Page 33 of Between Commitment and Betrayal
“That woman won’t be managing anything.” He cut me off. “I talked with her and Anastasia last night. They’ve given me voting rights because they have a spin class.”
Jesus, did they not care about anything other than their damn lifestyle within HEAT? “Okay. Well, I know it’s an exclusive access for some but the kids that come now love it. It could benefit HEAT to work in more charitable ventures for them and—” I stopped myself. “I’m sure you know this.”
He narrowed his eyes. “I’ll make note of it.”
I figured he’d forget what I said. “Well, is there anything else?”
“We’re leaving in thirty minutes for work. My driver will be here then.”
“I don’t need a ride. I like to jog to—”
“It’s five miles now, Everly.”
“Good. I can walk some of that and—”
“Jog at work on the track. We need to discuss our lives for the next year, and I think you’re unaware of the fact that yours will be changing drastically once the news outlets find out you’re staying here. You can’t go jogging by yourself anymore.”
That had the retort dying on my lips fast. “The paparazzi,” I whispered, frustrated that he was probably right. “But they don’t know yet.”
“No. I intend to keep things as quiet as I can for as long as I can.”
I nodded and glanced out the window. “Would you like some coffee?”
“No. I have enough energy as it is.”
As much as I’d tried to avoid the news about him in the last few months, I saw the headlines. Declan Hardy lived a high impact, fast life that people admired. He pushed his body to the max in any way he could. He’d go bungee jumping on his day off or one day Juna whispered to me he and his brother-in-law—who was a questionable businessman but also the head of our nation’s cybersecurity—were photographed together pushing electric cars to high speeds. Supposedly his brother-in-law had helped calibrate them.
“In that case, I guess I’ll take you up on your offer, and I’ll be ready in twenty minutes.”
“Are you not going to invite me in?”
“I have to get dressed.”
He lifted a brow and laughed before pushing off the doorframe and walking right in. “I’ve seen you naked, Drop. I’d actually prefer to wait here and catch another glimpse.”
“Are you always like this in the morning?”
“Like what?”
“Pushing boundaries.”
“Sure. People are vulnerable when they’re tired. Might learn something new about my wife.” He shrugged and smirked at me, like we were suddenly friends.
“I don’t… It’s too early for this. Don’t call me that.”
“What should I call you then? My late business partner’s daughter?”
I glared. “Probably better.”
“Probably not since even knowing that, the first time I saw you, I pictured fucking you on the conference table.”
“Oh my God.” I rolled my eyes but couldn’t stop the blush that spread across my cheeks.
“In my defense, I didn’t know you would be working for us or that you were his daughter until you were introduced.”
“I don’t know whether to be offended or—”
“Or turned on? Go with that.” This was bad. Playful Declan in the morning was not something I could contend with without caffeine.
