Page 43 of The Wrong Promise

She remains quiet. “Will you be back for Thanksgiving?”

“I hope so. And also for Christmas as the company closes for the holidays.”

“Yay, I’m excited.”

“I no longer have a place to live in LA, Pen. So I’ll probably stay in San Diego with my parents.”

“You can come here and stay with us for as long as you like. The penthouse and the beach house have spare bedrooms.”

“Thank you. Maybe for a couple of days because I can’t wait to cuddle Summer.”

“I can’t wait to hug you. I’ve missed you, Zee.”

Lowering my head, I smile as I feel her love. “We’ll talk soon, okay?”

We end the call, and I hold my phone to my chest. I’ve missed my friends, and it will be great to see them, but I made the right choice coming here.

Crap, I didn’t tell her about my promotion. I’ll wait until it happens so I don’t jinx my luck. Instead, I decide to send her a photo, knowing she won’t know where I am.

I take a photo of the bridge and the river at night, the sparkling lights on the other side. Then I add a text saying how much I love the view.

I head back inside, noting it’s still hot as hell. I can’t bear it any longer. The heating must be broken as it doesn’t feel any cooler. I hit the cool button several times, then head to my room to read a book before bed.

What the hell is happening?

I wake up unable to breathe.

Tossing the covers aside, I yank off my top. I’m dying here.

I starfish in my undies, tossing and turning. Ugh, it’s unbearable. I get up, openallmy windows, and cold air blows in. Then I open my bedroom door. All lights are off, and Jobe is either in his room or not home yet. I cover my breasts with one hand and tiptoe out to the control pad on the kitchen wall. I hit the temperature button several times until it’s a cool level. This damn air conditioner needs a technician.

“Zara.” I jump and turn with one arm over my boobs. Jobe is standing behind the kitchen counter, his bare chest glimmering in the dim light. “Leave it, please.”

“Are you serious? It’s a fucking sauna. I thought it was broken.”

“Not broken.” He taps on his cell. The fucker is adjusting it from his cell. He tosses his cell on the marble and leans with two arms on the counter. He looks pissed. “I set it high so you wouldn’t have the desire tospoon.” The air crackles with the tension between us.

“Oh, smart ass. You fixed that.” Blood rushes to my head as anger flares. “I’m on the bed like a freaking starfish.” I throw my arms out wide for emphasis. “Kill me now because I asked Jobe Hendricks for some emotional support. To spoon me with fucking clothes on.” I slam my fists onto my hips.

His eyes travel down my body, taking his damn time until his eyes lift and his heated gaze meets mine.

“Yeah, take a good look, fucker, because you had your shot and blew it. You won’t get a second chance.” I storm back to my room.

“You have no idea, Zara,” he shouts, but it’s more of a roar.

“Stop messing with the controls,” I call back before slamming my door.

At five thirty,I was up and out of that hellhole.

I’ve been sitting in the café across from the office block for what feels like hours, and there’s still another hour before I start work. I keep checking the time, hoping Piper will arrive soon.

I peer up, and she walks in smiling, her long, blonde ponytail swinging behind her. “Hey, how was your night?” I make a face, and before I answer, she adds, “Oh, he’s still mad?” I nod, and she slides into the chair opposite me. “Do you want another coffee?” She glances down at the two empty mugs in front of me.

“If I could drink alcohol, I would.” I sigh. “I’ll have a tea that you all rave about.”

Her eyes light up. “Earl Grey?”

“Yeah, whatever,” I say and laugh.

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