The Rebound - Stefanie London Page 0,59

wrist as she slides her glasses down her nose. Then more—us kissing, laughing, leaning on one another. “You had me followed?”

“I had to be sure.” His face is like granite.

“What right do you have to spy on me?” I spit the words out, feeling my face go hot. Feeling my blood boil and my muscles clench and my stomach fill with acid.

“What right do you have to pursue your brother’s wife?” His voice thunders. “Have you no respect?”

“In case you don’t remember, the wedding never went ahead.” I grit the words out.

“You made sure of that, didn’t you?”

So he knew all along that I’d helped her get away. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. One look at the venue’s security cameras would have done it. Or maybe someone saw me and reported back to him. I’m not sure I care. “I didn’t know it was her at the time.”

“And after?”

I blow air out between my lips, trying to get my pulse to settle. “I figured it out. But the damage was already done.”

“I was looking forward to having her as part of our family, you know. I respected her,” he says. The hurt in his voice radiates. “But she walked out on my son, and on our family. I can’t forgive that.”

“Did you expect that she wouldn’t move on with her life?”

“I expected that she wouldn’t move on with her life with you.”

I look at my father for a moment. Like, really look at him. I note all the lines around his eyes and mouth, and wonder whether they were created by smiling or frowning. I look at the deep groove running across his forehead and the temples that are now totally silver. I look at his aging hands and his strong shoulders and square jaw. The hardness everywhere, both inside and out.

Is that what I’m going to become by always putting work before relationships?

I remember a time, before my mother died, when I looked up to this man. When I wanted to make him proud. Now it feels like we’re strangers, and I know some of that blame rests squarely on my shoulders.

But I can’t regret the time I spent with Presley, not even knowing it was my downfall. It might have been the best week of my life. How could I wish that away?

“Presley and I are no longer together,” I say, standing. “But I understand that you were looking for any little thing to make your decision easier.”

“I never said you weren’t going to be CEO.”

I blink. Is this some weird ultra-real dream I’m having right now? Am I actually asleep in my hotel bed, letting my mind spin? I resist the urge to pinch myself because that would be way too much of a tell. “Excuse me?”

“I want you to take my place.” There’s no warmth to his voice at all. “The fact is, I know you’ll do a better job than Mike. You’re more adept at business, and you have a better head for numbers. I also think your vision for growing and improving the company is better than dismantling it.”

There has to be a catch. There’s no way in hell he pulled out those photos for dramatic flair. That’s not how he plays.

“What’s the caveat?”

“You can’t have a relationship with Presley Richardson. I’ll need you to sign an agreement that you won’t have any contact with her before we negotiate the terms of you stepping into the CEO role.”

My minds goes blank for a moment. He wants me to sign an agreement about a relationship that has nothing to do with my work? My father takes the papers from a tray on his desk and places them in front of me. The words swim but I catch my name and hers.

“How is this legal?”

“I shouldn’t even need a legal document,” he says. “Your word should be enough, but something tells me it would be wise to get it in writing.”

Wow.

I shouldn’t be thinking twice. Presley and I have already parted ways—she’ll be heading to Paris tonight. I came here hoping for this exact outcome. I have what I want right in my grasp.

Won’t you miss inspiring young people to achieve their dreams? Isn’t that exactly what your grandfather did when he started his own company? He inspired you. He didn’t want to tie a stone around your neck.

“Why are you doing this?” I shake my head.

“Because if Mike found out you two were together, the betrayal would crush him. I’m protecting my son.” For