Page 77 of The Billionaire Who Hated Me (Until He Loved Me)

I feel Sarah Connor’s hot breath on my elbow.“I’d give it zero out of ten.”

She giggles.“Same.”

CHAPTER 39

Victoria

I rewrite the email to my office four times.I’ve managed to set up a hot spot on the pier at the lake, and I’ve been working all afternoon on my laptop with my feet dangling in the water.

I’ve worked my entire career with an eye to a partnership and a corner office, but this pier has got a corner office beat a million times over.The lake is smooth as glass, so still that it mirrors the surrounding mountains, as if the jagged peaks grow up from the water.

The air has turned chilly, and I shiver as the breeze hits my face and blows hair into my eyes.I twirl the strands around my fingers and knot them on top of my head, then take another crack at the email.It’s addressed to our chief of asset acquisitions, a man who prefers bad news if it’s given to him straight.

Trent,

The Yosemite Ranch acquisition has hit an unmovable barrier.The owners have refused the sale of Sulfur Springs, despite the sweeteners we discussed prior to my departure.In fact, the family is unanimous in their desire for us to withdraw our attempts at purchasing.I recommend that we step away.

I delete that last sentence and try again.

I recommend we pursue opportunities in the neighboring state of Idaho, where several properties can satisfy the majority of our development needs.I have attached those locations for your consideration.

Most sincerely,

Victoria Backlund

Associate, Asset Acquisitions

I reread the email a few more times to be sure it’s what I intend.I know that the instant I hit send, the shit will hit the fan.My father will unleash the hounds of hell upon my head.I’ll have to face a whole new level of ugliness from him.

I’m ready.I can stand up to him.I can be professional and respectful while refusing to do his bidding.

It’s not a mystery to me why I suddenly feel strong enough to face my father’s wrath.It’s Cal.His family.This place.I’ve been accepted for who I am here, despite what I came to do.I like the Victoria I’m seeing lately.I’m proud of her.

I don’t remember the last time I was happy.The last time I felt like myself.I wonder if it was that summer of apples and carrots in the horse barn, before I made avoiding my father’s ire my life’s work.

I don’t want to lose my father.He is all the family I have.But I am no longer willing to sacrifice myself for his comfort.That’s not how any relationship is supposed to work.But that may not be my choice.

If we do maintain a connection, I may never tell my father what’s happened with Cal.He might not approve.He might not understand.My father has kept his private life far away from me for as long as I can remember.Never once did a lady friend join us for dinner.Never did he introduce me to anyone in his life.

His life is his work.I thought that’s all I needed for myself, as well.I was wrong.

It strikes me as sad that my father, who is very much alive, is more of a ghost than Stella MacLaine is to the family she left behind.

I hit send.It’s done.

I close my laptop and head back to the house.I’m tempted to turn off my phone.I don’t want to speak to my father.I don’t want to be harangued.I don’t want to listen to him try to convince me that I have no idea how to live my own life.

But I don’t turn it off.Hiding is not what I wish to do.If he wants to talk, I’ll answer.

I climb the stairs to the back deck, where I pass by the hot tub on my way to the guest room.It’s powered on, though Cal’s not in it.The water is inviting, steam rising into the cool evening air.The hot water would feel delicious after being chilled by the lake breeze, so I decide to enjoy it.

I strip down and step into the water.Holy crap—this is fabulous.The warmth seeps into my muscles and bones, and I moan with pleasure.My body begins to loosen.It occurs to me how a few nights with Cal has worn me out.

Rode hard and put away wet.

I giggle to myself.If Cal and I stay together, I never have to go to a gym again.He’s the best workout I could ever get.And so much more pleasurable.

The hot tub has a large control panel, and I scan the buttons.With one push, the bubbles roar to a frenzy, and with another push, Hozier’s sensual voice slides from the outdoor speakers, warning anyone who’ll listen not to fuck with his baby.