Page 22 of Without Apology

“I blocked your number.”

His face showed his surprise. “I see.”

We both stood there, silent for the longest time until finally I spoke. “If that’s all you’ve come to say, you should probably go.”

He stepped closer to me but then stopped, putting his hands in his pockets as if to keep from touching me. “It took me off guard to see you walk into the conference room today.”

“You and me both.”

“I regret having to say what I did when you came to my office. But my main concern was protecting your job. If I’d acted any different towards you than I did or indicated we’d met, Tom would have suspected something, and we’d both be off this buyout.”

“It was a bit shocking to be talked to that way by you. To know you’re that cold at work.”

He sighed contritely. “It’s what I get paid to do. Be cold, concise, and calculating.”

“I’m not a fan of the three Cs.” And why oh why did he have to look so handsome standing here in my house?

“For the first time, neither am I. I’ve never had my personal and professional lives collide like this.”

Yeah. Me, neither. He looked uncomfortable, as if he was struggling with the words, so I beat him to them.

“I take it Friday night’s date is cancelled.”

“I wish it could be different, but I have to think of the job. Not to mention protect yours. The last thing I want is for anyone to think I’m biased when it comes to the selection of CFO or you keeping your current position.”

“Meaning you’ll be interviewing me for the promotion.”

He blew out a breath. “Yes. So will Tom.”

I moved to my kitchen island, grabbing my glass of wine and drinking deeply. “Guess I’m sunk in the water, then.”

“Not necessarily, but you can’t tell anyone you only want the job to protect your staff from who I’m assuming is Jeff. You have to say it’s because you’re qualified. There’s a reason George appointed you the key person for the audit and that you’ve been the interim CFO. Tell us why, and it’ll increase your chances. Tom will look to rile you up. You can’t let him.”

“You probably should forget what I said about Jeff at the restaurant. And you shouldn’t be giving me advice or do me any favors.”

“I’ll forget it and make my own assumptions, but take the advice.”

“Fine.” It wasn’t bad advice, but I hated the circumstance under which it was given.

His gaze fell on the flowers. “Guess I should be thankful you didn’t throw them away.”

“They were too lovely. Tell Emma she has good taste.”

“I didn’t think you’d appreciate me having her send them. I ordered them myself.”

“You’re right. I probably wouldn’t have. Thank you.”

I was surprised he’d taken the time. His gesture made it all the harder to swallow that we wouldn’t be able to date. Although I’d realized the whole thing was destined to be short term, it felt especially cruel to have it cut even shorter. But it was clear work and romance would never go together for a man like Simon. Nor should I be tempted to try to give the combination a chance, especially if I wanted the CFO position. However, this newest development of George selling the company made me feel conflicted about whether to stay at all.

“Seems weird to say you’re welcome since I’m now saying we can’t see one another again. I wish it could be different.”

“Me, too.”

He picked up his keys, and I walked him to the door, the whole thing screaming awkward. He stood there on my porch shuffling his feet.

“I hate this.”

I sighed, letting go of some of my anger because he looked sincere. “Me, too.”

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