Page 139 of The Flirt

"No," I admitted. "But it seemed so sudden." My chest constricted, and my throat clogged.

"I can feel you panicking through the phone," Ariana said.

I didn't have the energy to pretend I wasn't. "I just... I'm not even sure what to do right now."

"Talk to him, maybe?"

"But what if we're right?" No, damn it. Why would my mind go there?

"I'm here for you no matter what, okay? Maybe he doesn’t want you to have regrets. You two are at completely different stages in your life. He's a bit older. He's got a daughter and a very successful business. He's a CEO. You just got your first position as a chef. Maybe he figures he’d be holding you back from achieving your potential or something."

"But I am living my potential. This is all I've dreamed about. To be a chef in a great kitchen and have someone to love and take care of." My eyes watered.

"Oh, hon. And you're sure he knows that?"

I blinked. "Sort of. I haven't exactly come out and told him."

"Maybe you should," Ariana suggested softly as I took a sip of coffee. "So he knows exactly where you stand."

I took another sip, my heart starting to beat faster. "You know what? You're right, I should. I kept repeating that I don’t want the position, but I should’ve just laid out what I do want."

"Exactly. See? We're making some progress even though I'm really not the one to give you advice, considering my shitty history."

"You're the best person in the world, Ariana. I love you so much."

"Oh, I love you, too, bestie. Now, is it okay if we chat later? I want to do some abs, too, before I start the day."

I laughed. "You go, girl."

After we hung up, I was in a much better mood. Was I full of anxiety as well? Yeah, but apparently the two feelings could coexist.

I stood at the counter as I sipped the rest of my coffee. I really needed to wake up, so I hopped into the shower, letting the water soothe me. I’d just finished shampooing my hair when I heard the doorbell ring.

Oh shoot. I bet it’s one of the million Amazon orders I’ve made.

I stepped out of the shower and quickly put on a robe. I had soap all over my neck as well, but it didn't matter. My hair was piled up, and my shampoo was keeping it in place. I hurried to the front door and pressed the button to let the delivery person into the building. Shortly after, my doorbell rang. I looked through the peephole. I couldn't see who it was, but he was carrying a huge package.

Whoa, what did I order? I tried to mentally go through my last few shopping sprees, but it was futile. I’d ordered so many things lately, getting settled in my new hometown, that I typically forgot about them until they arrived.

I opened the door. The person carrying it lowered the box, which I realized wasn't a package at all. It was huge, all right, but it was also very thin.

"Julian," I said, instinctively pulling my robe tighter, even though he couldn't see anything.

He looked at me with a huge grin. "I caught you at a bad moment?"

"Yeah, I was washing my—what is this?"

"I can't say."

I frowned. "Huh?"

"I'm just delivering it."

"I don't understand."

"Honestly, neither do I. Neither Mom nor Chad wanted to give too many details. My instructions are to give this to you, no questions asked."

I cocked a brow at him. "But you're not one to follow instructions."

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