Page 5 of Under Her

But I’ll make sure to work with this new co-fucking-CEO asshole and be nice as pie.

And, in reality, I’ll be looking for a way to get rid of this job-stealing asshole while proving that I’m more than capable of running the company alone. My company.

I take a calming deep breath and place my hands, palms down, on my desk. “Well, I can’t say that I’m happy about this turn of events because I’m not. But it’s your company, and you’re free to do as you please with it. Yes, I’m your son—your only child—and heir. But you raised me right, and I’ll go along with whatever you think is best for the company.” Okay, so I’m laying it on a little thick, but a man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do, and guilt is the only card I have to play here.

“Wilder, I know you’re thinking that we made this decision to bring someone else in because we think you can’t run the company alone. But that’s not the case.”

“I’m not thinking that at all. I know I’m more than capable of running the company alone.” My surly words echo my thoughts.

Okay, so my attempt to guilt trip them didn’t last very long, and that smart comment is definitely not going to help my cause, but I just couldn’t help it.

At my tenacity, I see a small smile touch my dad’s lips, which tells me this was more my mother’s idea than his. That gives me a boost, knowing that he’s not one hundred percent on board with this, so he’ll be easier to sway when the time comes.

“Of course you are, Wilder. But what’s made this company so successful is the male-female dynamic from your father and me.”

“So, from that, should I take it that you’ve hired a woman?”

“Yes. We’ve hired a female co-CEO to help you run the company. I love you, Wilder. You’re my son. You’re incredibly bright and talented. But, when it comes to women, you don’t have a clue. You don’t understand their wants and needs.”

I’m mortally offended by this. I know women’s needs very well, but it’s not like I can vocalize this to my mom. I mean, no guy wants to share his sexual expertise with his mother.

My brow goes up. “That’s a very sexist thing for you to say, Mom.”

My dad smothers a laugh.

My mom throws an annoyed glance at my dad and then looks back at me, her brows furrowed in annoyance. “I meant that you don’t understand their wants and needs when it comes to the actual items. That can only come from being a woman. And having both a male and female viewpoint helps enormously with the business we’re in. My view comes from a woman’s perspective—of actually wearing and understanding the product, the issues of materials and comfort as well as the look. Your father’s perspective is in sales and focused on branding. Together, we’ve been a formidable team. I want that for you.”

“I’m not marrying this chick.”

“Of course not!” My mother’s laugh tinkles around the room.

“Your mother just wants you to have a counterbalance, Wilder,” my dad says.

“Why didn’t you tell me this before now?”

“Because we weren’t sure that we were going to find the right person to fit the role.”

“And, now, you have?”

“Yes.”

“Just out of curiosity, what would you have done if you hadn’t found the right woman for the job?”

My mother’s shoulders lift. “We would have crossed that bridge when we came to it.”

I know my parents love me, but this sure does feel a lot like betrayal, and it tastes bitter as fuck.

“We’re not doing this to hurt you, Wilder. You know we’ve only ever had your best interests at heart.”

“Mmhmm.” I fold my arms over my chest. “And how long will I be co-CEOing for?”

My mom’s brows draw together. “What do you mean?”

“I mean, how long will I have to share my job for?”

My parents glance at each other and then back at me.

“Well, we’re not sure…exactly,” my mom answers.