In his pause, I can tell he wants me to imagine all of it. Being snickered at, being ostracized, being hated by his father. Maybe even being fired by his father.
So much for making a good impression on the parents.
“You’re right. It wouldn’t be pleasant. Let’s avoid that.”
He hesitates. “If you don’t work for me, however, none of this applies.”
“If you’re asking me to quit, the answer’s no. It’s the best job I’ve ever had. And the best paying.”
“I had a feeling you’d say that.” He plays with my hair while he thinks. “What if I gave you enough money that you’d never have to work again?”
“And what if I sewed your lips shut while you sleep so you wouldn’t say anything so silly again?”
He allows me to simmer in annoyance until I’m calm, then I sigh. “I’ll reconsider in a year.”
“About taking the money?”
“No, about finding a new job.”
“Oh.” He’s quiet for a moment. “But you do realize I’m a billionaire—”
“Stop talking. Just stop. I’m not interested in your money.”
His silent laughter shakes his chest. “Okay, sweetheart. No more talking. We’ll just lie here instead.”
He strokes my hair and back. He holds me like I’m fragile, and he’s worried I might break, every once in a while giving me a squeeze and a kiss on the forehead. I’m spent emotionally and physically, stifling a yawn as I think about everything he’s told me and what the future will bring.
And I promise myself that no matter what happens, we’ll stick it out. We can make it, even though there are all sorts of obstacles. We’ll make it because we both want it to work.
It’s like I completely forgot how life loves to fuck me over.
Shay
The next day at work, I’m floating.
I feel as if all the clouds have been swept away from the horizon, and everything will be sunshine and rainbows from now on. Cole’s secrets have been revealed, we’ve agreed how to move forward, and if I’m worried about all the ways this could go sideways, I tell myself I’m not.
Scotty brings me an inter-office memo at ten o’clock.
Ms. Sanders,
Please bring me the audit report when you’ve completed it. I’d like to go over it with you.
Yours,
Mr. McCord
I type up that damn report so fast, the keys on my keyboard melt. Then I hustle upstairs with the report in hand, grinning like a lunatic.
When I see Marion at her desk, however, I try to act composed. “Good morning, Marion.”
She smiles and waves. “Good morning!”
Surprised she’s so cheerful, I stop at her desk. “How are you?”
“I’m doing great, thanks!” She glances toward Cole’s office and lowers her voice. “You’re in luck. He’s in a good mood today. Dare I say he’s acting almost human?”
I try not to show how happy that makes me, but if she looks close enough, she’ll see my heart beating through my blouse. “Really? That’s interesting.”
“He actually smiled at me. Can you believe it? Anyway, go right ahead.” She gestures toward his office.
“You don’t need to announce me?”
“He told me to send you in as soon as you arrived.”
“Okay, thanks.”
I head to his door, pressing the smile from my lips. When I knock, I hear an instant, “Come in,” from inside.
When I open the door, he’s already on his feet, headed toward me. I barely get the door closed behind me before he takes me in his arms and kisses me hard.
“Mr. McCord,” I say breathlessly. “You’re very eager this morning.”
He growls, “I should’ve fucked you before I left your apartment.”
Stifling a laugh because we’re standing near the door and I don’t want Marion to hear me, I grin at him. “But then I would’ve been late again.”
“And I would’ve written you another note. How did you get more beautiful since I last saw you?”
He peppers kisses along my jaw and down my neck, making me shiver. “I didn’t. You’re just biased. I brought the report.”
He takes the folder from my hand and tosses it to the floor. Papers go flying, scattering over the carpet. He reaches around me and locks the door, then picks me up and carries me over to the leather sofa by the windows.
He lays me down on it and pushes my skirt up my thighs.