Page 56 of A Bossy Surprise

What was I thinking?

I am the one who told him that we should keep our distance from each other.

I need to get a grip.

This cannot happen again.

16

ADAM

I’m struggling to keep up.

I’ve had so many consecutive early mornings and late nights recently. GNN never stops. So it’s hard to pull myself away knowing that something’s always going on in the building.

I knew breaking into the news was going to be hectic, but I had no idea how much of me it would take.

The other day I found a stress-induced gray hair. I pulled it out and have tried to convince myself it was a dream ever since.

Everyone has been trying to get me to slow down, but I don’t see how I can.

I try not to micromanage my people because I know that’s a recipe for disaster. However, I like being in the building. Plus, my condo seems much lonelier right now after the night that Kayla and Brady spent there. It gave me a taste of what it would look like if we all lived together.

That’s another thing that has been keeping me busy. I’m not complaining. I actually treasure the time I’ve spent with the both of them, and being Brady’s father means that Kayla is around more often than she would be if I weren’t.

There’s something between us. I can feel it, and I know she feels it too. It’s in the way her eyes track me whenever we’re in the same space. It’s in the way she leans in when we’re talking. It’s how her breath catches when I move closer to her.

She wants me but won’t let herself have me. Normally, that would spur me on, but ever since we reentered each other’s lives, I’ve gotten to know Kayla a little more. She’s the kind of person who needs to come to you. She needs to feel in control. If I try to sway her in any way, I know she’ll run away.

So, I’m just going to hang back and wait. In the meantime, I will do whatever I can to subtly reinforce our connection.

It’s just past noon and I’m about to step into a meeting with Arthur and all our department heads when my phone rings.

I pull out my phone and it’s Dad.

What does he want?

I answer, “Hello?”

“Son, I need you to get to LA immediately. We need to talk,” comes his gruff command.

“I can’t right now. I’m in the middle of some important work stuff.”

“This is why you have staff. Delegate.”

“Dad, what is this about? Can’t we discuss this over the phone?”

“No, we can’t. This conversation needs to happen in person.”

“Dad, I can’t come on such short notice. It’s a five-and-a-half-hour flight.”

“Yes, and our jet is waiting for you at Hopkins International. Be on it within the hour.”

Before I can protest any further, the line goes dead.

I have half the mind to disregard his orders, but having dealt with my father in the past, I know the consequences of that will be worse than whatever he’s dragging me back to California for.

I stick my head into the conference room where everyone is assembled and ask to speak to Arthur. He steps outside with me.