Page 58 of Rival Hearts

I narrowed my eyes at him. “What’s your problem, man? You’re being so full of shit, and for what? I’m trying to change the public’s perception of us, and it can’t hurt to try to do the right thing, you know.”

Ben rolled his eyes without giving me an answer.

“Do you think we can have an idea on paper soon for a new design?” I asked Chris.

“Sure,” Chris said. “Paul is usually pretty busy, but I’m sure if I give him a project like this he’ll jump at the chance. He likes the idea of a challenge.”

Paul was the guy who handled all things motorized in our yachts, focusing on the big engines. He’d been with us for a long time, and he was trustworthy. He knew what he was doing, too.

“Good,” I said. “Let me know what he says, and let’s give this thing a deadline. Let’s say a new concept in a week?”

Chris nodded.

“If I’m not needed here, then I’ll go,” Ben said.

I bristled. “It affects all of us, you know.”

Ben shrugged and left the boardroom, taking his black mood with him.

“I’ll get right on it,” Chris said.

“I’ll come with you,” Daniel offered. “I haven’t even seen the latest yacht designs you’ve been bragging about.”

“It’s almost ready. You’ll see a lot more than just a design.”

They left the boardroom, too, and it was just me and my dad.

“What’s up with Ben?” I asked. “He’s always giving me shit but that was a new level.”

“Don’t let him get to you,” Dad said. “He’s working through some stuff.”

I nodded, trying to let go of the irritation, but I couldn’t help but feel like it was personal. There was healthy sibling rivalry and then there was whatever went on between me and Ben most of the time.

“I think this is a good idea,” Dad said, clapping me on the back. “It’s hard not to buckle under public pressure, and you’re doing the right thing. You’re not letting them get to you, and you’re making a point of implementing criticism and making a chance. It makes you a good leader.”

“Thanks.” It was nice to know that my dad agreed with my plans and that he was proud of what I was doing with the company. “I’ve been talking to an activist.”

“What?” Dad frowned.

“I figured it might help to go directly to the source.”

That wasn’t completely true. If Charlotte hadn’t come to me before the weekend, I wouldn’t have talked to her at all. Or maybe I would have, but sure as shit not about the environment. When I was around her, the environment was the last thing on my mind. Just thinking about her naked in my office made my cock twitch.

“She’s got some good ideas,” I added. “And it’s where I thought about getting out a new line.”

We left the boardroom together, and Dad walked with me to the elevator. I pushed the button, and when the doors slid open, we rode up to the top floor.

“She,” Dad said. “A woman. When did you discuss this with her?”

“Last Friday. She was my last appointment for the day.”

That wasn’t true, either. She hadn’t made an appointment at all. And we hadn’t exactly discussed business. But that didn’t change the fact that I’d started thinking about the bigger picture because of her. She’d told me she’d started researching the yacht industry a little more, and she wanted to find out what she didn’t know yet, and that made me realize I hadn’t exactly done a lot of research when it came to viable alternatives.

So, she was the one who’d changed my mind. Even if it wasn’t with her words exactly. I just wanted to give her the same respect as she gave me.

“When are you scheduling your next meeting?” Dad asked.

“Sometime this week, actually. She wants to see our process.”