Stella in Stilettos
Page 24
Alex went completely still. “Part ownership?” Nothing had been discussed about part ownership.
Barton released his hold on them so he could pat Alex on the back. “I’m about to step away from the headache. Thirty-five years is long enough, don’t you think?” His sharp, blue eyes softened and the trained smoothness of his voice creaked with emotion. “Time for my children to take the reins. You delayed my retirement by being stubborn.”
“You should’ve told me,” Alex said quietly.
“I didn’t want to pressure you.”
“You nagged me once a week. How is that not pressure?”
Barton dodged the question. “Your mother is going to be so happy.”
Alex grinned big. “I know, Dad.”
The old guy squeezed his shoulder, and Stella was close enough to see something spectacular happen – a slight tremble in Alex’s solid frame. The cocky, confident, handsome man that she loved was a warm, loving replica of the shark; with a different last name.
Warmth radiated from the so-called shark. “When I fell in love with your mother, I fell in love with you too.” Barton’s voice quivered while growing louder. “I need you to know that, and I also need you to help make sure all my hard work continues.”
Alex grabbed his dad’s hand. “I love you, Dad, and I’ll do my best to make you proud.”
Tears lined Stella’s eyes, and she heard some subtle sniffs from some of the onlookers.
Barton exhaled loudly and pulled a handkerchief from his pocket. “Whew,” he said, blotting a few tears himself. “Long overdue.”
Alex clutched Stella.
The silver-haired tycoon winked at her. “Barbara and I are going to trot around the globe. We’ll come home occasionally to catch up with family and spoil our grandkids.” He beamed with happiness. “You and Alex better get busy because I’m an old man you know. By the time we’re done with Europe, we’d like to see a little Alex or Alexandra running around.”
Stella’s thoughts and emotions were about as organized as tumbleweeds in a dust storm. “This is incredible. You and Alex are father and son. I found him and I found you. And my parents can’t wait for grandkids. Did you know my Mom’s name is Barbara too?”
“See why I love her, Dad? She doesn’t hold anything back,” Alex smirked.
Barton raised his eyebrows up and down. “I know.” He tilted his head at Stella. “I know your mother. Nice lady.”
Stella’s mouth opened in surprise. There was no need to ask how he knew her mother because between him and Alex they knew everyone. And she was convinced this whole state of affairs had nothing to do with fate. It was premeditated and obviously working to perfection.
She impulsively stepped on her tip-toes and kissed Barton on the cheek. “You’re the most lovable shark I’ve ever met.”
“Don’t kid yourself, I’m a meanie.” Barton squeezed her affectionately, and did the same to his son. “My work here is done. I’ll expect you both in the morning.” Before he left, he turned to Corrine. “No need to let your talent go to waste. I have a spot for you too.”
* * * *
Everyone in the room with the exception of Maggie and Belinda handed out congratulations and hugs.
Stella leaned into Alex. “This is crazy.”
Alex cocked a dark, sexy brow. “I’m up for it.”
Her eyes melded with his and with unwavering resolve she said, “Me too.”
He pecked the end of her nose with a quick kiss. “Excellent.”
With Barton gone, Maggie fell into an angry, tedious lecture about loyalty. She tried to batter Stella for her brainless decision to leave.
Alex and Stella tuned her out to focus on each other. They couldn’t quite tune out Corrine.
“You have no clue what loyalty means, Maggie. Stella’s worked her tail off for you and the first handsome stud that shows up, you try to hand him the job she deserves.” Corrine turned to Alex. “No offense.”
Alex gave her a toothy smile. “None taken.”
Corrine threw a few more facts Maggie’s way. “Stella was your gopher, your handyman, er, handywoman, your event planner, personal shopper, you name it – she did it, plus her own job.” She winced dramatically. “Andddd, she put up with your ugly temper. I’m tickled she finally came to her senses.” She looked at Stella. “No offense.”
Stella giggled. “None taken.”
Corrine gave Stella a partner-in-crime grin.
“You’re a true friend,” Stella said appreciatively.
Belinda stomped to make them look at her. Deep lines creased her forehead. She blinked up at Alex. “You can’t leave. You’re the only reason I show up to this dump every morning.”
Maggie took a sharp intake of air and Corrine laughed like a hyena.
“For a minute there, Belinda, I thought you were going to say he was the only reason you work here.” Corrine rolled her eyes. “We both know that’s not what you do.” She hee-hawed until Belinda gave her the finger.
“I’m still in mild shock,” Stella said.
Alex cupped her chin and his thumb brushed across her lips. “It’s going to be great.”
Stella shook her head thoughtfully. “Surrounded by mayhem but somehow we survived it.”
Alex cupped her face. “You’re my fire, Stella.” His violet eyes sparkled. “Now be my wife.”
Stella felt her knees buckle. “You want to marry me?”
“I never wanted anything more,” he said.
Joy surged over her, bringing happy tears. Stella blinked through them and laughed exuberantly.
Pandemonium took it from there.
Maggie barked about the department being in ruins. Corrine danced around her desk and nabbed one of the storage boxes and began ceremoniously throwing things into it. Belinda whined about never getting a break.
In the middle of the commotion, Alex intertwined their fingers and led Stella to his desk. He opened a drawer and raised his eyebrows.
Stella recognized her stapler and pencil holder and a bunch of sticky notes with her name on them. She plucked them out of the drawer. “How’d these get in there?”
“Maggie went on a rampage when you didn’t show up this morning.”
It didn’t surprise her or rattle her that Maggie went berserk. None of the items were worth losing sleep over. “Thank you for rescuing them.”
Alex opened a second drawer. “Here are some more things you might be interested in.”
Stella threw her head back in laughter when she spied the black thong she’d lost in his bedroom. She snatched it up and shoved it in her pocket. The other thing, however, was too big to tuck anywhere. She gave him an impish grin. “Not on your life.”
“How can you say no to 5000 vibrations per minute?”
Stella slaked her arms around his neck. “Easy. I have you.”
Alex wrapped her in a gentle cocoon. “Good answer. We don’t need any of this stuff.” He tucked a loose curl behind her ear. “Stella, because of you I’ll be working for my stepdad. I should’ve been there all along.”
Stella ran her thumb over his chin. “Alex, because of you, my heart is happy.”
They laughed and followed up with a kiss.
Alex lifted an eyebrow. “Now all we need are those red stilettos.”
~ The End ~
A word about the author…
Jan Romes grew up in a small town in Ohio with eight siblings who remain a constant source of love and entertainment. Married to her high school sweetheart for more years than seems possible, she’s also a proud mom, mother-in-law, grandmother, and owner to a loveable mix-breed dog and the world’s most independent cat. Jan loves to read all genres but she enjoys writing witty romance.
Visit Jan regularly at
www.janromes.com
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Also by Jan Romes
One Small Fib
Lucky Ducks
Kiss Me
The Gift of Gray
Stay Close, Novac!
Three Days With Molly