Chapter 5

Alexa didn’t go back to the office after her meeting with Salvatore. She’d texted James, her driver, whom she only used if it was raining or freezing. Walking the twenty minutes to her condo would have been difficult. Her legs and arms hadn’t stopped shaking since Salvatore had proposed. Plus, Salvatore’s mention of paparazzi had her paranoid. She found herself giving everyone who turned her way a second look, hoping she wasn’t being followed.

Of all the things she could have imagined, she’d never expected a proposal! She had to admit, his idea had merit. An alliance of sorts would secure her position in the company.

She tried not to focus on the other more dangerous side of the coin. Could she lie to everyone? Could they pull off this elaborate scheme? Did she even want to if the cost of the company was compromising her morals?

She’d carried the desire for a family for years now, but she never thought it would happen like this. She was a hopeless romantic in every sense of the word, and the idea of a loveless marriage was heartbreaking.

But she couldn’t help wondering if it would be a complete marriage of convenience. Salvatore Bradford was an extraordinary man. His business with his father had thrived because they were smart and innovative. His company treated their employees fairly, and she knew he made considerable donations to charities. They often ran into each other at charity auctions and galas.

And then there was that spark when she’d touched his hand at The Fjord. She hadn’t imagined it. His reaction had been enough to give him away.

Not to mention he’d known something was bothering her at dinner despite her best efforts to hide her worries about her father’s recent life-altering decision. He’d seen right through her and hadn’t let her skirt the matter. His concern had been endearing and comforting.

For as much as she knew about his business and economic persona, she didn’t know much about his personal life past what could be found in tabloids and in interviews.

There was certainly attraction between them. They’d flirted on occasion, and the playful banter had been almost more than she could bear. The conversations she’d had with Salvatore were always interesting, and she often found herself wanting more after they parted ways.

She knew now that he was a Christian, and the information stirred her heart. Had a kind, generous, handsome man of God really just crossed her path and proposed out of the blue? She couldn’t be so lucky. 

When James dropped her off at her condo in Lake Union, she busied herself making a simple dinner for one. She preferred making her own meals when possible. Cooking relaxed her.

Not that she always preferred them, but she tended to participate in lonely hobbies. Cooking was quiet and required concentration. She could give a seafood gumbo her full attention and forget that she spent most nights alone.

Reading was Alexa’s other passion. She was a sucker for the classics. There were a handful of stories she read again and again. She’d been devouring the Bronte sisters and Austen since she was eleven. It was the one hobby she and her mother shared. Instead of children’s bedtime stories, her mother read her The Little House on the Prairie books, then Nancy Drew mysteries. Soon after, they had read Little Women and Emma.

Once she’d finished her meal, she still had some time to waste before her yoga class and decided to walk. The sun wouldn’t set until after her class began, and she could message James for a ride home.

Lorie and Irene were sitting on their mats talking when she walked into the studio. Lorie spotted Alexa and jumped up from her mat. “Hey, are you all right? You didn’t come back to work.”

“I’m fine. I just needed some time to think.” And she’d need a lot more time to consider this huge proposal—more time than she had.

Irene joined them just as Lorie stepped close to Alexa with a concerned look and placed a hand on her forehead as if to check for fever. “Think about what? What was the meeting about? You look pale. Well, paler than usual.”

That made Alexa smile. Lorie was a believer that tan skin was happy skin, but Alexa’s European complexion wasn’t fit for direct sunlight. “I’m really fine, but you’re not going to believe what happened.”

They had a few minutes before the class began, and the three women sat together on their mats. “Tell me already before I burst.” Lorie’s middle name was dramatic. She wasn’t a gossip, just easily excitable.

“Salvatore asked me to marry him.”

Lorie covered her mouth to stifle a squeal, and Irene blurted, “He what?”

“Shh,” Alexa chided. “I know it’s sudden, but he was serious.” She huffed a deep breath. “There’s something else I need to tell you.”

Lorie held out her hand to stop her. “I’m still processing your crazy luck in getting a proposal from the Salvatore Bradford.”

“I know, but the other news is just as big, and it involves you both. You’ll know soon enough anyway.”

Irene’s freckles stood out as the blood drained from her face. “Please tell me it’s good news.”

Alexa shrugged. “I’m not sure yet. My dad is stepping away from the company. He’s naming a replacement at the end of the year.”

“That sounds like good news to me. Congratulations, friend!” Lorie hugged her tight, but Irene was frozen in place.

“Lorie, this is what I’m trying to tell you. Salvatore’s proposal wasn’t a romantic gesture. It was a business strategy.”

Her friend pulled away and looked at her with crinkled brows. “A what?”

“My dad might choose Aiden as his replacement.”

Lorie backed away. “No, no, no, no, no! No way. That can’t happen!”

Irene still hadn’t taken a breath. Aiden despised her and would kick her to the curb in a heartbeat without a bit of remorse were he to be chosen as the new CEO.

Alexa continued, “I might have slipped up and told Salvatore about this last night. I was still in shock when I arrived at dinner, and he could tell something was bothering me. When he found out, he was concerned. This decision impacts his company too.”

“Wow. I can’t believe this. Your dad wouldn’t really choose Aiden over you, would he?” Lorie asked.

Alexa lifted her hands then let them fall into her lap. “Yesterday, it sounded like he was pushing me to start a family. It felt like he wanted me to step down.”

“Oh, honey.” Irene came out of her stupor and gathered Alexa in a one-arm hug.

“You see, Salvatore proposed we get married, and Dad would see that I’m more deeply rooted in the business. I could guarantee our largest distributor stays close. Plus, if he does end up choosing Aiden, he wouldn’t fire me if I’m Salvatore’s wife.”

Lorie leaned back on her elbows and sighed. “That lousy snake. I don’t see why Aiden should even be considered for the position just because he’s the boss’s son. It’s not fair. It’s clear you’re the wiser choice.”

Irene spoke up, and her tone was foreboding. “You need to be careful. I don’t trust Aiden, and he might not play fair.”

“Is it really playing fair if Salvatore and I stage a marriage of convenience to secure my job?” Alexa asked.

“No, it’s not, and I’m worried about that too,” Irene added.

“Trust me, I can’t stop worrying about it myself,” Alexa admitted. “He said he really is interested in me romantically, and he wants to start a family one day. He thinks we’ll be great together.” Alexa drummed her fingers on the mat. “I just wish I knew if this was the right thing to do. It sounds really stupid when I say it out loud.”

“Well, I say go for it,” Lorie added. “You get to marry a handsome billionaire. And he’s actually nice! I think the two of you will get along great. I’m excited already. You’re destined to be together!” Lorie’s excitement was running wild, and she wasn’t thinking rationally anymore.

“I haven’t said yes yet. He’s picking me up for dinner tomorrow night.”

Irene moved back to her mat as the instructor entered the room. “Just pray about this, please. I know Salvatore is a good man, but I see a lot of ways you could get hurt.”

Irene was right. There were a million ways this plan could go wrong, but what if it worked? She’d get to marry a handsome, capable, intelligent, Christian man, and she might possibly get the top position at her family’s company.