There was the outrage he’d hoped for. “I’m afraid I’m boring to some of the younger shareholders, and too exciting for the older ones. Charles is telling our cousins that if he’s the CEO, he’ll bring in tons of new money and he’ll hand it out like candy.”

“Which will put the company under.”

“He’s promised to fund some of their business ideas, ideas I said no to.”

“But isn’t the majority of the shares in the hands of the older generation?”

Charles had thought of that, too. “My cousin has pointed out to certain family members that our company has always been run by family men. Some of my more traditionally minded relatives have been expressing concern over my lack of a wife and children. The wife part is surprisingly not the real issue. My cousin Herbie was held up as perhaps a better CEO because he and his husband have two kids. So really it’s about the prospect of children. Do you want children?”

She started to pace. “I . . . this is crazy.”

He watched her, careful to give her space. “Is it? Look, I understand if you find the idea of marriage to me distasteful.”

“It’s not that. It’s that we haven’t spent time together in years.”

“So spend time with me. Let me take you to dinner tonight and we can discuss this further.”

She stopped, her hands going to her hips. “Let me get this straight. You want me to marry you to save your company from your evil cousin.”

“And to have children if you decide you want to stay in the marriage. Don’t forget the ‘I’m lonely’ part.” He wasn’t handling this well. He was usually much smoother than this. But she was right about Charles being evil. He would sell them all out for a dollar and not care about the employees who’d worked there for years. “You would get something out of it even if you decide to leave.”

She was right back to looking at him like he’d suggested something distasteful. “Do not offer me money.”

He wasn’t sure what else he was supposed to offer her. Besides sex, but that was something he was smart enough not to bring up yet. “It’s what I have.”

Her gaze softened. “You’re worth more than your bank account. I believe I told you that a long time ago.”

He knew she meant it. It was precisely one of the reasons she was perfect. Despite her love of designer things, she would never use a man for his money. Of course, she might let her husband spoil her rotten. “I don’t always listen. But hey, if you say yes, you can work on my self-esteem.”

Her eyes rolled. “Yes, it’s terrible to be rich and gorgeous.”