Page 23 of Obsessed with my Guardian

I smile. “Of course.” I fetch the nurse to introduce her to the daughter before leaving out of the hospital and calling Reed. Adrenaline rushes through me, but I can’t think of anyone else I’d tell this firsthand. Sometimes, it takes a bad situation to show us a good opportunity.

Screw second-guessing. Screw insecurities. “Reed. Guess what? I… I’m the new CEO,” I say, tears gathering in my eyes.

15

Reed

I look at the calendar.

One more day.

One more day, and I’m officially done with Work4Fitness.

I should feel relief. Work4Fitness is in the best hands since Eloise called me two weeks ago with her decision. I’ve only assisted her in her new role, which she took to like a duck to water. She may not have the life experience or the years, but she’s smart, brave, and a fast learner.

And she doesn’t need me anymore.

I close the suitcase on the top of the bed. Before we even talked to Linda Trevino, I told Eloise I’d move out in a month. That means today.

We’ve been getting to know each other, our bodies, and it feels like more. I run my fingers through my hair. A part of me wants to go, but a much bigger one wants to stay. But it’s not right. I encouraged her independence, and I can’t back down now because I want to be around her.

Every. Hour. Of. The. Day.

Besides, Eloise hasn’t alluded to wanting me to stay here. Maybe now she’s more self-assured and wants her space. Freedom. A sense of dread fills me, and I touch my chest like I’m about to faint. I want her to enjoy all life has to offer her—but is it selfish to want to be by her side? What would her father say?

I hear a knock on my half-open door and find her leaning against the doorframe.

“All ready to go?” Her voice is friendly without a hint of resentment.

“Mostly,” I lie.

I’m not ready to leave her, damn it. Now or ever.

I’m sure Denis is turning in his grave. Though, to be frank, maybe he stopped keeping watch when I took his virgin daughter to bed. I sigh, raking my fingers through my hair, desperate to make sense of this. Then, I look at Eloise. She’s still in the same spot, her fingers drumming the threshold, her body angled toward me—but she hasn’t come inside.

What does this mean? Is she okay with me leaving?

She clears her throat. “I was thinking… How about one last dinner tonight? Before you move out?”

I smile, but inside, apprehension sets my nerve endings on fire. She said one last dinner. So, she plans on embracing her freedom and booting me out of her life for good. Fuck. I need to bring my A-game tonight. I need to show her we belong together. “Sounds great.”

“See you at seven.” She turns and closes the door behind her.

16

Eloise

I smoothmy hands over my black dress. Should I have picked something more cheerful? No, the thigh-length and V-neck offset the somber color.

My stomach is in knots, and my fingers tremble as I reapply my pink lipstick.

This is it.

The last night Reed will be sleeping in my home. That’s the deadline he gave me one month ago. I can’t be pushy. I keep telling myself to suck it up. We haven’t talked about continuing our relationship, and maybe he’s as scared to talk about it as I am. It’s hard to believe he’s scared of anything.

But I need to know.

Are we still seeing each other after he moves out and no longer works at Work4Fitness? Is he leaving for real—not only my home but my life? A nagging sensation throbs in my gut. He may say no, but damn it, I need to know.

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