Another voice chimed in from a lady I hadn’t seen before.
“Ms. Monroe, do you think you’ll get backlash with Mr. Middleton being the owner of a bar?”
I tensed and Charlie moved her hand over my back.
“And you are?” she asked in a sweet-as-pie voice.
“Nancy Freedom, Austin American-Statesman.”
Charlie looked over to Lisa. “Reporters? I thought this was just photos.”
Lisa’s face went white. Oh hell, I sort of felt sorry for her. This should be interesting. I could hear the bite in my future wife’s voice. I found myself wishing I could sit in on a board meeting with her sometime. I’d probably be hard as a rock when it was over.
“Um … yes … Ms. Freedom, everyone was instructed that this was a photography session only. Not an interview.”
The reporter smirked. “Well, I’m here. The question has been asked.”
Charlie stepped away from me. “I believe you’ve gotten enough photos.”
“You’re not going to answer my question? There have been rumors going around this is an arranged marriage. Is that true, Mr. Middleton? How do you think your late fathers would feel if they knew this bit of information?”
Before I even had a chance to speak, Charlie was all over this woman.
“M
s. Freedom, I’m not sure who your sources are, but I can promise you this is not an arranged marriage. As far as Mr. Middleton owning a very successful and top-rated bar here in Austin, keep your eyes open. We have a lot more things planned for us.”
Charlie took a step closer. “You see, I’m not only good in the boardroom, but I’m well versed in other areas as well.”
My mouth nearly dropped open. The reporter was taken aback, and Marge looked like she was about to faint.
The reporter forced a smile. “Can I quote you?”
“I’d be very careful what you print about what was said in this room today. I believe my lawyers have been itching for some fun lately.”
This time I couldn’t hide my smile.
“Right. Well, like Ms. Monroe stated, I believe we have enough photos. Ms. Freedom, you’re not given permission to use anything that was said in here today since I was unaware you were a reporter and let into the room.”
Marge and Lisa soon had everyone pushed out of Charlie’s office. When the door closed, Charlie’s body slumped in exhaustion. I made my way over to her and drew her into me.
“That was hot as hell, baby. Seeing you put that reporter in her place.”
Charlie’s arms wrapped around my neck.
“What did she mean by power couple?”
I shrugged. “Don’t know, don’t care. As far as I’m concerned, it’s just me and you.”
“Mr. Pootie too,” Charlie said with an evil grin.
“Yeah, that little bastard.”
Hitting me on the chest, she walked around to her desk and sat down. “Let me send out two emails and then I’m done for the weekend. How was skeet shooting out at the ranch?”
The memory of Nash telling me about Lily raced back.
“Good and bad.”