Page 24 of The CEO Enemy

Hot mouth and body aside, he’s a pompous dick, and not in the fun way. In the annoying, I want to kick him in the knee (or better, balls) kind of way. And maybe I’m being the slightest bit childish, but can anyone blame me?

No one likes their job being threatened and no one likes someone who comes in acting like they know what’s best. Westerlyn Hotels are mine. They carry my blood, sweat, and tears. They’re my dream, my legacy. And I’m not going to let an intimidating snobby rich douche take them from me. No matter how many times he tries to throw money in my face.

Been there, done that.

I sure as hell won’t set myself up for a rerun of past mistakes.

My ex-boyfriend worked in finance. He ran the show at an up-and-coming capital enterprise as CEO. His intelligent mind, quick wit, and undeniable charm captivated me from the moment I met him. He was very tall, handsome, confident, ten years older than me, and I hate to admit it, but I was head over heels in an instant. Being an investment banker, he was always looking for the next sure thing. Me? I was too young and in love to realize that when it comes to money—or love, or weddings, or happy endings—a sure thing doesn’t exist.

One day, I told him about this small, beautiful Central Park Plaza Hotel I wanted to buy. He knew it was my biggest dream to run a hotel of my own and suggested we go in together.

It sounded like the perfect idea, and of course I said yes.

I still remember the way my heart dropped when I got home, and he was gone. He didn’t even have the decency to leave a note. And the hotel I’d wanted to buy? Was now his and only his.

Needless to say, my trust is hard earned.

Darn CEOs.

“Whoa, you look pissed.”

I glance up from my desk to see Pauline standing in the doorway. “Is it that obvious?” I have been trying to keep it all inside, not wanting to let my staff notice how upset I am.

“Considering you’re always disgustingly cheerful, yes. Yes, yes, it is.” She steps in and closes the door behind her. “I take it the meeting with the new co-owner didn’t go well?”

“It was a disaster,” I tell her, rubbing my forehead, “but not for the reasons you’re thinking.”

She frowns and takes the seat across from my desk. “Why? What happened?”

With a heavy sigh, I let my head fall forward onto my keyboard with a thunk. “Let’s just say—me and the CEO of Blackwood Hotels & Resorts, Mr. Sean Blackwood, have already met.”

“Really? When?”

“Oh, you know, last night at Swayze’s, and before that when he answered the door naked.”

Pauline gasps, recalling my telling her all about it during my round. When I look up, she has one hand over her mouth, her eyes are as wide as saucers, and there’s disbelief on her face. Finally, she speaks. “The new co-owner is your hot next-door neighbor?”

“The new co-owner is a jerk. A bona fide, overconfident, infuriating, jerk.”

“But also, your hot next-door neighbor.”

“Unfortunately, yes.”

“Shit.”

“You can say that out loud. More like a shitrilogy.”

“Is he really that bad?”

I huff and lean back in my chair, staring up at the ceiling. “Yes.”

“This is crazy. What are the odds?”

“Slim, very slim. And yet, here we are. Dammit, why did it have to be him? It could have been literally anyone else.”

Pauline remains silent, and when I glance over, she’s studying me carefully. “Then let me ask you another question.” She leans forward. “Are you really mad at him or are you mad at yourself for…” She searches for the right word, “…fooling around with him?”

“It’s both.” Obviously.

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