Page 51 of When The Night Falls

Well, at least someone was enjoying the chaos of our circumstance. Sulking, I looked at the exit of the building.

‘I suppose I’ll be seeing you around, then,’ I said.

‘I guess, yeah.’

A day ago, I would have kissed him goodbye. Strange to think of that.

‘Later, then. Enjoy your lunch,’ I said and looked up. My chest tightened at the expression on his face. He was watching me with a strange sort of longing in his eyes.

He merely gave me a nod, and I felt his gaze on my back as I walked out.

§ § §

‘He’s your boss!’ Olivia shouted down the phone, totally shocked.

Trying to remain calm, I asked, ‘What am I supposed to do, Livy?’

‘Christ, Cara! Is Jason aware?’

‘Of course not,’ I said. ‘Had it been serious between Will and me, then I probably would have told him, but forgive me if I don’t feel like telling my best friend and flatmate that I completely sexually exploited his elder brother.’

‘Yeah, don’t tell Jason. I wouldn’t want to know if I were him. But how did Will react when he saw you?’

Once I had given her the scoop on my day, she huffed out a long, loud breath. ‘Shit. You’re in it now, aren’t you?’

‘Livy,’ I whined. ‘That’s not helping. And the bastard even tried to blackmail me into having dinner with him today – after I’d signed, and he’d promised to behave. Said he’d tell Jason about us if I didn’t accept.’

‘That’s outrageous! Please, don’t tell me you agreed.’

‘Of course not.’

‘I can’t believe he tried that.’

‘Me neither. I’m livid.’

‘He must be really taken with you.’

‘I don’t care. It’s completely out of the question. You’d think he’d realise that when he’s the professional between us.’

‘Yeah, he was out of order. I’m so sorry, Cara. I honestly don’t know what to say. I hope for your sake that he won’t tell Jason.’

‘He promised me he wouldn’t.’

‘Well, then I hope he’ll keep it. But, aside from the shock of meeting him again in the role of your boss, have you considered what this means now that you’re living with Jason?’

‘Yes,’ I whined again.

‘We both know Jason’s very close with his brother. To be honest, it’s a wonder we hadn’t met him sooner.’

‘I know.’

‘And now that you’ve just moved in with Jason, you’re bound to see Will a lot more, even before you start work.’

‘I’m well aware of this, Livy.’

‘Sorry. I wish I could be of more help, but I’ve honestly got no idea what to say. It’s a huge mess for sure, of epic proportions.’

I sighed. ‘Well, I appreciate the moral support.’

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