Chapter 31

 

 

Tuesday morning after not getting a minute of sleep, Harding found himself sitting behind his desk at work feeling like he’d lost his best friend. His heart ached at the thought that it was over between them – that Savannah was still in Asheville and he was back home in Wilmington without her. He didn’t even know if she would come back. Or maybe she’d go back home to Charleston and resume her life with her parents.

Her parents…

His hands tightened into fists that he pounded on top of his desk. Her parents were the root cause of all of their problems. He should’ve taken Mordecai’s advice and confronted her parents himself, but he chose a route that eventually led to a dead end.

He sighed heavily and lowered his head. How could I be so stupid? He rubbed his eyes and then glanced at the clock. He had a client to get to but had no idea how he was going to make it through the day feeling like this?

 

* * *

 

Dante looked up when Phyllis – the administrator who worked at the first-floor receptionist desk – opened the door to let Savannah inside.

Thank you, Phyllis.”

You’re welcome, Sir.” Phyllis closed the door.

Savannah walked in, looking around his well-decorated office, loving the layout – the in-office conference table, couch, coffee table and the two, high-back chairs that sat facing his desk. It reminded her of her father’s office at the law firm.

Thanks for coming,” he said, sitting behind his desk in a black suit. Black tie. Black shirt.

The dark colors he wore emphasized the bright color of his hazel eyes. Jeez. He looked too much like Harding and Harding was the last person she wanted to see right now or be reminded of. To cut the meeting short before it even began, she said, “I know why you asked me here, Dante, and given the status of my relationship, or shall I say lack thereof with your half brother, I don’t think it would be wise for me to work with the corporation in any capacity. I’m going to have to pass.”

Dante shot her a grin, watching her stand near the door like she wanted to make a run for it. Before she could, he said, “Have a seat, Savannah,” gesturing towards one of the chairs facing his massive desk.

Didn’t you hear what I just said?” she asked.

Yes. Loud and clear. Please. Have a seat.”

She moved across the floor in the jeans and black sweater she had on with a pair of black, suede booties. She sat down and crossed her legs.

Dante stared at her for a moment as he tapped a silver pen on his desktop. “You’re declining my offer based on something that hasn’t happened yet. You don’t know what your relationship with Harding will be like a week from now. Two weeks from now, or—”

I know it’s over,” Savannah cut in to say.

Dante’s jaw clenched. He knew it was probably second nature for her to be argumentative, but could she not listen to anyone else’s point of view besides her own? “Let’s say you’re right and it is over. What are you going to do now that you think your marriage is over, Savannah?”

Dante, I know you mean well, but this is between me and Harding.”

See, that’s where you’re wrong.”

She lifted a brow. “How do you figure?”

Dante dropped his pen and threaded his fingers together. “You’re the one who showed up at my house uninvited to see Harding. He wasn’t ready to talk to you but you commandeered your way here and tried to force a conversation with him.”

But—”

Let me finish,” Dante said firmly. “You two argued in front of us, all of us, without reserve, and you think this dispute going on between yourself and Harding is just between you guys?” Dante smiled blankly and leaned forward in full business mode. “This is so much bigger than you and Harding. You’re pregnant with Harding’s baby which means the baby you’re carrying is my niece or nephew. That baby is a part of my father. That baby has my family’s blood pumping through it.”

Savannah hadn’t thought about it that way. Dante had a point – one of which she couldn’t dispute.

Harding is my half-brother and I love him as if I’ve known him my entire life. And I know that Harding loves you, Savannah. You love him, too. Am I right?”

It’s not that si—”

Do you love him?” Dante asked.

Yes,” Savannah said, flustered. “I love Harding, but that doesn’t mean I want him back in my life. He really did hurt me.”

You hurt each other, wouldn’t you say?”

I would. I know I hurt him which is why I was trying so hard to make our situation right. I tried. He wasn’t trying. Now, you’re trying to shove the blame on me.”

I’m not blaming anyone. I’m trying to keep my family together,” Dante said.

Savannah studied his eyes when he said those words. He was serious, deeply concerned and she could tell he truly wanted what he said he wanted.

Dante walked around his desk to sit in the chair next to her. “Let’s put that conversation on hold for now.”

Thank God, Savannah thought.

Dante drew in a breath. “My brothers and I have reviewed your credentials and I’m prepared to offer you the job in our legal department.”

With her head titled, Savannah asked, “You’re going to offer me a position within your corporation without so much as an interview or a background check?”

Yes. Your skills speak for themselves. As for the background check, my legal department has already done a full background sweep on you. Now, how does 300K a year sound with full benefits and company perks?”

Eyebrows raised, Savannah said, “My parents didn’t even pay me that much.”

Well, this is a different environment. Different cases.”

Curiosity piqued, she asked, “If I took your offer, what would my hours be?”

Nine to five. If you choose to work beyond those parameters, it will be strictly your decision.”

She scratched her head. The offer was too good to be true. Unfortunately, living in a transitional state had her unsure about what to do at the moment. “I don’t know, Dante.”

What aren’t you sure about?”

She gave a half shrug. “The offer sounds amazing, but I have too much going on right now.”

Where do you go from here if you don’t accept my offer?” Dante asked.

She smiled uncomfortably. “I don’t know the answer to that. I need to find my own way, Dante, and I feel like you’re trying to bail me out by offering me this job.”

I’m offering you a legit position within a multi-million-dollar organization. I tell you what,” he said standing. “Why don’t you take a few days to think it over and give me a call when you make a decision?”

Okay,” she said standing. “That, I can do.”

He reached to shake her hand and she accepted. “Don’t think too long,” he said. “You may make the wrong decision.”

A small smile appeared on her face. “I’ll be in touch. Thanks for the opportunity.”

You’re welcome.”