Page 60 of Love Under the Microscope
He sits next to me, leaving a bottom cushion between us. “After what I’ve learned about you tonight, I wouldn’t put anything past you.”
I stare at him over the lip of my bottle. “That almost sounds like a compliment.”
“It is.”
“Thank you, but I’ve never shot a gun, so that isn’t my plan,” I admit even though Nigel deserves to have his world blown up. “You mentioned a way for me to gain control. Tell me how.”
He places his beer on the coffee table and scoots closer to me. “I want you to hear me out before saying anything.”
“Okay.” Although the last thing I feel is okay. I’m warm all over, which has nothing to do with embarrassment and everything to do with Jack’s proximity.
He gazes into my eyes, and it’s all I can do not to sigh. Focus, Zelda. This is important.
“Let me write my feature about you, how you run a major company yet remain out of the limelight, and how you’re the driving force behind the drug that will change the world for women.” He holds my hand. “If we get your story out there before Nigel’s lies, you’ll control the narrative.”
I see the logic in what Jack’s saying, but… “I understand, but it’s not that easy to do.” I stare at his hand on mine. “I’m not ready. We need to time everything right, or it could jeopardize Orchid.”
“Wait too long, and it jeopardizes your reputation and career.”
“Yes, but doing a story like you suggest would be life-changing for me, and not necessarily in a good way. I don’t want to rush it. What if it sounds like I’m only trying to save myself?”
He leans forward, his expression earnest. “You wouldn’t.”
“I have approval over what you write, so you’re right, but remember, I only said the interview will happen if you help me. We still have to find those pages.” The air suddenly seems tense, so I grin to lighten the mood, but I meant what I said. “I’d prefer no one ever find out who I am.”
He squeezes my hand. “Why are you so media shy?”
“I told you.” I look away, trying not to squirm. “I like my privacy. I don’t want everyone to know I’m behind Orchid and at the helm of Zentello. It’s no one’s business.”
“But you want control?”
Not want. I need control. But that’s just semantics, right? “Yes.”
“Then me writing the article will go a long way to giving that to you.”
“By exposing my private life.” I pinch the bridge of my nose, tired and weary of this battle with Nigel. I need it to be over, but I also need to win. I so badly need to win this one—for my sake, Nate’s, and Zentello’s. “I want control of that and my destiny. I don’t want that asshole to be the one who determines whether I’m exposed as Mr. Z and responsible for the creation of Orchid.”
With Jack’s free hand, he rubs my shoulder gently. “The guy’s a dick, and he seems intent on ruining you.”
“Mainly to get to Nate.” This isn’t the first time that’s happened to me, unfortunately.
“If it’s any consolation, I’ve done a deep dive into your ex-husband over the past couple of years. He’s handsome, rich, and successful, but I’ve never had any feelings of envy for him. To be honest, I feel sorry for him.”
I stiffen, surprised to hear that from Jack. “Why? Nate has everything.”
“No, he no longer has you.”
My heart stumbles. “That’s so sweet.”
“I’m a sweet guy.” If he’s trying to sound cocky, he’s failing. Oh, Jack has his alpha moments, like when he patted my ass at the gala, but he’s not your typical beat-his-chest kind of guy. He is, however, becoming a man I might be able to rely on.
I’m so used to fixing everyone else’s problems that I haven’t had someone I could run to in times of trouble. I mean, Nate would always be there for me, but that probably wasn’t the healthiest thing for either of us in the long term, especially if he starts dating again.
I pull my legs out from under me and move closer to him so we’re sitting thigh against thigh. “I really am glad we met, Jack Parker.”
“I agree, Zelda L.” He shoots me a wry grin. “Or I guess I should use your full name, Zelda Lowe.”
He’s turned on the charm, and I’m flattered, but this is my life and future he wants to put on public display. “Flirting won’t get you what you want.”
