How to Resist Prince Charming(71)

Smiling around the room, he said, “Which brings me to the point of why I’ve called this meeting. Since my sister is doing so much better, my father’s been growing antsy with nothing to do. Therefore, come Monday morning, he will return to Farris Industries in full capacity as president of the company.”

Braxton had to admit, he thought his employees would show a little more enthusiasm over that announcement than they did. He’d expected some kind of reaction. Instead, utter silence met him.

Finally, Ben Hendricks asked, “But what about you?”

Braxton blinked. “Uh, well, I’ll be around for a few weeks, of course, to help Dad catch up with all the changes, but then I’ll be...you know, I’ll be gone.”

Charlie Fairbanks gasped. “You’re leaving?” The funny part was he didn’t sound thrilled by the news. “You’re leaving the entire company?”

“I, uh, yeah. I’m leaving the entire company.”

Bowled over to discover they all appeared disheartened about his departure, Braxton experienced a flash of accomplishment. Despite the handicap of youth he’d had when he’d arrived, he’d triumphed and managed to somehow gain the respect of his reluctant employees. Ninety percent of them, anyway.

How bizarre...and flattering.

“So, what are you going to do?” Tasha asked as she chewed on a fingernail.

Braxton shrugged. Then he forced a grin. “Anybody heard of a good job opening around?” When no one laughed, his forced smile fell. “No, actually there are a few different options I’m considering,” he assured, still dazed they seemed to care about his future. “Don’t worry. I’ve got a plan.”

And yes, he surely did. He planned to go home, get drunk, and wait to die.

By pure accident, Braxton’s gaze landed on Tom. He froze, unable to read the solemn expression in the older man’s face. But merely looking at Lenna’s father caused him to choke.

He glanced away and cleared his throat.

“That’s all I have to say.” Grabbing the pen and tablet he’d brought in with him, he marched from the room.



The top employees of Farris Industries gawked at each other as Braxton fled.

For a moment, no one spoke and then Pat Foley said, “Damn. I was just starting to like the kid, too.”

“That poor child,” Beth Harders cooed. “A broken engagement and lost job all in one month? Breaks my heart just to think about how miserable he must be.”

Tom leaned against the wall where he’d been standing and jammed his hands into his pockets.

When he caught Ben glancing at him, he jerked his gaze away.

“He did a good job while he was here,” Charlie lamented. “It surprised the hell out of me. But the boy stepped up and filled Spencer’s shoes like nobody’s business.”

“I think he was lying,” Tasha said. “I don’t think he has any plans at all. He looked too beaten to have any idea what he was going to do next.”

A hard ball of—what was that, guilt?—formed in Tom’s chest. It swelled and started to block his airway until he found it difficult to breathe.

Tugging at his tie, he coughed, but the ball remained lodged.

He told himself he wasn’t accountable. None of this was his fault. But shame plagued him anyway.

Everyone was right. Braxton Farris had been a decent employer. For as young as he was, he’d done a spectacular job, and he’d made some big, spot-on decisions, despite the obstacles Tom knew he’d put in the kid’s path by being so obstinate.

“Oh, I wouldn’t worry about Braxton over much,” Pat said. “After all the work he put into that one company, ProTech, when he worked there, I bet they’ll name him the Messiah if he goes back.”

Tom jerked his head up. “Did you say ProTech?”

“Yeah, haven’t you heard of it? It’s one of the fastest growing online businesses these days. I hear it might be the next Microsoft or Google.”

“And our Braxton worked there before coming here?” Tasha asked, clearly skeptical.

“Hell, he damn near built the place from the ground up. He and one of his friends, Scandy or something or other, thought up the idea. They started it together, and from what Spencer told me, Braxton even invested a ton of money to get it off to a running start. To be honest with you, I’m not sure why his friend didn’t make him a partner, but Braxton let his buddy take all the glory.” Pat shrugged. “Beats me. Maybe he knew he’d be coming to Farris someday.”

“Good.” Tasha sighed. “At least he has somewhere to go now.”

Except he didn’t, and Tom knew why Braxton wouldn’t return to ProTech.

Damn it all to hell.

This piece of information was more than he could take. He needed to talk to the kid. Now. Letting out a frustrated breath, he stalked from the conference room, leaving his co-workers to gape after him. He went straight to the president’s office. When he found the door partially open, he pushed inside.

Braxton stood at his window with his back to the door, holding his hands laced together behind his head.

Tom cringed. “Did you know this was going to happen all along?”

Braxton whirled around. “Tom,” he gasped and pressed his hand to his heart, waiting a moment before blowing out a long breath. “Did I know what was going to happen?”