Page 21 of Single Mom’s Secret Diary (The Forbidden Reverse Harem Collection)

Ezra

T he shock and subsequent absolute fury on Avery’s face convinces me immediately of her innocence. I’ve never seen her look quite so much like a momma bear before, but she looks ready to swipe at the next person who makes a move.

Her mouth purses, and her hands slot onto her hips. “You had better have good evidence to make an accusation like that because I did not give out company secrets.”

I hold my hands up as a few members of the board open their mouths. “Tell us what happened.”

She shifts on her feet, standing even taller, chin higher and looking down her nose at me.

I wish I didn’t have to confront her like this, but I can’t seem like I’m playing favorites.

Because I certainly am. I’m past the point of wanting her.

I need her. Love her. Can’t let her disappear from my life again for any reason.

It’s why I’m giving her the chance now to get it out instead of being peppered by accusations.

“I was approached at my son’s hockey practice on Saturday at the World Sky Rink.

I was getting a pretzel and a diet cola.

She introduced herself as Bobbi DuBois and already knew about my job here and what I do.

Made some offhand comments about my having the dream job at a candy factory.

I excused myself back to watch my son, and she gave me her card and offered to talk more about my skills. ”

Avery produces the card from her pocket and tosses it on the conference table.

“When my son’s team broke for lunch, Bobbi DuBois and I went to a Cuban food cart, where she paid for my meal and asked me to show her what I can do. Which I did since it’s no secret that I am good at what I do.”

Slowly, Avery’s arms cross, and she shifts to another foot, pinning Kennedy—the member to make the blunt accusation—with narrowed eyes.

“She asked about my income, and when I excused myself again, she offered me a job at Lindt for a six-figure income and a seven-figure bonus. Which I turned down.”

The flare of her nostrils prepares me for her final remark. Her eyebrow lift makes heat boil in my center.

“If you don’t believe me, call Bobbi Dubois yourselves. I don’t need her card back.” After another haughty pause, she spreads her hands. “Are you done with me now?”

I nod. “Thank you, Miss Caruso. We’ll talk after the board discusses.”

She spins on her heel and marches out of the boardroom in a huff, leaving the door swinging wide open.

I take a deep breath. Avery is all the more beautiful when she’s mad.

Ryder meets my gaze, his eyes wide and a bit wild. Wyatt appears more pleased, leaning back in his chair. He’s already expressed his contempt for the board and their shortsightedness—his exact words.

Pam appears and closes the door for us, disappearing on the other side.

I spread my hands on the table. “I believe her.”

It’s best to make my stance clear, so that’s where we start. Silence spreads for a few seconds before Ryder agrees with a simple, “Me, too.”

Wyatt crosses his arms in defiance. “This entire thing is ridiculous. Of course she didn’t do it.”

Everyone but Kennedy waves it away with ease. For some reason, she glowers. “You all believe her just because she says so? Why? Because she’s pretty?”

“Slide that business card down here. I’ll call Miss DuBois on speaker phone so we can clear up any doubts.” I wave for the card, which sits less than a foot from her hand.

Glaring, Kennedy pushes it down, exchanging it between four hands before it reaches me.

The phone rings twice before a chipper voice answers, “This is Bobbi DuBois.”

“Miss DuBois. This is Ezra Nguyen. You spoke with one of my people over the weekend.”

“I did. How can I help you, Mr. Nguyen?” Her tone doesn’t change, still bright and in control.

“I’d like to know how that interaction went, if you don’t mind.” I try to keep my voice level and bland, but my heart is racing. Don’t incriminate her .

“Sure. I spoke with Avery Caruso about her job with you, we had a nice lunch where she showed me her truly impressive skills—bravo, by the way, on snagging her level of talent. She didn’t even try to show off.

Then, I offered her a job from Lindt that they shot over to me last week. She turned it down.”

I shoot a look at Kennedy, who’s frowning. She’s the one who brought in the anonymous tip. Does she know who it is?

“Did she tell you anything about what we’re working on?” I ask. It’s the only other piece of information we need to put this to rest completely.

“She did not, but you should be aware that your idea isn’t a secret even if your formula is. Need anything else?”

“No. Thank you, Miss DuBois.”

“Good luck!”

I swipe the call away and look at the board members. “Let’s take a vote. Now. All in favor of keeping Avery on the team.”

I raise my hand, Wyatt and Ryder in unison, and the rest of the hands lift in different waves. Kennedy is our only hold-out.

“I want one concession. She’s never left in the lab alone. Just in case.”

It’s not an unreasonable request, and not a difficult one for us. We all want an excuse to spend more time around her.

“Objections?”

Soft nos and head shakes.

“Then, agreed. If there’s nothing else, I have work to do.” I stand and head for the door.

Ryder grabs my arm. “I can tell her.”

We share a beat. Avery is going to be furious. I shake my head. “No. I’ll tell her.”

It’s my responsibility as CEO, just as convening the board was. I can take her anger. I deserve to absorb more of it than they do.

Besides, I have my ways of distracting her, and after the weekend without her, I want to press my advantage.

She’s waiting for me in my office, arms crossed and surly. Her hazel eyes are wild and bright.

I close the door gently and face her.

“This is bullshit. Who accused me? I have a right to know.”

I step closer, and she doesn’t back down. I’ve always liked that about her.

“It was anonymous. The board believes you, but they have conditions.”

She looks about ready to throw something. “What conditions?”

“You can’t be left in the lab alone.”

Avery narrows her eyes. “How’s that supposed to help? Am I going to steal a sample? I help Wyatt tweak the formula. I know it forward and backward. This is ridiculous.”

I reach her, cupping her face and kissing her to distract her. Avery’s shoulders relax an inch, and her mouth softens under mine.

“The board is looking out for the company first. This was mild, considering the accusation. Okay?”

I caress her jaw and neck, letting my fingers weave through her hair. It’s soft and long and wraps so easily in my hand. Tugging her back to me, I kiss her with a little more gusto, letting her know just how much I’ve missed her.

I’ve spent so much of my life missing her.

She grabs onto my jacket lapels, and I might convince myself that she’s missed me, too.

When I release her mouth, she’s panting and holding onto me like she might wobble. I use an arm up her back to support her.

Taking a deep breath, she opens her eyes to look at me. “Okay.”

I grin as if it were my kisses that coaxed out that agreement. Untangling myself from her hair, I reluctantly let a few inches spread between us.

“So, your son plays hockey?”

Avery finally smiles. It’s wide and proud. “He does. He’s pretty good, too. Loves it.”

“I used to play, you know. I’d love to come watch one of his games.”

Her eyes narrow in contemplation.

I’ve been getting the feeling she doesn’t want me to meet her son. I haven’t even seen a picture of him, and as much as I don’t want to be suspicious about why, I am. Why doesn’t she want to show him off when she’s so proud of him?

She talks about Charlie all the time.

Something breaks in her gaze, both fear and hope. But over what?

“He’s got a game this weekend.”