Chapter 12 - THE FIRST DINNER WITHOUT A SECRET
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Narelli's promotion became official in April.
She was appointed chief administrative officer of a newly established operating division, with an independent reporting structure and authority over several major departments.
Her compensation was reviewed by an external committee.
Her achievements were documented.
Her position did not depend on Roman's approval.
On her first day, Roman sent flowers.
Narelli called him immediately.
“You sent forty roses.”
“Forty-two.”
“Why forty-two?”
“Because the florist said forty was conventional.”
She laughed.
“You're impossible.”
“Would you prefer fewer?”
“No.”
She paused.
“They're beautiful.”
That Friday, Roman asked her to dinner.
Properly.
With a reservation.
At a restaurant overlooking the Hudson.
Narelli arrived wearing a dark green dress.
Roman stood when he saw her.
For several seconds, he forgot how to speak.
She smiled.
“Something wrong?”
“No.”
“Then why are you staring?”
He laughed.
“Because you look extraordinary.”
Dinner was different from their countless working meals.
No schedules.
No contracts.
No emergency calls.
They talked about childhood.
Narelli told him about growing up in Queens with her mother and sister.
Roman told her about Julian's childhood obsession with boats.
They laughed.
They disagreed.
They discovered they both hated expensive restaurants that served tiny portions.
After dinner, they walked beside the river.
Roman stopped beneath a streetlight.
“Narelli.”
She turned.
“Yes?”
He hesitated.
“May I kiss you?”
She smiled.
“I was beginning to wonder whether you'd ever ask.”
His kiss was gentle.
Careful.
Nothing like the ruthless man described in financial magazines.
When he pulled away, she rested her forehead against his.
“You're nervous.”
Roman laughed.
“Terrified.”
“Good.”
He raised an eyebrow.
“Good?”
She smiled.
“Now you know how I felt the first day I walked into your office.”
They stood together beneath the city lights.
May you like
And Roman realized that the greatest risk he'd ever taken wasn't a business acquisition.
It was allowing someone to know him without the protection of his reputation.
