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“Gus talks about Schultz Chocolate all the time,” Gus heard Merritt say. “He’s very proud of the family legacy he’s a part of.”
“Is he?” Dad glanced over his shoulder at Gus.
“He is. I’ve never known anyone so excited to talk about their family business before. I was really impressed to hear all about the Schultz Foundation too. I’d love to one day be able to give from my company on a large scale the way you do.”
“Thank you, Merritt. We’re very proud of the work at the foundation. And I can tell with your drive and determination you’ll get there one day too.”
“Thank you, Mr. Schultz.”
“Please, call me Ephraim.”
Merritt smiled and nodded. She looked like she was trying to hide how giddy she was to receive such a compliment from his dad.
Gus had to admit … she was good. He hadn’t told her a thing about the company, aside from how he’d been passed over for the president position, and he’d never brought up the foundation. She had obviously done her research, and he was very grateful to her for that.
After the factory tour, they parted ways with Dad and walked over to the main entrance of the headquarters. Gus paused at the door. He hadn’t stepped foot inside in months.
“What’s wrong?” Merritt shivered from the cold winter wind. “Do you not want to go inside?”
“We can go in if you want.”
“If it will make you uncomfortable—”
“No. I want to go in. I just haven’t been back here in a while.”
“I understand.” She wound her fingers through his, and his eyes darted to hers.
“Nobody’s watching. You don’t have to pretend with me.”
“I know. I thought you could use a little moral support.” She squeezed. “And I’m trying to keep my hand warm.”
He smiled as he looked down into eyes the color of warm, rich chocolate blended with shades of caramel. “Thanks for all that with my dad before.”
She grinned. “You’re welcome.”
“He likes you.”
“I like him too. I loved listening to him talk about the business. That stuff fascinates me.”
“You looked like a bit of a fangirl at times.”
She playfully smacked his shoulder. “I was trying to soak up all he was telling me. I’ve learned a lot in my own business over the past few years, but there’s so much more I want to know. He’s an amazing source of knowledge about business and marketing, and I’m going to take advantage of having him as my father-in-law for as long as I can.” She pressed her lips together like maybe she regretted bringing up the inevitable end of their fake marriage.
“As you should,” he replied. “I’m aware of how brilliant my father is. I just hope he realizes I’m pretty smart about this company too.”
“So, are we going in or no?” She shivered as she used her free hand to squeeze the collar of her coat together around her neck.
“Sure. I’ll show you my office.” He moved to the entrance and let go of her hand to hold the door for her. “If it’s still there.”
“They wouldn’t give your office away.”
He tilted his head. “Or would they?”
They took the executive elevator to his floor. It was Saturday afternoon and very few people, other than workaholics, janitorial staff, and security, were in the building. He was thankful for the quiet and that he didn’t have to talk to anyone or field questions about why he hadn’t been there. He was sure there were plenty of rumors floating around about the reason, most likely all to do with Milton Hanley.
He opened the door to his office and found it exactly as he had left it. The decor was sparse and manly—leather chair, a substantial oak desk in the center of the room, desktop computer, built-in bookshelves on one side of the room, and a door leading to a private bathroom on the other. Two low-back leather chairs sat across the desk from his, and there was a plant in the corner that he was surprised to see was still alive. Thank God for the cleaning staff.
He removed his coat and hung it on the hook next to the door, and Merritt shrugged out of hers and let him take it from her when he offered.