Page 9 of Under Her

“Because Wild’s mom and dad just hired her to be the CEO at his company.”

“What?” Dom’s head swivels to me. “I thought you were getting the job.”

“I am. They are bringing her in as co-CEO. Apparently, they think I need a woman’s perspective to help me run the company, which is just fucking bullshit and a massive fucking insult.”

“Feel for you, man.” Dom pats my shoulder and then picks up the beer the bartender just put in front of him.

“What are you gonna do?” Coop asks me.

“Not much I can do.” I shrug. “Morgan’s coming in tomorrow, and the announcement will be made to the rest of the staff. Then, I have to share my company with her.”

God, I fucking hate my life right now.

And I know hate is a very strong word, so I won’t use it in reference to my parents, but I will say that I seriously, intensely do not like them right now.

“And that’s it?” Dom says. “You’re just gonna sit back and accept it.”

Coop laughs. “Come on, this is Wilder we’re talking about. No fucking way will he just roll over and take this. At least, not without a fight.”

“Oh, I intend to fight all right.” And I’ll fight as dirty as I need to. But I need to get my battle plan together, and I can’t do that until I meet with Morgan tomorrow and know what her deal is. “But, right now, I’m gonna have a drink with my buddies and maybe shoot some pool later. Who’s with me?”

“Always with you, man,” Coop says. “But I think we need something stronger than beer for this.” He signals the bartender. “Three shots of Jägermeister,” he tells him.

“No shots,” I tell Coop. “I’ve got work in the morning.”

I can’t be hungover when I meet Morgan. Especially not when I have to stand there during the big announcement of her new role in the company.

The thought alone makes me want to puke all over this bar.

“I don’t want a shot. I’ve got an early meeting tomorrow,” Dom tells Coop.

“Stop being pussies, the pair of you. Just one shot won’t kill you.”

“Fine.” I sigh. “One shot, and that’s it.”

“Sure thing, man.” Coop grins.

The bartender pours out our drinks. “Enjoy.”

Coop picks up a glass and holds it out to us. “Let’s toast.”

“What the fuck do I have to toast about? How I just lost half of my company?”

“You didn’t lose half of your company, dickface.” Coop chuckles. “Morgan’s just taking half of your job.”

“Oh, well, that’s okay then,” I deadpan.

“Why don’t we toast to Wilder finding a way to get rid of Morgan and get his job back?” Dom says.

“He hasn’t lost his job though. And wouldn’t that be more of a wish?”

“Are you two for real right now?” I stare at them both. “No toasts. And no fucking wishes. Let’s just drink, so I can try to forget about this shitty day and the even shittier day that I’m going to have tomorrow.” When Morgan Stickford comes into my office and invades it.

And, with that horrendous thought in mind, I pick up my shot and throw it back.

Jesus Christ.

My head is pounding.