Page 3 of Under Her

I get that she’s his daughter, but it’s not my fault that she’s batshit crazy. And, seriously, if the guy can’t detach business from personal, then we shouldn’t want to work with him anyway.

But my parents didn’t exactly see it that way.

I got reamed out for losing the deal and also a lecture from my mom about how I should be treating women with respect and not trying to sleep my way through Chicago.

But that was seven years ago, and even though it still bugs me that it was the one deal I fucked up, I have to allow myself the fact that I was wet behind the ears in business. Everyone is allowed one screwup in business.

But I didn’t let the Renshaw fiasco put me off. I like fucking way too much to stop having it on the regular.

I just had to learn to be a lot smarter about who I climbed into bed with, which means that I make sure to keep my weekend activities far, far away from anything associated with the office. One sniff of a business connection with a potential screw, and I’m out of there and on to the next.

Maybe my parents just want to talk about the takeover. My parents will be retiring in a few weeks, and I’ll be taking over as CEO.

I know what you’re thinking. I’m their son, and that’s why they are giving me the job.

Wrong.

My parents are hard-asses. We might have money, but they’ve made me work for everything. My parents came from nothing and built this business together, and they want me to understand that you have to work hard in this life if you want anything. Nothing is just handed to you.

I had part-time jobs throughout high school, so long as they didn’t interfere with my studies. The only time I didn’t work was when I was in college, as my parents wanted me to focus fully on my studies. But every summer was spent here, in the office, working for them—whether it was in the mailroom or on reception. I’ve worked my ass off to learn this business inside out.

I did four years at Northwestern, earning a business degree. And then I went off to Columbia where I got my MBA in management. When I graduated from Columbia, I came back home to Chicago and started working here in sales. I have worked in every department in the company so that I will understand the running of the business for when it is my time to take over.

And now is my time.

“Wish me luck,” I say to Chrissy.

“You don’t need it, Mr. Soon-to-Be CEO.” She says the last part on a whisper even though no one is around to hear.

When my parents announced their retirement a month ago, it wasn’t formally announced that I’d be taking over. Everyone probably already knows though. I mean, it’s a given.

That must be why they’re in there, waiting—to talk about the big announcement.

I don’t get excited about much, but I’m excited about this.

With thoughts of my impending CEO status, I open the door to my office with a big fucking smile on my face.

“Mom, Dad,” I greet them both.

They’re sitting on my black leather sofa. I fucking love my office. It’s big with floor-to-ceiling windows, so the view of the city is immense. And I have my own private bathroom, which is always a bonus.

“Wilder.” My mom smiles warmly. “How are you doing?”

“I’m good. What can I do for you this morning?” I ask as I walk the distance over to my desk.

A brief silence hangs in the air. That silence makes my gut tighten.

Then, my dad says, “We need to have a chat.”

“Okay.” I lower my ass into my chair.

They turn in their seats to face me. I don’t like what I see on their faces—unease.

Fuck.

I take a drink of my coffee, needing the burn to steady me, before lowering it to the desk. “What’s up?” I ask, forcing my voice to remain steady.

“Well…” My dad clears his throat.