Page 39 of The Flirt

"I'd like to see you try."

"No, you wouldn't," I replied.

Her eyes widened. "Hell yes, I absolutely would."

I opened the front door and said, "Good night, Scarlett."

"Good night, Chad."

After stepping out, I glanced down at my phone. I had a message from Julian.

Julian: Told you it wouldn't work.

I usually got cross with him when he challenged me, but right now, I started to laugh. He was 100 percent right.

I might have been able to walk away from Scarlett tonight, but I wasn't sure I'd have the self-control to do it again in the future.

Chapter Ten

Scarlett

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On Monday morning, I spoke to my parents on the way to the restaurant and told them about how much I loved my job and the team. I also couldn’t help myself and shared a bit about Chad—without too many details, of course. They were surprised but didn’t judge me, simply advised me to be careful. I planned to do just that. But for now, I couldn’t help rewinding the kiss.

You’ve got to stop thinking about it, Scarlett.

But I couldn’t. And besides, who cared if I played the moment on repeat? I was certain I wouldn’t run into Chad anytime soon. After all, I'd already finished my meetings with the marketing team, so there was no reason for me to visit the third floor.

When I was only a few minutes away from the restaurant, I decided to check my emails, since I typically put my phone away once I was in the kitchen.

I was shocked to discover one from Simon.

Subject: (Empty)

You need to get over yourself and fix this mess. How the hell did you turn the whole staff against me? Just because you couldn’t cope with me being promoted over you. Fix this or you’ll be sorry. You left enough unfinished business in Seattle.

I swallowed hard, quickly deleting the email. The nerve of him, I swear. He was short-tempered and neurotic. No wonder the staff wasn’t happy. Now that he couldn’t take his anger out on me, he probably did it to them.

He could shove his threat up his ass. I left nothing unfinished. I’d triple-checked with the realtor that I could get out of the lease without issues, and there was nothing else I could think of that he could blame on me.

What an ass.

I immediately turned off my phone, focusing on the day ahead.

I arrived at the restaurant at seven thirty, which to some is early, but I liked to be here for all the deliveries. Besides, I’d found a new source for shrimp, and I wanted to personally be here to thank him for working with us. And to make sure I got what I’d ordered.

To my astonishment, I wasn't the first one to arrive. After I changed into my chef uniform, I left the changing room and froze when I heard Chad's unmistakable voice.

"Want another one?"

And then the sweetest little voice replied, "Yes, please, Daddy."

That had to be Bella. Just hearing the two of them took my mind off Simon and his crazy.

Still, I hesitated, looking over my shoulder. Maybe I should leave. But I didn't want to hang out in the changing room, waiting for them to go, so I took a deep breath and stepped inside the kitchen, and what I saw filled my heart. A little girl with hair the same color as Chad’s was sitting on the counter. Her hair was styled in two pigtails. Chad had his back to me, holding a plate in front of her.

"Good morning," I greeted them.

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