Page 19 of Obsessed with my Guardian

Am I comfortable? I square my shoulders and pretend to look at the impressionist picture hanging on the wall. For the past week since we had sex, he’s been great with me. Professional and squeaky clean at work but deliciously dirty at home.

Does him inviting me here today mean anything?

I know these people he’s talking to will be his new partners. The sting of resentment bites into my skin.

He’ll leave Work4Fitness.

In the past few days, I’ve lined up a couple of interviews to possibly fill the CEO position. I’m still on the fence about it and want to ask him for help finding that person. He doesn’t have to help, but I appreciate his experience. I trust him more than anyone else on the team, and soon, I’ll lose that. I’ll be on my own. Again.

Can I do it? I guess I have no choice.

My mom left us when I was young. My dad died months ago, and in two weeks, Reed will leave, too.

A cold draft whispers over my skin, and I inhale deeply. I keep looking at the strokes on the wall and trying to make sense of it. I drain the rest of the champagne and place my empty glass on the console. Reed won’t be happy if he sees me drinking. A part of me softens. He’s still taking care of me, and I’ll miss that.

“Do you like the painting?” asks a feminine voice behind me.

I circle back to see Sara, Brooks Harrington’s wife. She’s the hostess and not much older than me. Pretty, with kind hazel eyes, she’s wearing a silky red designer dress that makes it obvious she and her husband are filthy rich—if the mansion wasn’t a dead giveaway.

“Yes.”

“I don’t,” Sara says, leaning close. “But Brooks loves it, so I’m picking my battles.”

I glance at the colors of the flowers, the vases, and the leaves. I suppose it must offer some relaxation after a long day if someone stares deeply into it—like I pretended I was when pondering my big life decisions.

“Brooks told me about your father. I’m sorry about your loss,” she says, then sends me an apologetic smile.

I nod. “Thank you.”

“I’m glad you have strong support in Reed.”

Does she know? Would Reed have mentioned it to Brooks?

“Yes. For the time being. Then he’ll join Sugar & Silk permanently.” I inject some energy into my voice because I want so badly to pretend I’m fine with it.

Sara glances at me thoughtfully and takes a step back. A small smile curls her lips, and I can tell she doesn’t know what to say. Does she detect how nervous I am about the whole thing? Does she know enough? Or not enough?

A server approaches Sara and whispers something in her ear. She excuses herself to put out whatever little fire is affecting this magnificent dinner party. It’s hard to believe anything can go wrong.

I focus on the painting again when I see Reed walking up to me.

“Eloise,” he says, yanking me from my thoughts. “I was looking for you.”

“I was here. Thinking.” I tilt my head to the painting.

He puts his hand around my waist and ushers me out of the living room, past the large double doors, and into the garden. “What are you thinking?”

“Well, you know, you’ll be gone from Work4Fitness in a couple of weeks. I’ve started talking to a couple of people as CEO candidates, but—

“You got this.” He says it with so much determination and honesty that it’s hard not to believe him.

“The thing is, I don’t. I’ll be responsible for three health clubs. It’s a whole brand.” What if I fail my father and all he worked so hard to build? That intrusive thought looms at the back of my head.

He takes my hand and kisses it. “You’ll have a great time. You have a good team you can lean on for advice.”

I untangle my fingers from his and take a step back. I appreciate his positivity, but I still can’t shush that voice. “Cool, but what if I fail my father? After all he did? What if I try to Legally Blonde my way into being a CEO and take the company down?” My shoulders become a tad lighter after voicing my fear to him.

He smiles. “That won’t ever happen.”

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