The Beauty and the CEO

“I’ll figure something out,” Will whispered with a kiss at her temple.

More than anything she wanted to tell Will what she’d realized, but her words were lost when Dominic came over, Titus and the new Miss Southwood Glitz in tow. Zoe remembered the woman’s name was Waverly. She was a former Miss Something who’d lost her other crown due to bad behavior.

“Zoe, you remember Dominic Crowne?” Will asked, his hand on her lower back.

For a millisecond, Zoe and Dominic stared each other down. He gave a lopsided smirk and a head nod.

Waverly stepped forward and shook Zoe’s hand. “You’re awesome, Miss Zoe. It was a real pleasure to meet you this afternoon. I am a huge fan.”

“But you work better with me.” Titus brought up the rear. His smugness was enough to knock Zoe off the stage.

Zoe’s eyes darted between the four of them standing in front of her. The dots began to align. Now she recalled why Will hadn’t cared about her getting the Creative Design Director’s position. He already had something in mind.

“This is cozy.” Charles cleared his throat. “Titus, you must be familiar with Zoe Baldwin.”

“We’ve met,” Zoe and Titus belted out with the same amount of animosity in their voices.

“I can’t thank you enough for this opportunity, Mr. Ravens,” Waverly gushed, shaking Will’s and then Charles’s hands. “And Mr. Ravens.”

Zoe stepped backward but Will’s hold on her waist kept her from leaving. “Everything okay?”

“No,” Zoe whispered.

“Dom was just talking about all of us getting together for a celebration,” said Will. “What do you say we hang back here for one day?” He leaned close to whisper in her ear. “Tonight can still be our first date.”

Pain ached in her ribs. “Honestly,” Zoe began slowly, “I’m all packed. I might as well head back tonight and I already have my ticket.”

“So you’ll fly back with me on the company plane.” Will moved closer. “Like when we came here.”

A lifetime ago, Zoe thought. She shot a glance at Dominic, not sure why he made her so nervous. Probably because he already knew what Zoe wanted and knew the plans he’d already made with Will for the winner. How long had they been conspiring? Did Will plan on making Waverly a winner before he learned of the company’s plans to hire the makeup artist who did the winner’s face?

A piercing pang pinched the bridge of Zoe’s nose. Tears were threatening. She needed to get away from here. Disappointment hit her harder than she expected. She needed to go home and made up a lie. “No, forgot I have things I need to do tomorrow.”

“Zoe?” Will questioned her with a raised brow. He was confused, as he should be. Zoe knew he had no idea she was aware of his plans for hire. But, then again, she’d known all along he didn’t want her. Zoe choked out a sob. After he met with his cousins, did he meet up with Dominic and make plans for his contestant to win? This is what fraternity members did, right? Help each other out? How easy had it been for Will to come up with a decision on the position after swearing he needed to think long and hard? Will’s face softened, his lips frowned. “What is it?”

“I’ve got to go, Will.” Zoe stepped backward. “I’ve got to get back. Please excuse me. And congratulations, Waverly. You were truly lovely.”

* * *

At some point after midnight Zoe returned to the comfort of her home. Usually she wasn’t on the verge of tears when she returned, but dropping her keys on the ground nearly set her off. The extra weight of emotions drained her. This was clearly not her day, her month—hell, even her year. Zoe rushed inside her apartment before her sobs could wake the Dohertys next door.

Even though she had only been on the company plane one time, Zoe already missed it. She wondered what would have been better, flying last week seated next to the fake LL Cool J or being seated tonight with someone who could have been a heavyweight wrestler. Zoe’s bones ached from being wedged against the window.

Leaving her suitcase by the door, Zoe trotted over to the kitchen, kicking out of her red flip-flops. Before leaving for the airport she had been able to change out of her smock and slip into a red-and-white-striped maxi dress. As much as she wanted to shower after her flight, Zoe’s stomach growled. She was famished and the refrigerator had no answers for her. Like déjà vu, Zoe’s cell phone rang and Prince came over the speaker. This was the same scenario as when Lexi had invited her to come back to Southwood. Zoe had been heartbroken over Ravens Cosmetics and she was starving. The two differences this time were that Zoe let the phone ring and she had no food in her fridge. Zoe closed the refrigerator door and let the call go to voice mail.