Addicted After All(86)

“They’re already engraving my name on the door,” I say, flashing a dry smile while I towel-dry my hair.

Her lips downturn, not exactly excited about that possibility. “You don’t really want it, do you?” She steps into cotton shorts and pulls on a baggy t-shirt to sleep in.

“It’s my destiny,” I say dramatically, touching my chest.

“I’m serious, Lo,” she whispers, her eyes on the ground for a second.

It’s easier to joke about it. I tie my drawstring pants and remember how all the board members treated me this afternoon. I went in with the same irritated expression I always wear, and they weren’t put off by me. They listened to everything I had to say. Never dismissed my comments. Always seemed interested. It was strange. And by the end, I realized that my father must’ve told them to treat me well. Something I never thought he’d do.

It’s made me uneasy all night. I didn’t earn this respect. It was just handed to me. My dad has always taught me to work hard for what I have, and for him to just pass this over to me—it goes against too many years of screaming matches and lectures.

I tug her to my bare chest. “I’m grateful for this opportunity.” It’s as rehearsed as it sounds, but somewhere beneath fear of this life I was meant to live, I am grateful.

I have the girl and the kid, the money and the house. Friends and a family.

None of that has to change by taking over Hale Co.—not unless I turn into my father. Being around him always magnetizes our similarities. I have no idea if corporate life will push me towards booze, something Connor and Ryke fear. Hell, something everyone has most likely written in stone.

I just worry that in twenty-four years, my son will be sitting where I am, thinking about all the mistakes that I made. How I f*cked up his life, the same way that I look at my father.

I only hope that I’m not walking down a path that leads there.

“You did that well?” Lily says, her brows cinching in this adorable way.

“Honestly…” I wrap my arms around her waist. “I have no f*cking idea.” At first, I thought Ryke bombed the meeting since he told two guys to “f*ck off” when they brought up Daisy. But the women warmed to him, a sign that they liked his protectiveness and took it as a positive attribute.

Even though we’re “working together” right now, I wish Ryke did worse. Then I’d have an indication who’s the frontrunner.

“At least you didn’t pee your pants,” Lily whispers, her cheeks reddening.

My hands rise to her warm face, her embarrassment and anxiety seeping into me. Christ. “No one even mentioned it today, love.” I wish I could just remove every uncomfortable emotion from her body.

“Really?” Her lips rise. So do her shoulders.

That was easy. I smile. “Really—”

Our bedroom door flies open. No knock. “Emergency meeting,” Rose declares, wearing a black robe, her hair in a pony. She acts like we invited her for a nightcap, aimed for the velvet purple couch against the wall. “Why is it so dark in here?” She takes a seat and cringes at the dim chandelier above our bed, as though it’s not doing its job.

I ignore her last statement and check the clock. Midnight. “You’re calling a meeting during the witching hour. Trying to harness your black magic, Rose?”

She narrows her yellow-green eyes at me. “I didn’t call this emergency meeting.” I frown, watching her shift uncomfortably on the couch, smashing a pillow behind her back. Having a pregnant belly hasn’t made her look any less evil.

“So then who called it?”

Lily steps out of my grasp, wearing a guilty smile.

“Lil…” I draw out. What’s going on?

“While you were at Hale Co., I was doing some research.” She shuffles over to our end table. “I have notes…”

I’m still confused.

“Connor is bringing the accused,” Rose says aloud.

And then Connor knocks on the wooden frame, standing in the doorway with his orange, slender tabby cat curled in his arms. “Has the meeting started?” he asks. Great. Everyone knows what the hell is going on but me.

I focus on Sadie, his cat. “This is about the cat?” I question, sitting on the edge of the bed.

“Yes,” Lily says with a nod, scooting next to me with a handful of notes scribbled on various pink post-its.

Connor glances at the chandelier. “Why is it so dark in here?” And then he flicks the light switch, brightening the room so much that I squint. Jesus Christ.