Page 72 of Privileged (Adrenalin)

My eyes roll back into my head, something they only seem to do when dealing with my father. “You didn’t give me the chance. You were pretty adamant that I’d fucked up.”

He winces from my vulgarity, or maybe his own guilt, and the petty side of me that blames him for Sloan’s loss swells with pride for making him feel a fraction of the pain I do. But the part of me that’s always wanted his approval feels like a petulant child for snapping. Despite the conflicting emotions, I stay silent, waiting for his response.

“A father only ever wants the best for his son.” My dad’s eyes look tired when they meet mine.

“Is that supposed to be an apology? And if that’s true, why the ultimatum about working for you if the resort doesn’t take off, because nothing would make me more miserable than working in a job I hate.” I want to believe him, but I’m not sure how. Not yet, and until I am, I have to remain skeptical.

“Just because I want you to be happy doesn’t mean I won’t push you to succeed. I knew that ultimatum would make you challenge yourself.” His chest inflates as he tips his chin up, a silent message that I’m not to question his methods. The irony is I don’t need to. Now that I understand where he’s coming from, I see the logic in his strategy. It doesn’t make him less of an asshole, but I get it.

I’m not sure I can forgive him for it yet.

“It did.” I dip my chin slowly. “But it also led Sloan to believe I had to choose between him and this resort.”

“Admirable,” my father mutters.

“Yes,” I agree. “Although, if I don’t have Sloan, I don’t want the resort either. I can’t live here without him.”

“So, where do things stand with the boy?” His tone is all business though his eyes have lost the piercing edge they had just seconds ago. Almost like he’s genuinely concerned.

“I don’t know.” I exhale heavily, too exhausted to keep my guard up. “We haven’t talked since he moved out. For all I know he left town.”

“Maybe he isn’t the right man after all, if he chose to leave.”

“How can you say that after what I just told you? He gave up everything for the people in this town. I don’t know anyone else that selfless and considerate, and as much as I want to resent him for it, it only makes me respect him more. If that doesn’t make him the right man, then I don’t think such a thing exists.”

“It exists. And I agree, I think it could be him. Forgive me.” He holds up a hand to stop my objection. “I had to make sure.”

I narrow my gaze. My father isn’t known for his reassuring gestures, so I’m not sure what to make of this conversation. “Make sure of what?”

“That you still believe he’s the one. He did leave…”

“Because of you.” I point a finger at his chest.

“Yes. And if you couldn’t forgive him for that then I’d be trying to talk you out of fixing things. But you’ve already forgiven him, you said as much just now. So go get him.”

A humorless laugh rumbles up my throat. “I don’t deserve Sloan unless I can undo what happened with his job. I gave my word it’d be safe. Will the board still consider it a conflict if he takes it back?”

“They might, although they’re unlikely to make a fuss about it if I approve.” My father lifts his chin with pride.

My muscles seem to breathe for the first time in days as relief washes over me. Without the board hanging over our heads, there’s no reason for Sloan to play the martyr. It’s a better outcome than I could’ve hoped for. And yet, something about this doesn’t feel right. It takes only a second for me to realize why.

“I don’t want you to give me your support.” I shift my head slowly back and forth.

“What?” The shock on his face would be comical if I weren’t serious.

“No special favors. Sloan wouldn’t want that, and neither do I. The board either accepts our relationship or they don’t, but as CEO it’s my job to present my own case.”

His eyes crinkle at the corners as the hint of a smile ghosts his lips. I haven’t seen this look on his face since before I retired from skiing, back when I knew he was proud of me. Despite all the headaches he’s given me over the past year, it’s one I always hoped to see again.

He blinks a few times and clears his throat. “When do I get to meet this man?”

“I need to win him back first. After that, I’ll bring him home to meet you and Mom.”

Chapter twenty-three

Sloan

I’m not sure the same is true for everyone, but for me it turns out heartbreak is an excellent motivator.

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