Page 165 of Trust Me

And her good for nothing brother.

I’ve tried to show her with actions that she’s my entire world.

“You haven’t shown her enough,” my mother says.

I didn’t even realize I said that out loud.

“How? I’m with her every day. I’ve slashed the hours I spend at work to I spend more time with her and Eve.”

“You say that like it’s a sacrifice,” my mother says.

“It wasn’t,” I declare. “It isn’t. Hell, I didn’t even realize how many fewer hours I’ve been clocking in.”

I stand and start pacing because there are too many emotions moving inside of me to sit still. I feel like my wife is slipping from between my fingers, and with her my entire reason for being.

“Work used to be my main priority. Making sure Townsend Industries was the best. But it’s taken a backseat.” I speak without thinking. “She wasn’t supposed to become so important to me. That was never the goal. I couldn’t help it. It’s like I woke up one day and she and Eve were the only things that mattered to me. I can’t live without her, or without her knowing it.”

“Do you trust her?” My father asks.

“With my entire soul,” I answer without a second thought.

I continue pacing, my mind whirling with what the hell I will do if Riley really calls it quits on our marriage.

“I know I said once I became permanent COO that I’d annul our marriage, but I can’t. I fucking can’t do that.”

I stop pacing and turn to face my parents when there’s nothing but silence coming from their direction. To my surprise, and anger, they’re both staring at me with smiles on their faces.

Well, my mother’s smiling. My father’s only half scowling.

“I told you she was the one when I saw her last year.” My mother looks over at my father.

He nods. “You’re always right.”

My entire body stiffens. “Last year,” I repeat.

My mother’s smile widens. “You didn’t think when you brought your wife home for dinner that was the first time I’ve seen her, did you?”

“Riley knew you before then?”

She’s shaking her head before I finish the question. “We never formally met. I attended part of an event for Girls on the Move, and she was there. We didn’t get a chance to speak but Angie, the director, spoke highly of her. There was something about her. So …” My mother shrugs.

“I did some research on her background to figure out who she was. I had hoped to arrange something like a blind date between you two. I certainly didn’t intend for her to become blackmailed into your life, but I guess fate had other plans. Oh well, it worked out.

“You’re in love,” she finishes.

My shoulders slump at hearing my mother’s words. They cause my head to spin even more. It really means Riley and me are meant to be.

“I can’t lose her,” I tell my parents.

“Success means jack shit if you don’t have your priorities straight.” My father stands and comes over to me. He cups the back of my neck, pulling our foreheads together.

“I could’ve made you COO on a permanent basis if I wanted,” he reveals. “The board could’ve tried to stop me, but I would’ve done it. You weren’t ready. Not because you can’t handle the business side.” He looks over at my mother.

“You needed balance. I let my career and drive to success eat up too much of my life when I was your age. It almost cost me everything.”

He looks back at me. “You need to make this right with your wife.”

“That's what I came to you both for. And that’s all you have to tell me?” I hold up my hands. “How?”

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