Chapter 11: The Office

Gwen thought it was a good decision to have gone for a formal look before leaving the house.
She hadn't imagined that she would accompany Finn to his office, but she was at least presentable now that the situation called for it.
As they entered the building, she appreciated the fact that Finn had a personal entrance from the garage, so she wouldn’t have to walk by his side in front of every single person.
But, as they reached his office’s floor, they did meet a few people that threw curious and intrigued glances at her. They probably weren’t used to seeing Finn enter his office with a strange woman at his side.
He was always the kind of guy that kept his work life and his personal life separate. Maybe that’s why everyone was looking at her with a question mark on their faces.
His office was crowded with a lot of men in suits and a woman who she assumed was his secretary Melanie.
“You can come in, it won’t take long,” he said to Gwen as they reached the door.
She felt uncomfortable with that offer, but did as he told her.
“Good afternoon,” Finn greeted his staff. “So, I just heard the good news and wanted to congratulate you all for your hard work to get this contract.”
Some of them seemed embarrassed by the sudden attention from their CEO, while others applauded.
Gwen was in the corner of the room, feeling like a complete outsider. But everyone there seemed so happy with their achievement that her presence didn’t draw their attention.
Finn sat on his desk while Melanie handed him some papers that Gwen assumed to be the contract.
Three men came forward, and Gwen could tell by their posture that they were the lawyers.
“Everything is correct, sir, and they accepted all of our requirements. It was a 100% success this time,” one of them concluded, receiving a warm smile from Finn.
“Good,” he replied, finally signing the papers.
It was a very sexy scene actually. He did seem perfect for that part.
The atmosphere was pleasant and Gwen could sense that a huge weight had been lifted from their shoulders.
It would be really stressful to work in a huge company like that. She couldn’t even imagine what would feel like to lose a billion dollar contract.
But what really surprised her was how Finn handled that situation with his employees. She knew he could be very serious and strict when he wanted to, but the fact that he could also show gratitude for those who worked hard for him made her heart warm.
After he returned the papers to Melanie, Finn lifted his head and faced them.
“As I was coming back here to sign this, I felt the need to throw a huge party for the whole company to celebrate one more victory. A huge one this time,” he explained, with expectant eyes on him. “I’ll ask the team to arrange everything and inform everyone about it.”
A few claps were heard, and the room suddenly fell into a lively bustle, as the news from the party made them all very enthusiastic.
“By the way, I will also have an important announcement to make at the party, so I’m sure it will be something big this time. At least for me,” he concluded, while those expectant eyes turned from him to her.
Gwen was caught off guard. What were they thinking? That the big news he was referring to was about her? Well, it wasn’t completely untrue, since she had her part in it. And she would have to get used to it, as they would obviously know that Cody was her son as soon as Finn announced that he had an heir.
“Anyway, you’re all dismissed,” Finn sounded a little annoyed. “Melanie, I’ll take the rest of the day off, alright? Call me if you need anything. And tell the employees that they can leave early today, as a thank you from their CEO.”
Melanie smiled and left the office, leaving Gwen alone with him.
“You're really good at this,” she confessed, as soon as she heard the click from the door closing. “I’m impressed.”
Finn raised his brows to look at her.
“I thought you already knew this side of me,” he replied, and the way his eyes stared at her made Gwen blush.
“Er… Well, I mean, you got even better with time, I guess.”
He sat on his chair and pointed to the other one in front of his table, offering for her to seat as well.
“I know I asked you to consider the offer I made in the car, but I also thought of something else, and I think it would be a good thing for you,” Finn started, but Gwen could feel that he was being a bit cautious.
“What is it?” she asked sitting on the chair.
“I know you don’t like to accept any help that might disregard your talent, so all I ask is that you listen to me and go home to think about everything that I proposed today, ok?” Finn looked at her with hopeful eyes.
“Okay, you’re making me nervous. Just say what you have to say. I promise I’ll consider,” she urged him, as her hands were starting to sweat from nervousness.
“Like I said, I just want to spend time with Cody, see him grow and help raise him. I don’t want to take anything away from you, and I know what you must be thinking…” Finn started, looking inside her eyes.
Gwen was feeling breathless with those powerful eyes on her.
“We can co-parent and I’m sure we can make this work. But I also know that you have your work and responsibilities, so I was thinking…”
Gwen widened her eyes even more, waiting for his offer. Why was he so hesitant?
“I thought about offering you a position here. I know you’re talented and professional, so we could use someone like you in the company.”