Overcoming Fear (Growing Pains #2)(77)

She didn’t bother to smile—she felt too ill from the two types of nerves fighting each other. Sean surveyed everything but what he’d come to see. Krista was a fairly tidy person, but she wasn’t OCD, and his eyes caught her silk nightie, lingered on some undies on the lid of the hamper, dusted her clothes, then her brush, looked at her collection of makeup, looked at each of her perfumes.

She cleared her throat and pointed to the suits, painfully aware that he gazed at her for longer than was necessary.

“These are nice. Hate to say it, but the black one is nicer. You and your black suits. Do you have a soft shirt to go with it?”

“The pink one Marco picked is ready. It’s at the office. So are all the accessories and shoes. I got ‘em last night.”

“Great. Are you going to wear this in or would you rather just bring it? I can drive. I’m giving Ben a ride as well.”

Krista sighed loudly. She didn’t want to ride with him, but it was too late to grab the train. “I’ll just bring it.”

“Krista, are you okay?” Sean asked quietly.

His voice held self-loathing and regret. Krista didn’t need confirmation in his eyes so she looked out the window.

“I’m good. Just stressed. This is only my second presentation.”

After a pregnant pause, thankfully he let it go.

“All set, Ben?” Sean asked as they filed in the car.

“Yes. I just hope Judy has calmed down since yesterday. She really doesn’t want me in that meeting, Sean.”

“We’re using some of your material, so I’m afraid we don’t have a choice.”

All Ben said was, “Yes.”

~*~*~*~

“I hope she holds up,” Ray said quietly as he stood next to Sean in the corner of the conference room.

Sean turned to see what Ray was talking about and saw her. She was in her suit, walking in with her purposeful stride, brimming with knowledge and intelligence, gathering eyes and her crew as she neared. She was magnificent. She looked like a high-powered executive with her determination and poise. Her hair and makeup went perfectly with her clothes and shoes. The only thing out of place was the look of terror on her beautiful face.

“She will. As soon as she starts, she will. Have faith, Ray.”

“I do. It’s just that this is so important and she is so inexperienced.”

“I know, but she rallies. She gets in the zone, and she turns it on. You’ll see.”

Ray nodded slightly, looking over his notes.

Sean matched the nod and said, “I’ll go check on her.”

Sean walked over to her slowly, enjoying the view on the way, not wanting to check on her so much as check in with her. He hadn’t been able to sleep all week. In just two days he’d gotten used to her by his side. Her heat pressed against his. In just two days she’d put her feet in the cement of his foundation, and now the imprint she left constantly reminded him of how much he needed her. What he lacked without her.

“Krista, you are a vision,” he said softly as he neared. He didn’t care who heard.

“Not looking so bad yourself, McAdams,” she nervously smiled at him.

“Look,” he said, his eyes connecting with her on a deep and personal level. “I know we have history, and I know I am currently responsible for a lot of hurt, but I would like you to know that I’m here for you. If you need anything at all, as a friend or as an associate, I am here for you. Please ask and I’ll do whatever I can to help. Okay? Please?”

Krista swayed. It was a small movement, barely noticeable, but those words hit the base of her. She was moved, he could see it on her face. She reached up and hugged him. He returned it tightly, wishing he didn’t have to let go.

“You’ll do great,” he whispered in her ear. Then he kissed her cheek as he stepped away.

Krista’s eyes were glassy, as were his. They both knew it had nothing to do with the presentation.

“Can I interrupt?” Ben asked, dissolving the moment.

Sean looked Ben over, noticing his tight shoulders and darting eyes. “Are you nervous?”

Ben shook his head and glanced at Judy. “Sorry Sean, but I think it was a mistake to invite me. Judy is not pleased to share the spotlight.”

“I’ll talk to her—“

“No!” Ben hissed. He tried to melt to Krista’s side, “It’s fine. I’ll just stand close to Krista.”

Sean threw his eyes in Ray’s direction. Judy needed to be sorted out. On a rock-star quality team, she was not pulling her weight. She wasn’t as bright, or gifted, as Sean’s core group. For this presentation, only Ben would do, and if the man was worried about a knife in the ribs, it wouldn’t go off as well as it needed to.

Ray, catching the look, and the scene, made his way in Judy’s direction immediately. They were a good team, and they each knew the score.

“Okay. I can do this,” Krista said, steeling herself, not worried about Ben’s cowering. She shook out her hands like she was about to play basketball.

“Of course you can,” Marcus said as he came over, leaving Judy on her own right before Ray intersected.

They were all a good team. Well-orchestrated. They’d need that today. Sean was very nearly nervous himself. He had a lot to lose here today, but he had a damn good team. They would not fail. Between him and Krista, their team would be guided to the goal line.