Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 94094 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 470(@200wpm)___ 376(@250wpm)___ 314(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94094 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 470(@200wpm)___ 376(@250wpm)___ 314(@300wpm)
I finished a bottle of Jack while analyzing every detail. I’m still analyzing her actions and words when my phone pulls me from my thoughts. I lift it from resting on my bare chest and groan.
I was already exhausted before coming home to Chloe last night. The shit I’ve been dealing with has me ready to tear my hair out. My father couldn’t have picked a worst time for his bullshit.
Not only have deals been going awry with the business, but my personal life has been more complicated than I’d like. I made the mistake of letting a business relationship become personal. I just needed a release.
At the time, I had intended to keep my word and stay away from Chloe. Addison was my executive assistant. She had been with me for years.
I trusted that she understood the nature of our relationship. I thought I had made things clear to her. Somewhere along the way, she crossed the line. I watched her become possessive and attached.
Things turned very sour. I broke it off and sent Addison to the Dubai offices to work there. She was a great employee. I just never should have gone there.
The calls started a few months after she settled into her new assignment. First, it started with her begging me to come see her. Then her calls became more desperate. I never expected the bomb she dropped on me when she did get my attention.
I blow out a breath and answer the call. My head is pounding as I bring the phone to my ear. It will probably explode by the time I get off this call.
“Why aren’t you here?” Addison starts the call without a greeting or waiting for me to offer one.
“I told you, I had things here that need my attention. I’ll be on a plane shortly,” I grumble into the line, pinching the bridge of my nose.
“You promised to be here, I—” she begins with her usual griping tone.
“And I will be,” I cut her off. I’m not about to get into this. “I have things I need to get settled here.”
“Sure, whatever’s best for your companies,” she huffs. “This isn’t fair to—”
“Don’t tell me what’s fair.” My anger starts to rise. “I’ll be there soon, just as I said I would.”
I hang up the phone, rubbing the tension from the back of my neck. I still can’t believe my shit luck. All of this can complicate my plans.
My instincts have told me I need to proceed with caution from the beginning. I’m going to follow my gut. It’s done me well over the last few years.
If I would have followed my instincts in the first place, I wouldn’t be dealing with this shit. I do have pressing business. A few days ago, before Clayton informed me it was time, I’d planned to sort out the issues with a few new contracts, while on the plane to Dubai. Then I had to make the emergency trip to Georgia.
I made the trip yesterday and straightened things out there, but I just couldn’t take off without seeing Chloe first. I felt like I was drowning. I haven’t had this feeling in so long.
I needed to anchor myself in her. She has always been a place of calm for me. The thought of her calming presence has my feet moving toward the master bedroom before I can process the fact I’m moving that way.
I turn the knob and grin when I find it unlocked. I half expected her to lock it. Not that I don’t have the key.
I push the door open, leaning on the doorjamb. I smile when I see her pink bonnet I had brought in for her resting on the pillow. It brings back so many memories.
“I can’t believe I fucked us up,” I mutter to myself and shake my head.
Seven years ago, once I found my way back into her life, we spent every moment together that we could. I hadn’t liked when she would have to rush home away from me. I hadn’t known about Ally at first.
Eventually, I was able to coax her into spending the night a few times a week. It was later when I found out Chloe was getting Sidney to watch her little sister so I could have those nights with her.
I frown at the thought. My behavior always seems so selfish when it comes to Chloe. My frown deepens as thoughts of Addison try to take over my mind.
Maybe it’s time I admit to still being a selfish man. Yet I don’t think anyone can blame me for my behavior now. Not toward Addison.
With her, it’s a matter of control. I went from my father trying to control my life to having Addison dangling her control over me in my face. I rub at my chest, feeling like a bastard as the vision of green eyes fills my head.