Page 86 of Lucas

He draws in a deep breath, pushes off the wall and takes a step back. “No, everything’s fine.”

His body language screams the opposite, but I don’t want to push.

“So, what did you need to see me about?” He strides back to his desk and takes a seat, once again, all business.

Vulnerable Lucas has vanished, replaced by Lucas the unflappable CEO.

“I have a proposal.”

Interest flickers in his steely eyes.

“Not that kind of proposal.” I roll my eyes, but there’s no real annoyance behind it. When did that happen? When did I start to like these exchanges between us?

“I have an alternative proposal to your slash-and-burn budget cuts.” I set the folder on his desk and flip it open.

Lucas skims the pages, flipping through my meticulous notes and charts. I stand in tense silence, nails digging into my thighs as I await his verdict.Please don’t shoot this down.

After what feels like an eternity, he looks up, pinning me with his penetrating stare. “You want to liquidate company assets to fund payroll?”

I nod. “Yes.”

“Why?” He leans back, steepling his fingers.

“Because I refuse to put loyal, long-term employees out on the street. They have families, and they’ve given years to this company. I can’t just toss them aside like trash. I’m confident that once I streamline operations, we can bring in new contracts and revenue streamsto?—”

“You care.” Lucas cuts me off, something like wonder coloring his tone. “About the people who work for you.”

“Of course I do.” My brow furrows. “They’re not just numbers on a spreadsheet to me.”

He regards me for a long, charged moment. “I don’t like approving the sale of hard assets to cover ongoing expenses. It sets a dangerous precedent.”

My heart sinks to my toes. He’s going to veto it. That was my only option.

“But…” he starts, holding up a hand, “in this case, I’m willing to make an exception because I can see how much this means to you, and I believe in what you’re trying to do here.”

My mouth drops open. “You’re saying yes? You’ll approve the restructuring plan?”

“I am.” The corners of his mouth curl up. “Don’t make me regret it.”

Before I can overthink it, I dart around the desk and throw my arms around his neck, pulling him into a fierce hug. “Thank you,” I murmur, breathing into the warm hollow of his throat. “You have no idea how much this means to me.”

For a moment, he stiffens, but then his arms come up to encircle my back, tugging me against his muscular chest. I melt into the embrace, into him, the tension of the last few weeks releasing its chokehold on my body.

He feels so good pressed against me, all leashed strength and solid warmth. In this stolen moment, I let myself admit how desperately I’ve been craving simple human contact. The comfort of being held and reassured that everything will be okay. Of having someone see me, truly see me, and care.

As if sensing my neediness, Lucas buries his nose in my hair and just holds me, his big palm rubbing soothing circleson my back. For a few blissful moments, I let the rest of the world fade away.

Slowly, I disentangle myself from his embrace, taking an awkward step back. Heat crawls up my neck as I reach up to smooth my hair.

“Don’t.” His gruff voice halts my fidgeting.

“Don’t what?” I peek up at him.

“Don’t start overthinking it and beating yourself up. I can see your wheels turning. You’re always welcome to come to me for a hug, no matter what.” He rubs a hand over his stubbled jaw. “Hell, I think I needed that as much as you did.”

There’s that troubled look again, the one I spotted earlier. This time, I refuse to let it slide.

“Are you going to tell me what’s bothering you? We are married, you know. You can talk to me.”