Total pages in book: 224
Estimated words: 215705 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1079(@200wpm)___ 863(@250wpm)___ 719(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 215705 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1079(@200wpm)___ 863(@250wpm)___ 719(@300wpm)
“I can’t wake up and not think of you,” he’d said. “I can’t go to bed and not think of you. I wanted to tell you about my settlement. You’re in my head, Carrie. I don’t even want to get you out anymore.”
“You couldn’t if you wanted to,” I’d teased, but I remember the twist in my gut as I’d added, “Because we have Grayson to close and a board to satisfy.”
It’s like some part of me knew he was using me. I’d even tried to tell myself to revel in living in the moment because I knew there wouldn’t be more. But he’d been so good at convincing me there would be more. He’d sensed I was worried about the business side of our relationship. I go back to the beach again, to how he’d gotten me past those feelings:
He’d rolled with me, his leg still between mine, those blue eyes staring down at me. “What just happened?”
“Nothing happened.”
“You think this is all about the company. That we’re here and now and gone when this is over.”
“I didn’t say that.”
“It’s not about any of those things,” he’d said. “I told you, Carrie. I don’t want to share you. I’m obsessed with you and it’s not the kind of obsession that goes away. You’re with me now. I’m with you now. Say it.”
“Reid—”
He’d kissed me, a silky caress of his tongue before he’d ordered, “Say it.”
I blink back to present, I’d known then that I was in deep, so very deep, and so I’d done it. I’d said it. “I’m with you now and you’re with me.”
And then he’d gone in for the kill and added, “Do you know how many women I’ve said that to? None. No one but you. This isn’t about a deal or a company. This is about you and me and us.”
Us.
He’d convinced me there was an “us” that reached beyond business until his father blew it all for him.
I turn away and run toward the building, entering the lobby and forcing myself to walk to the elevator. I step inside and the doors are shutting as I hear, “Carrie, wait!” And for just a moment, he’s standing across from me, our eyes connecting, as the door finishes sealing me inside. We’re divided, broken in every possible way.
Chapter fifty-three
Reid
Iwake Sunday morning on the couch with a bottle of scotch next to me and a bitch of a hangover, the likes of which I’ve not experienced in a decade. The fact that I didn’t go to bed because Carrie was supposed to be there with me, only makes me want another drink, which I won’t take. I don’t have the luxury of being drunk, not with my father to deal with. But holy hell, when in my entire life have I wanted a woman in my bed, no, in my life? Now. That’s when. Fuck. I drag fingers through my hair and stand up, walking to the kitchen where I grab the Excedrin and down two pills with a bottle of water. I’m going to get another fucking migraine thanks to this hangover. I can feel my temples throbbing. I grab my phone from the pocket of the sweats I put on after I showered last night and check it for a message from Carrie, one I know won’t be there. I’m right. It’s not there. I can’t get to her until Monday. I know this. She’s not going to talk to me before then. She doesn’t understand my father. She doesn’t know what was in my head and I can’t even make her understand. I need out of here. I need to run. I down another bottle of water and head to my bedroom. By the time I’m there, I’m dialing Carrie instead of dressing.
She answers. She fucking answers. “Reid.”
Damn, I like my name on her lips. “Let’s meet.”
“No. And I’m going to work from here tomorrow.”
That pisses me off. “No,” I say, hardening my voice. “You are not. Because that’s not what CEOs do. And I’d say this to anyone else, too. You want to run this company, you need to step up, no matter how personal or rough it is.”
“Right. I need to step up and make your investment worthwhile.”
“Damn straight. You protect everyone’s investment. That’s what CEOs do, and the staff needs to see you there making that happen. If you want my support with the board, you come to work tomorrow. Do you understand?”
“I’ll be there.”
I lower my lashes, hating that I just had to do that, but it was for her own good. She wants this. I know she does and I’m not going to let my father, and me for that matter, get the best of her. “I’ll see you then.” I disconnect and shove the phone into my pocket, about to climb out of my skin. My phone rings and I snatch it up, hoping for Carrie, but it’s my father.