Page 54 of Bachelor CEO

“Not when she’s staging a coup.”

Leroy’s eyes narrowed and he waved away thewheelchair. “Give us a few more minutes. This job is that important to you?”

“I’m good at it. This is what I want, morethan anything.”

“Even if it means never finding the love ofyour life?”

Okay, this was a different tactic. Chaseleaned back, trying to figure out where Leroy was going with all this. “What’sthat have to do with anything?”

“Running a company is nonstop, especially onethat has your name on the door and the letterhead.”

Chase knew that. “So?”

“You may never find love. You’ve always saidyou won’t settle for less.”

He squirmed. “Then I’ll deal with it. If Idon’t have any kids, there’s always my nieces and nephews. I’m sure some ofthem will be interested in business. I’m not sacrificing anything.”

Leroy didn’t look convinced. “You’d be abachelor the rest of your days.”

Chase bristled. “It’s not like I can’t find adate if I want one. I’m sure I could find a wife, too, if I need one thatbadly. You’re the guy who’s always called me a playboy.”

“Perhaps you were once, but you shouldn’t giveup on finding the love of your life.”

“I’m not sure there is such a thing.”

Leroy frowned. “It exists. I had it.”

“I meant for me,” Chase clarified. Although hedidn’t like admitting it, maybe it was true. Maybe he was destined to be abachelor for the rest of his life.

Leroy’s eyes shone with pity. “That’s sad.”

Chase made a fist and then uncurled his hand.“I’m being realistic. It’s a sacrifice I’m willing to make. You’ve alwaystaught me to sacrifice for my family.”

His grandfather shook his head. “I nevertaught you that. No one should give up true love. Our family would be finewithout you as CEO of the company.” Leroy remained silent for a moment beforesaying, “Was there a reason you came by today other than totell me about Walter?”

“I wasn’t here to tell you about work at all.It’s hot outside and I need to exercise. I came by to swim.”

“Ah. You should get to it then.” Leroy rangthe bell and the nurse appeared instantly with his wheelchair. She must havebeen waiting outside the door.

Chase watched his grandfather’s exit. How manytimes could a man screw up in a day? First Miranda, now Leroy. Monday couldn’tcome soon enough.

If he did get voted out, at least the tormentwould be over. He headed to the pool, changed into his trunks and dived in.

LEROY’S BEDROOM overlooked the backyard, sohe knew that for the last hour Chase had been tearing up and down the pool asif training for the Olympics.

It saddened Leroy that his grandson couldn’tsee what was beneath his nose. Chase had finally met his perfect match, and hewas about to toss his chance at love away because of his stubborn pride.

Leroy couldn’t let him do that. He reached forhis phone and dialed a number he knew by heart. “Hi, Walter,” he said. “It’sLeroy. What’s this I hear about a motion?”

THERE WAS NO WAY she could be in love withChase McDaniel.

Absolutely no way.

But ever since leaving the estate, Mirandahadn’t been able to get the conversation out of her head. She’d replayed itover and over, analyzing Leroy’s words from every angle.

She was not in love with Chase.

The lady doth protest toomuch, methinks.The line fromHamlethad been one of her catch phrases since her junioryear of high school. She was denying what she felt for Chase because she fearedrisking her heart.

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