Page 36 of The Rebel

Sky

Invite him to dinner—start there. Ease your way into it. He’s going to understand as long as you’re honest with him.

Me

I think we’re beyond that, no?

Sky

You mean the easing part? Or the being honest part?

Me

Both. LOL.

Sky

Girl, I will strangle you if you give up this opportunity because you’re afraid to tell him the truth.

I stepped into the elevator as the doors slid open. Just as they were about to close, one of our employees rushed inside, hitting a button to a lower floor than mine.

“Morning, Miss Cole.”

A title I’d never get used to. But things were so much fancier and formal here compared to the boutiques I used to own. So was the dress code, my toes already aching from the way these four-inch heels pinched them.

I smiled at him. “Good morning.”

Me

It’s not just about being afraid to tell him. There’s also the issue that Cooper Spade is the last man on the planet I can date. Things would have to be kept a secret and—just no.

Sky

There are ways around it.

Me

Like what? Moving to Antarctica? I’ve seen TikToks that take place there, trust me when I say, that wouldn’t even be far enough.

Sky

So, what are you going to do? Ignore your feelings and everything that happened and hope you never run into him?

The elevator stopped, the doors opening to let the gentleman off. Feeling his eyes on me, I lifted my face and gave him a grin.

“Have a good day,” he said as he walked out.

“You too.”

Me

For the moment, yes. I’ve been home for, like, 5 seconds. I haven’t even unpacked yet. I need time to figure this all out.

Sky

Suuure.

Me

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