Page 125 of Take It Offline

“You’re a very attractive candidate, Emma. You’re proficient in project management and reporting, and your results speak for themselves. But it’s your double degree that most benefits you. It’s archaic, but at these levels, a piece of paper can go a long way. With that said, I consider this an even opportunity.” He clasps his hands together, elbows on the table. “Unless there’s something you think I should know about Charlie that would tip the scales?”

Does he know? Or is this a test? Giving up Charlie’s secret would sway the race in my favor immediately, and once upon a time, I would have considered it. Back when Charlie was nothing but a backstabbing opportunist to me, rather than the warm, silly, big-hearted powerhouse I’ve come to know.

If I say nothing, there’s a likelihood he’ll get the promotion. No matter how good my work has been, the collective memory of the lead team will have a hard time seeing anything beyond the glowing recommendation of the COO. And if there’s one thing my upbringing taught me, it’s that getting your name in people’s mouths is a priceless commodity.

This could be my only shot. Charlie did say I needed to be more ruthless. Play the game, demand what I want. Only I never thought taking it would feel like this.

“No, there’s nothing. Charlie is an exceptional worker. You’d be lucky to have him in the lead role.”

Emmanuel’s face lights up. “That’s interesting. Because when I pulled him aside earlier, he said the same thing about you.”

Of fucking course he did.

CHAPTER 42

DON’T YOU KNOW, I WAS ALWAYS GOING TO FUCK IT UP

CHARLIE

Trouble’s never had to look too far to find me. By now, we’re old friends.

First girl I ever kissed caught me writing her name in the back of a book. Next thing I know, kids are calling me Charlene, asking aloud if I needed a tampon. Fucking assholes. They were just angry because Charlene could still kick their asses.

Painting my nails before I broke Aaron’s nose made the moment that much sweeter.

When I was twenty, I fell hard for Bess. Stunning woman, a little older than me, knew what she wanted when she wanted it and didn’t want to mess around with the rest. I thought it was the perfect deal. Didn’t count on my heart wanting a piece of the action.

Bess shut things down fast. “Things aren’t ever going to be like that between us.” It was a blessing in disguise.

By the time I met Lucy, I thought I knew what I was doing. Figured being with someone I liked, but who didn’t drive me to distraction, was a good thing.

Reese called it settling, I called it survival.

And that’s what I’ve been doing. Surviving.

Until now.

I’m proud of her, over the fucking moon, that she stood up to Emmanuel like I knew she could. That role is hers. That much was clear when he spoke with me.

I’m well-practiced in the art of “you’re a good kid, but this isn’t the right place for you.”

And I’m happy for her.

But I know this part. It’s the awkward pause before the bad news. Where my heart goes into hiding, protecting itself against the inevitable.

Tonight started off the best it could, on Emma’s couch, a movie playing on the TV. I couldn’t tell you which one. I’m too wrapped up in her, how good she feels in my arms.

How perfectly she fits in my life.

Then Logan calls.

His name flashes on her phone like a neon sign, a glaring reminder that we still haven’t talked about what this is between us. Am I still simply a stand-in, a placeholder? A temporary distraction used to fill in the time?

Emma sends the call to voicemail.

“Aren’t you going to answer that?” I ask. “Could be important.”

Brows furrowed, she scrutinizes me. “There’s nothing he could be calling for that’s important.”

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