Stella in Stilettos (32 page)

While those two raked him over the coals, he’d thought about Stella and wondered how things had gone with her and Maggie. He was on his way there now to deliver the news that he was finished in her department. He should’ve just walked out the door and let Jett deal with Maggie, but he didn’t roll that way. He owned up to his actions.

The second he turned the knob to enter the department, he questioned the lucidity of pissing off yet another person. He imagined Marc and Jett stomping around the corporate communications group, calling him a prick and a selfish bastard. Poor Steve would have to listen to them disparage him. Alex anticipated their fury ahead of time and urged Steve not to make waves on his behalf.

The sound of heels clicking toward him, made him groan.

Alex cursed when he spotted Maggie thundering toward him with grouch written all over her face. She probably just got off the phone with Jett.

He tried a shifty maneuver and ducked into Stella’s cubicle. Not cagey enough because the object-of-dread found him. “You’re late,” she said.

Alex studied the queen-bee. Actually, she was more of a hornet and she looked mad enough to sting him repeatedly. “Good morning to you too,” he said carefully.

Her eyes widened, and she jerked her thumb to signal him to move out of the way.

He complied, but he couldn’t help himself. “What’s going on?”

Maggie threw her hands in the air. “Don’t get me started.” She began ripping through Stella’s desk. It took for her to throw a few of Stella’s personal effects into the trash can before Alex realized what was happening. He body-blocked her. “Stop.”

“Move out of the way before I do something fun, like fire you.”

Maggie flung a handful of note pads with Stella’s name embossed on them toward the trash can but missed and they landed on the floor.

“Seriously, Maggie, stop.”

Maggie laughed maniacally. “I’m the boss. I’m allowed to get pissed when one of my employees shirks her duties.”

Alex’s nerves were already raw and this lunatic wasn’t helping. “Throwing her stuff away? Really?” To make things worse, he smelled Belinda’s bug-spray-perfume before he saw her.

“Alex, you’re back,” she squealed coming around the corner.

No. I’m. Not
, he thought wryly.

Maggie gritted her teeth. “I run this show but Stella thinks she can take another day of vacation without my approval. Just wait until she comes in tomorrow, I’m going to rip her a new one. We need to work on the after-Christmas clearance flyers. She knows that but decided to sleep in, or whatever the hell’s she’s doing.” She slammed a drawer shut. “Hard to get good help these days.”

Sooo, Stella hadn’t told Maggie yet. Interesting. He was tempted to pull out his cell phone and text her.

Maggie continued to rant. “After all I’ve done for her; you’d think she’d repay me by showing up.”

Alex didn’t know whether to laugh or hit Maggie. Since he would never lay a hand on a woman, he laughed, but it was void of humor. “After all you’ve done for her? Isn’t it the other way around?”

Maggie stared at him like he’d sprouted horns. “I’m sending you back to Jett.”

“You do that.”

Corrine was suddenly beside him. “I had my doubts about you, Ace, but what I just heard gives you a clean slate.”

Alex gave her a half-hug. “You’re a good woman, Corrine.”

Maggie’s voice boomed off the walls. “Everyone has gone insane.”

Corrine agreed. “You’re right. This place is a loony bin, Maggie, and I’m not staying. I’ve had it up to here.” She pointed to top of her head.

Deep-crimson crept up Maggie’s neck. “Go! Who needs you?”

Corrine’s gray eyes danced with amusement. “Wasn’t quite the reaction I was going for, but it doesn’t matter. I’m out of here.”

Alex wrapped an arm around Corrine. “No wonder Stella loves you.”

* * * *

Stella smiled nervously at the dolly-cart stacked with storage boxes. This was really happening. She was going to the twenty-sixth floor to fill the boxes with her personal effects and to say goodbye to this place forever. Mixed emotions washed over her and she swallowed hard to cope.

As though Barton read her thoughts, he patted her shoulder. “Buck up, Stella. This is a pot-hole in the road. It’ll jar you but it’s not big enough to throw your wheels out of alignment.”

“Thank you,” she said softly. It was a strange comfort to have him with her; it was also weird. He’d said he had an appointment but decided to help her see this through first. Bosses didn’t behave this way. She shrugged inwardly. Maybe they did. She’d been with Maggie so long she didn’t know how a real boss acted. “I’m glad you’re coming with me.”

Barton’s eyes flickered with something vague, making her more nervous. Saying what was in her heart made her look wimpy instead of professional. Was she subconsciously trying to mess things up?

 “No problem, Stella. I have to warn you though, I might appear easy but make no mistake I’m a shark.”

She shot a look at the floor-indicator lights. They were almost to twenty-six. “Good. I’m going to need someone with sharp teeth.”

Barton cracked up and was still laughing when they entered the department.

Stella’s heart rate spiked. Blood pumped heavy in her chest and the air caught in her lungs.

Maggie noticed her straight away and let out an attention-seeking, teeth-jarring shriek. “There you are!”

Stella took a step back and Barton nudged her forward. “No guts, no glory,” he whispered.

“Maggie I…” Stella’s gaze locked with Alex’s, and her heart nearly burst with joy. Tears pooled in her eyes and she felt dizzy.

“Are you okay, sweetheart?”

“Sweetheart?” The question danced from one mouth to the other.

Alex locked her in his arms. “That’s right. She’s my sweetheart.”

The public show of allegiance nearly toppled Stella. Thank goodness Alex had a hold of her.

A subtle rustling beside them made her push slightly away.
Barton.
She almost forgot about him.

Maggie was livid, calling Stella brainless. Belinda got in on the act and muttered that Alex needed to see a shrink. Corrine squealed with delight.

 Stella turned to introduce Barton. “Alex, this is Barton James, my new boss.”

Maggie let out a cuss word that was probably heard all the way down in the lobby.

Alex grinned big.

Barton smirked.

Corrine was laughing her butt off. “We’re both leaving this place, Stella.” She gave her a high-five. “I have no idea where I’m headed; I just know I’m leaving this hell-hole.”

 Stella clutched Corrine’s hand.

Another loud clearing of a throat, drew everyone’s attention. “It’s amazing how things work out, isn’t it?” The question was aimed at Alex.

Alex grinned at Stella. “We’re both going to be working for my dad.”

It was Stella’s turn to look baffled. “Barton James is your father?”

“Long story. By the way, yesterday in the cab, when you said Barton James Enterprises I couldn’t believe it.”

Stella shook her head and smiled. “First, Trish. Now, you. What other secrets are you hiding?”

Alex chuckled. “That’s it. I swear.”

Barton interrupted. “Alex and I are not linked by blood, but by love.” He gathered both Stella and Alex in a bear hug.

“It’s about time you took interest in the company you have part-ownership in, son.”

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.