Total pages in book: 25
Estimated words: 23868 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 119(@200wpm)___ 95(@250wpm)___ 80(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 23868 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 119(@200wpm)___ 95(@250wpm)___ 80(@300wpm)
“Dad—”
“Be quiet,” Bruce snaps, and it’s the first time I’ve ever heard him speak to his son this way. “That’s what I should have said the second you opened your mouth in that meeting. I’ve made the mistake of thinking that eventually you’ll see how to conduct yourself by being around Sawyer, but I’m disappointed to say that’s not been the case.”
“You can’t be serious.” Paul huffs a laugh and Bruce gets angrier.
“I’m serious enough to suspend you from your board seat.”
The blood drains from Paul’s face as his eyes widen. “You don’t have the power to do that.”
I decide to keep my mouth shut and not inform Paul that Bruce can do exactly that.
“Monday morning you’re going to send a corporate memo stating your desire to step away from your seat to focus on your upcoming nuptials. Until I see a drastic improvement in your attitude and contribution to this company, you’re not welcome to help run it.”
The finality in Bruce’s words might as well be a nail in Paul’s coffin. Silence once again falls over the cabin of the plane, and no one says a word. Not even when we land, deboard, and get in the car together to go to my and Chloe’s home.
It’s not until we pull up at the house that Bruce finally breaks it. “This is for your own good, Paul. I love you, son, and I know you can be a better man than you’ve shown. You’re passionate, and we need that on our side.”
Paul looks at his father, and there’s something in his eyes. Is it hope? But all too soon that’s stripped away with Bruce’s next words.
“Until then, Sawyer will be taking over for you. Chloe has really brought him into the family fold since they got married, and I think it’s high time he joins us permanently. Don’t you agree, Sawyer?”
The urge to tell him no fucking way is lodged in my throat just as the car door is flung open and my bride stands there waiting.
“There she is,” Bruce says lovingly as he gets out first and places a kiss on Chloe’s cheek. “We were just talking about what a favor you did us by marrying Sawyer.”
Chloe beams at him, but then her smile falters when I get out of the car. She glances behind me, and her expression changes to one of concern. “Everything okay?” she whispers in my ear when I pull her up in my arms.
“Not even close,” I whisper back and glance over to see Paul is livid.
Chapter Three
CHLOE
I flip the pancake, and when it keeps the perfect heart shape, I smile. I’m making my husband an extra special breakfast before his first day of having to go in to the office. I should be happy about this change, but I’m not. Whenever the subject is brought up I have to force a smile, which only makes me feel guilty. In a roundabout way, I’m lying.
Sawyer has settled into our family nicely, which hadn’t been the case in the beginning. The rush to get married didn’t please my mom and stepfather, but Paul seemed okay with it. Oftentimes I get overlooked by him, which is totally fine by me. It’s better than the attitude I got all those years ago.
Since we got married, Sawyer has been able to work from home and make his own hours. Now that he’s having to go in to the office, it will be strange not having him here all the time. Not to mention how much I’m going to ache for the affection he gives me when he’s here.
I know Sawyer wants a family, and I’ve seen how he’s grown close with my parents. It took a while for my relationship with Bruce to form, but over time, he’s really shown his love for me. It’s sweet, and I know Sawyer feels the same. At this point, he’s closer to Bruce than to Paul.
“You didn’t join me in the shower,” Sawyer whispers in my ear and I let out a small scream. He wraps his arm around me and then laughs before placing a kiss on my neck. “Sorry, my little scaredy kitten.”
“I swear you can come out of nowhere.” I peek over my shoulder and wiggle my eyebrows. “In more ways than one.”
He gives my ass a small slap and kisses me again. “If you would have joined me in the shower, I could’ve cum twice this morning.”
“I didn’t want to wash your smell away,” I admit. “I’m going to miss you today.” Letting out a dramatic sigh, I turn to face him. “I’ll wander the hallways all alone.” I’m teasing, but doesn’t every joke have a grain of truth? Sawyer’s fingers brush across my hips, and he pulls me to him.
“You could get a kitten,” he offers, and I shake my head.