Page 10 of The Forever Promise

I shrugged. “I never had much time for television.”

“She’s good at her job.” He nodded. “You don’t have to talk—this will be brief. I insisted on firm parameters.”

Of course you did.“Okay.” But my nerves thrummed as we reached the entrance to the study.

He turned to me. “You’ll do fine. You look great.”

“Thank you.” I melted a little, then chastised myself.He doesn’t mean it. He just wants this to go well.

A harried-looking production assistant wielding a clipboard hurtled out of the room, his eyes wide. “Mr. and Mrs. Windsor, it’s go time. Kysa’s already in her chair.”

“Fine.” Bryce’s tone was meant to put the assistant in his place—as in,fine, but I’m Bryce Windsor, and people wait forme.

The assistant nodded nervously. “Right this way. Sorry to rush you, Sir. But I’m the one that gets yelled at.”

Bryce didn’t respond. One thing hadn’t changed: my husband clearly wasn’t looking to make friends.

All hell had broken loose inside the study. There were klieg lights and video equipment everywhere; at least half-a-dozen crew members wielded cameras as they checked the lighting and different angles. At the center of it all, seated in a rather grand-looking armchair, was a blond woman with impeccable posture. She wore a charcoal dress, and her hair was pulled back in a sleek bun, which showed off her long neck and fine bone structure. When she saw Bryce, she stood, revealing her fit body and long, toned legs. “Bryce, Chloe—please, come and sit!”

I followed Bryce, petrified of talking to Kysa Reeves, who appeared too pretty to be real. “Hi, there!” She surprised me by hugging Bryce, then me, enveloping the both of us in her scent, which was clean and somehow smelled expensive. “It’s so nice to see you both!”

Bryce smirked as she fussed over us, ushering us into the chairs facing hers. “Are you about ready to get started? I know you mentioned you have meetings, Bryce.”

He cleared his throat. “I do. We only have a small window—I appreciate you coming out and making this possible.”

Kysa Reeves leaned forward, big brown eyes sparkling. “Are youkidding? This is the scoop of the summer! I’ve wanted to interview you for years. You’ve turned me down every time!” She laughed, then turned to me. “I think your gorgeous new wife talked you into it. Is that right, Chloe?”

“Um—”

Bryce reached over and gripped my hand. “Chloe’s been by my side through this whole ordeal. She absolutely thought this was a good idea.”

I nodded as he gripped. Electricity jabbed through me, straight to my core, making me blush. I hoped Kysa Reeves couldn’t tell that my husband’s touch made my freakingvagina clench—even though I was through with him!

“I’m happy Bryce is making a statement.” My voice wobbled. “I support my husband one-hundred percent.”

He gripped my hand tighter. My vagina clenched tighter.For fuck’s sake!

Kysa eyed our entwined hands, her smile broadening. “If you two ever want to do a profile, my network would pay top dollar—not that you need it. Still, it would make a great story. I can just tell.”

I wanted to assure her that her instincts were correct; people would love the true story of a virgin from the wrong side of the tracks being purchased by a billionaire. But the truth was more complicated than that. And there wasn’t a happy ending…

Bryce checked his massive watch. “We should get started.”

Kysa nodded, then motioned for the cameras to start filming. “Let’s just jump right in. Bryce and Chloe Windsor, thank you so much for joining me this afternoon.”

She spoke briefly about our family and Windsor Enterprises, highlighting the robust past of the company and the Windsor billions.

“I know it’s been a tumultuous time for your family,” Kysa continued. “Your father’s being investigated by the United States government for insider trading, among other charges. How are you all holding up?”

“Of course, what’s happening with my father is upsetting.” Bryce’s voice was surprisingly gentle. “But as acting CEO of the company, I’m focused on our shareholders and the health of our business. My father wants us to put the company first—being a good son requires me to support that.”

“So you’re saying your father is ready to pass you the torch? Because he hasn’t seemed too eager to do that in the past. I’m thinking in particular of his Q1 telephone conference. Didn’t he say that he had no plans to step down?”

Bryce nodded. “No one said he’s stepping down. But for now, he will concentrate on the investigation, and I will concentrate on running our company. My family is committed to the success of our business. We aren’t going anywhere. We intend to come out of this stronger than before.”

Kysa Reeves nodded. “I’m not surprised by your stance, Bryce. You don’t say much, but every time you talk about your company, it’s obvious that you’re passionate. Speaking of being passionate…” A small smile played on her lips as she peered past him to me, so help me God. “You recently married. We’re so grateful that your beautiful wife Chloe has joined us today. Chloe, can you give us a glimpse into what it’s like to be a Windsor? I’m sure our viewers would love a more personal perspective. No offense, Bryce.”

Bryce scowled at her.

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