Chapter 43: Chapter 43

Goddess Inc. was Miranda’s baby, which happened to be the country’s fastest growing fitness empire.

The woman was a force and she had already made a huge impact in the industry.

“I can have dinner arranged for us,” he told her. “I have a new consultant that I’d like to introduce you to. She’s got some great ideas about the show and how to boost ratings.”

“I’d love to meet her,” Miranda stated.

Nigel shoved his hands in his pockets and leaned back against the window ledge. “So, what brought you by? I know you didn’t just pop in to say hi.”

Miranda adjusted the clutch beneath her arm and shook her head. “I’m worried about Fee. With her leaving the show and all.”

Nigel pulled in a deep breath. “As much as none of us want to lose her, change can sometimes be a good thing.”

“She told me you asked her to consider a spin-off.”

“I did and she decided to just make a fresh start with her new life, without all of the cameras.” Nigel shrugged. “I can’t blame her. I don’t like it and I want her to change her mind, but I can see why she’d want to just enjoy her new marriage without any added stress.”

Miranda pursed her lips. “Are you looking to replace her on the show?”

He’d thought about that. He actually wanted to discuss that with Roslyn, but since they’d gotten home from England yesterday, he’d been so busy playing catch up. Work that he hadn’t been able to handle through emails and long-distance phone calls had become a bit of a pile, so he hadn’t had the chance.

“I haven’t decided on that just yet,” he answered honestly. “We may see how things go without. I hope I can talk Seraphina into making a guest appearance every now and then.”

At least they could work out the rest of her contract doing things that way.

“Let me set up dinner reservations and we can talk more,” he told Miranda as he reached for the phone.

“Oh, no.” Miranda waved a hand. “I actually have to get back to Texas. I have a few things still to clear up after Buck’s death.”

“Well, next time you’re coming to town, you’d better give me a heads-up,” he warned with a smile.

“Of course I will,” she promised.

Miranda crossed the room and kissed his cheek. “I’ll see if I can talk to Fee about those guest appearances. It might sound sincerer coming from a friend and not the man writing her checks and talking about contracts.”

Nigel nodded. “I’d appreciate that.”

Miranda left his office alm ost as quickly as she’d come. He really didn’t know what to do about Fee leaving. A few weeks ago that news would’ve stressed him out and had him losing sleep. But since meeting Roslyn and having her occupy most of his thoughts, work wasn’t as stressful.

Part of him felt like a teen with a crush. Which was absurd since he was well into his thirties. He didn’t want Roslyn to be too good to be true. The fact she gave herself to him for the first time spoke volumes for her character and her feelings toward him. He knew she couldn’t have been intimate with him had she not felt so strongly about him.

He was supposed to meet her brothers soon. Roslyn promised to have them come to New York and they’d all meet at her penthouse for dinner. He was excited to get to know all facets of her life, but he didn’t know why she’d seemed so worried. Her family couldn’t be complete monsters. Besides, he wanted to try to explore the idea of more with her. He’d told her he couldn’t love her, he didn’t have it to give, but that had been fear. He wouldn’t have taken her home if he wasn’t feeling something stronger for her.

Nigel wanted to see just how far this would go and there was nothing that would change his mind.

Fifteen Sophie stepped from her office just as a flash of red hair caught her eye.

The gasp escaped her as she turned back into her office and quickly shut the door.

Miranda was here? Why? Did she know what Sophie was doing? Had she come to rat her out?

Sophie leaned back against the door, trying to listen, but she heard nothing. With her breath caught in her throat, Sophie closed her eyes and tried to remain calm. If Miranda had revealed her secret and Nigel knew the truth, he’d be in here any second.

Craig’s muffled voice echoed down the hall followed by Miranda’s laugh. Good, she was moving away from Sophie and Nigel’s offices.

Just keep going. Get on that elevator and get the hell out of here.