Page 23 of Midnight Heat

"No, I'll be fine. I'll send you my resignation in the morning, effective as soon as you receive it."

"You don't have to leave your position at the club."

"You might not have feelings for me, Max, but I have them for you. I was falling in love with you, and now I realize I want a future together. So, a blank slate is better for me. Goodbye."

I mentally high-five myself. I think I sounded cold and unfeeling and I did not even tear up. You can do this, Anne. So I grab my suitcase and go out the front door to wait for my ride. There's a chill in the night and I realize it matches the cold that's just covered my heart.

Chapter 10

Maxwell

Igo in early to work, trying to avoid Erik, but I have no luck. He ambushes me and has a few things to say to me.

"Annette resigned! This is why you don't get involved with people you work with. She was doing so well, and her social media campaigns were bringing tons of new people to the club. We can't afford to lose her."

"Calm down."

"She did quality work that won't be easy to replace."

"I'm sure you'll find someone."

He'll find someone, but I'm not sure what will become of me. I already miss the bright sunshine Anne brought to my day, and I wonder where she went.

"Do you have a new address for her?" I ask.

"She put in a P.O. Box." He looks at me, and his eyebrows climb. "You care about her."

"I told her about Lauren—that we can't have a future together—that I can't love her. She decided to leave me."

Which put a sour taste in my mouth. It hurt more than it should.

"You're an idiot. You were happy. You were slowly opening your heart to her. It doesn't have to be all or nothing."

"She wants more than I can give her, Erik."

"Is this about that one soulmate belief you have?"

"What of it?"

"It's bullshit, brother. It's an excuse to keep your heart safe from another heartache."

"I barely survived."

"You're a different man now, Max. Besides, love means taking a chance—risking it all. Are you too much of a coward to do that?"

I grimaced. "I'll think about it."

"The clock is ticking, my friend. I'll send Jason over."

Erik leaves and I'm a little rattled. It is true that I'm a different man now and I have more tools at my disposal to deal with depression. I think of Anne's beautiful smile and the way she always makes these silly jokes to get me out of my grumpy moods. She was also trying to teach me some social skills, so I'm not too rough when I talk to my employees. She keeps calling me her growly bear.

There's a knock on my door, and Jason, my head of security, enters my office.

"Is there something you need?"

I brought out the file I have of Annette and gave it to him.

"I want you to find her. Use your hacker friend, Zane, if you have to."

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