Page 55 of Serving the Maestro

“And does he know you had feelings for him?”

“No.” My cheeks heated, thinking about how I’d exposed myself, bared myself to him that last night.

I’m glad I met you, though, Trent. Even if things didn’t work out the way I wanted. Even though you’re leaving. I’m glad I met you.

No, it wasn’t some shining declaration of love, but I’d tried to let him know I had feelings. If he felt the same, wouldn’t he have said something?

He hadn’t.

He’d left.

I’d gotten one text from him since, a stunning picture of the sun setting over the Pacific Ocean and a few words that made my heart ache.

I missed California sunsets, but I’m glad I went to NYC. Meeting you was one of the best experiences of my life. If you ever need anything, let me know.

I needed him, but neither of us had gone into our agreement looking for a relationship. Even if my feelings had changed, it didn’t mean it was fair to expect anything from him.

“Ugh.”

Looking at Cam, I narrowed my eyes. “What?”

She sighed and waved a hand at me. “You’re practically bleeding broken heart emojis here, Jazz. It’s obvious you feel something serious here. Why not tell him? Maybe he feels something, too.”

“Aren’t you the one who fussed at me about trying to give nice guys a chance?”

“Nice guys never made you smile like Trent did.” She hitched a shoulder. “I just want you happy.”

She held out a hand, and I helped her haul herself out of the chair.

“Anyway.” She offered a piece of paper. “That guy Roger called earlier and left a message.”

Frowning, I took it and read it.

“Why is he calling the office instead of your cell?”

I grimaced and looked away. “I’ve already had three or four annoying calls today, so I put it on do not disturb. He probably called after I turned that on.”

It was a lie. He’d been the second call of the day. I hadn’t wanted to talk to him or the owner of a popular gaming blog who called before him.

“Thanks for bringing this.” I waved the note absently and went back behind my desk.

“This Roger guy...” Cam cocked her head. “Do you like him?”

“Yeah. I guess.”

Even I heard the lack of heat in my answer.

Cam just stared at me.

“He’s a nice guy,” I said. “You keep telling me...”

“I know,” she cut me off. I wish I hadn’t said anything.” She shook her head. “Jazz, more than anything, I just want you happy.”

She left then, leaving me holding the note and the certain knowledge that Roger wasn’t the guy who could do that for me.

* * *

I called Roger anyway, a couple of hours later, after I managed to get some work done on my current project finally.

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