Marry Me
1261 Words
Tessa couldn’t believe what she had just heard from her brother. Her father had decided to sell the company. And to that scheming man, Mr. Davidson, of all people?
She prepared herself for a thorough conversation as she stormed into her father’s office.
“Dad, we need to talk about the company,” she said bluntly.
He exhaled wearily, not looking up from his paperwork. “What about it, Theresa? Can’t this wait? I’m very busy.”
“It’s Tessa. And no, it can’t wait.” She took a steady breath. “I want to help save the company. I know I can turn things around.”
Her father finally glanced up, his eyes cold behind his spectacles. “And how do you propose doing that? The company is drowning in debt,” he said flatly. “Selling is the only option left.”
“Or I could try running it,” she insisted. “Give me a chance to turn things around.”
Her father sighed again, long and tired. “We’ve been over this before, Tessa. It’s too big of a risk.”
“All I’m asking for is the opportunity to prove myself. How will I ever gain experience if you won’t let me try?”
Her father pinched the bridge of his nose. “We don’t have time or money for you to learn on the job. The company is falling apart; we need proven leadership now.”
“So that’s it, then?” Tessa’s voice shook with frustration. “You’re just going to sell everything our family has built over a single generation because it’s the easy way out?”
“It’s the only rational choice. I’ve made my decision, and this discussion is over.”
“Why won’t you even consider my ideas?” Tessa cried in frustration. “Just because I’m not Daniel?”
“This has nothing to do with Daniel,” her father said impatiently. “But we both know he’s the better head for business.”
“The better head for business,” Tessa mocked bitterly.
“Daniel hasn’t been with the company in over six months! He’s too busy with his new startup to care about us.”
“He’s going through a difficult time right now recovering from his illness,” her father said sternly. “But once he’s fully healed, he’ll be able to turn the company around.”
“He’s made it clear he has no interest in returning!” Tessa shouted. “Meanwhile, the company is falling apart. I’m here, and I’m willing to try. Why can’t you believe in me just this once?”
“Tessa, I’ve made my decision. I am going to sell the company.”
*****
Tessa drove back home from work in a gloomy mood and found Asher in front of her house with his hands dug in his pockets.
“What are you doing here?” she asked, crossing her arms as she faced Asher on her doorstep.
“Well, hello to you too.” Asher smirked. “I still own this building, you know. I’m within my rights to be here.”
She rolled her eyes. “Then get out of my way, landlord.” She nudged him aside with her elbow as she started unlocking the door.
He frowned, following her closely. “Hey, no need for the attitude. My phone’s been blowing up all day thanks to this idiotic scandal. Cut me some slack, will you?”
She spun to face him, eyebrows raised. “Oh, is that so? Maybe don’t make s*x tapes then next time.”
“It was fake!” Asher burst out, throwing his hands up.
Tessa raised a skeptical eyebrow. “Was it? Because everyone knows now that the woman on the tape is that model, Nora. And you two have been spotted on multiple occasions.”
“Okay, yeah, we hooked up a few times, but that means nothing. I would never film it! Do you really think I’m dumb enough to get myself caught on camera?”
She paused, seeming to consider it, and then shrugged. “Who knows what to believe about you anymore, Asher?”
He was about to retort but paused, something else catching his attention. “s**t, we’ve got company.”
Tessa whirled around to see a crowd of reporters shouting and clicking their cameras from down the street. They had spotted them and were now hurrying over.
“f**k, how did they find me here?” Asher muttered through gritted teeth. He grabbed Tessa’s arm firmly. “Come on, we can’t let them see you with me.”
He yanked her inside and shut the large door behind them. The loud buzz of questions and clicking grew muffled but was clearly still right outside.
Asher pressed his palms against the wall on either side of Tessa’s head, crowding her space as he peered out the peephole. She was keenly aware of how his hot, hard body caged her in, the scent of cologne and aftershave enveloping her senses.
“Press is like a pack of rabid dogs right now,” Asher rumbled low, just to her. “I need to lie low until this blows over.”
Tessa’s heartbeat quickened as she realized how intimate this position was. Asher didn’t seem to notice, preoccupied with keeping an eye out.
She cleared her throat awkwardly. “Um, Asher? Personal space, please.”
He blinked, then seemed to realize how closely they were standing, so he stepped back hastily.
“s**t, sorry, Pookie. I got a little carried away there.”
Tessa waved off his apology, annoyed by her nickname again. “Forget it; no harm is done. But you did lead this whole circus right to my doorstep.” She shot him an accusatory look.
“Hey, I didn’t call them here on purpose, you know. Those vultures must have tracked me down somehow.”
“Doesn’t matter.” Tessa moved to peer through the curtains at the crowd that was showing no signs of leaving.
She sighed in frustration. “I think you should see yourself out now. I’ve had a long enough day already and just need some peace and quiet.”
She turned and strode into the kitchen, yanking open a cabinet to retrieve a box of cereal. Asher trailed after her reluctantly.
“Look, I’m sorry they interrupted your night. But don’t you want to at least hear me out?” He asked imploringly.
Tessa ignored him, focusing on pouring cereal and milk into a bowl with more force than necessary. Asher sighed and leaned against the counter, watching her movements closely.
“What?” She asked shortly, not looking up.
“I can guess why you had such a terrible day,” he said softly.
Tessa stiffened but didn’t reply, shoving a spoonful of cereal into her mouth.
Asher continued. “Rough day with dear old dad, I’m guessing?”
She paused, her eyes flashing up to meet his. “How do you know about that?”
He shrugged. “Educated guess. We’re kind of business rivals, remember? I know your family company has been struggling lately.”
Tessa frowned. “It’s none of your business, Asher.”
He pushed off the counter slowly. “It could be.” Stepping closer, he lowered his voice. “I have a proposition for you, Tessa.”
She eyed him warily. “I’m listening.”
A calculated gleam entered his eyes. “I’ll finance turning your company around, but in exchange, marry me.”
- Writer
