Page 66 of Mr. Wolfe's Nanny

My father’s never been all that sentimental so that’s heavy coming from him. “You’re too young to follow in his footsteps now, Dad.”

“Theo… you’re going to do well at this. I know you will. My brother never joined me at Wolfe Media but you’ve got one of yours. Train Grayson up right and you’ll always have someone you can trust at your back.”

I already know my brother will have my back. And, while he might’ve chased his share of skirts, Grayson did well in school. He’s got what it takes. Since he started getting more serious about work these past six months, I don’t think he needs much of his older brother hovering over him but try telling Dad that so I simply say, “Okay, Dad. But you don’t need to think about all this now. You’re getting out of here soon and the docs say you can still take Mom to Cabo before winter’s over if you feel like it.”

“Yeah, I know. If she’ll let me.” My mother does relish the role of caregiver and treats you like you’re bedridden if you let her. “Speaking of her, she’s coming to stay with me tonight. Why don’t you head on and go watch your boy win his award, son?”

“I will.”

“And Theo? Your mother wants to know what’s going on with you and your nanny.”

“What?!”

The old man laughs. “When she thinks I’m asleep here, she’s been discussing her thoughts with one of the nurses who apparently watches one of those YouTube girls or something.”

“You’ve lost me.”

“Oh, I was definitely lost as well but I heard you the other night on the phone. You called her sweetheart.” I don’t typically blush but… “Anyway, Quinn seems like a sweet girl. Very bright and good with the children.”

I snort, not knowing what to say. If my love life isn’t something I’d typically discuss with my mother, it’s definitely not something I talk about with my father. But I know he means well and this is the closest to a father-son heart-to-heart we typically get.

“Thank you.”

I rise to leave and he adds, “Just remember to have an airtight prenup drawn up before you do anything too crazy.”

Yeah, that’s my father, alright.

I text Dan to see if he’s nearby. Maybe I can get home early enough to ride to the school with them.

I should know better based on the way this year’s starting off.

I’m barely in the elevator when I get an urgent call from Claire. Three of our seven board members, headed by Sanders, want an emergency meeting. Deciding it’s better to meet any challengers head on, I text Dan again and then Grayson.

Hopefully, this won’t take too long.

∞∞∞

It took way too long.

The house is silent when I make it home after ten. The board meeting was more like an attempted coup de grace.

Rutherford Sanders, Vice Chairman of Wolfe Media’s Board of Directors, doesn’t agree with Dad’s choice of successor? Look, I don’t give a flying fuck how long he knew my granddad or that I was wearing diapers when he first laid eyes on me, the man was out of line. This company is in my blood. It’s mine.

Between Grayson and I, we managed to keep the rest of the board in our corner but it was not a quick meeting to say the least. The vote to officially appoint me as CEO of Wolfe Media is happening Monday. There may be a change on the board of directors once that’s confirmed.

A wreck on I-94 had traffic at a standstill on my way here and I spent the time zoned out in Guilt Land, trying to think of what to say to Ryder. And Quinn. I couldn’t even bring myself to text her back. I’d rather face her for this discussion. I also wish it wasn’t about to happen.

I’ve not been home in days and not eaten in several hours, not a great time for a confrontation.

But, despite knowing Quinn is probably pissed at me, rightfully so, I’ve missed her and my body is already aware that we’re finally going to be in the same space together. She’s like a craving, something I can’t get enough of, neither physically nor emotionally.

I head into the kitchen and I spot her at the table waiting for me. The low lighting makes her black hair look even glossier somehow. Her eyes glitter, her lips are stained a deep rosy shade and I catch the faint trace of the spicy floral scent that’s all hers. Fuck, I want her. I’vegotto touch her, even just her hand.

“Good to see you’re in one piece.”

“Yes, all in one piece. I’m sorry I didn’t call. Things got crazy with work.”

Do I want to tell her about the insulting debate over my eligibility to act as CEO? Not really. That scheming old windbag ruined my night enough as it is.

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