Page 61 of Ripple Effect

“No, what I mean is, when I bid on work, I’m the one who’s essentially playing to the client needs. He must know he has a product so special it can’t be replicated by any other company or he’d be kissing ass to get work, just like the rest of us,” I point out.

Cal’s face is thunderstruck. “I never thought of it like that.”

I shrug. “You don’t own your own company, hon. I do.”

“Honestly, Libby, do you worry about that a lot? You’ve always said business is strong.” Cal takes a bite of his own lunch, watching me while he does.

I pause before I fork another bite in. I don’t know where Rebecca got this, but I’m going to have to ask. It’s delicious. “My business is solid, but that’s because I work to make it that way. I study the market, I make adjustments, and I continuously train my people.” I put my container on the coffee table in between us. “I can’t sit back and relax; I have people depending on me.”

“But it’s what you want?”

“There’s nothing I’ve wanted more next to you,” I tell him honestly.

Cal’s fork clatters to the table. Leaning forward, he nabs the back of my neck. Our lips come together in a kiss that’s rife with love. “There’s nothing more important to me in this world than you, Libby.”

“Same here. I love you, Cal.”

“I love you too. Let’s finish up so you can get a chance to talk with Rebecca some more. I need the woman who controls my heart to be comfortable with the person who has access to me while I’m away.”

Since I vehemently agree, I pick up my pasta and grin. “We’re going to have you so twisted up, you won’t know which one of us is really controlling your life.”

“Listen, if I get more time with you out of it, I’ll take it.”

We both grin before we resume eating.

39

Calhoun

Year Two - Nine Years Ago from Present Day

“Idon’t think there’s a more perfect woman for you in the world, Cal,” Yarborough says to me later as we share a drink together in his office. A new contract has just come in, and we’re celebrating with a quick glass of bourbon—the Admiral’s choice.

It has been since I started working for him years ago. I just used to watch quietly from the sidelines instead of being invited in to join him.

He rolls the heavy crystal glass of amber liquid back and forth in his hand. “There’s something I want to talk with you about.”

“What’s that?” I take a sip of my drink

“Buying into Alliance.”

The coughing isn’t due to the alcohol; it’s due to the fact I can’t breathe. “What did you just say?” I manage to wheeze out. I’m also using my tie to wipe my face as I spit my drink out.

“I’m not getting any younger, Cal. And who do I have to leave this to? Meeting your Libby, it made me think about the future. The future of all of you.”

“Then it goes to Molly,” I declare.

“Who wants nothing to do with this. She’d rather be at the house ready to blister my hide for being late so she has an excuse for burning dinner since she can’t cook. No, what I need is a plan.” Finishing his drink, he stands. “And I want you to think of one.”

“Me? Why me?”

“Because, you know the business side as well as the mission. You know who to bring in to assess it for a fair and reasonable value.”

“Rick, this could take months—possibly years with the amount of balls we have up in the air. And with the type of balls, I don’t want just anyone getting the chance to fondle them,” I caution him.

“Agreed. Do the due diligence. In the meanwhile, I’ll make some provisions, just in case.” Plunking down his glass, he walks behind his desk.

“You promise, you’d tell me if you were sick?” Somehow, I’m haunted by this lack of knowledge.