manager.” She took a bite of the grilled shrimp he had prepared and rolled her eyes dramatically. “Mmm. This is delicious, Daniel.”

  He looked at her with amusement. “I’m glad you are enjoying it,” he chuckled, cutting into his own shrimp and asparagus. “As for Jayla, you’ll be the VP of Operations, Callie. I trust your decision on any personnel decisions. If you think she is a fit, then she should be promoted.” Callie looked up from her plate and looked at him through the candlelight and romantic setting he’d provided and smiled at him.

  “You trust me, do you?” she teased.

  “Of course I do. I’ll admit I do like going about these decisions as a team. But, you’ve told me why you think she would be a good fit for your old role and I agree with you. She’s been a great asset to the firm.”

  “I haven’t gotten the VP role yet,” she mumbled.

  He stopped mid-chew and looked at her. “What are you talking about? Paul said—”

  “And, the board hasn’t approved it yet,” she interrupted, her tone quiet.

  He put down his fork and placed the cloth napkin next to his plate. “Are you concerned you won’t get the promotion? I can talk to Lauren if you are.”

  “No, I don’t need you to…” She reeled in her emotions. “Let’s just see what happens tomorrow and go from there. Okay?” A look of concern spread across his features. “Hey,” she said, and he focused back on her. “We will still be working together, regardless my title, just like I had with Paul. It will be fine,” she reassured. She’d be disappointed, of course, but she’d get over it. Wouldn’t be the first time she was overlooked and disappointed by it and it wouldn’t be the last.