Page 58 of The Wrong Promise

“Lydia has been promoted.” He lifts the lid of the box and then smiles at Piper and mouths,Thank you.

I stare at him. “Where are you hearing your information?”

“Gretchen. We had drinks Friday night, and she was pissed about something. Since she is going on maternity leave in a matter of weeks, she spilled the beans on a few things like the executive offices have been painted different shades of blue for each office. She also said you might know more.”

“Me?” I say in a high pitch. “Why would she think that?”

He tilts his head in a nod. “No idea. Anyway, we should find out more today. Monday morning meetings are the best.”

“You’re weird,” Piper tells him and sips her coffee. “I won’t be here forever, so I don’t care a bunch.”

The emotional turmoil pulls at me at having to lie until the whole team knows more. My gut twists uncomfortably, torn between loyalty to my friends or to the company and a CEO I have never met. But his words stay in my head, and I mull over his point about the office being painted blue. A reminder of that first night when Jobe spoke about color, and how blue helped to focus, and… what did he say… improves productivity?

Weird.

I smile, thinking how I carried a wounded heart from that same night, and now I’m floating on the clouds. The regret and hurt melted away.

17

JOBE

Anxious for thebusiness day to end, I roll my shoulders, needing a good massage to ease the tension. Like numerous times today, my thoughts head straight to Zara. My cock twitches when I think of her sprawled out on the kitchen counter… in the shower… on my bed.

My cell buzzes. Clive can fuck right off. I’m done for the day. While Sir James’ company takeover is a priority, the merger taking place now is settling in with announcements happening as staff reshuffles. Why I believed I could manage both was a dumbass move.

It buzzes again with an incoming call from Franklin. His day is only beginning. I send a reply.

Will call later.

Penny and I are invited to Sir James’ gala ball.

The fuck?

Don’t feel obligated to come. I have it covered.

Penny saw the invite before me. She wants to attend and surprise Zara.

I toss my cell on the desk and close my eyes, rolling my shoulders. How am I going to convince Penny not to come and see her best friend? Needing something to take the edge off, I stand, head to the liquor cabinet, and pour myself a double on ice. Then, I return to my desk to continue with the endless emails.

Several bourbons later, I walk out of the office.

Even from the street, I see the penthouse is dark.

Where is she?

She can go wherever and do whatever she likes as long as she behaves as though she has a boyfriend.

Am I taking this too far?

My thoughts are akin to us as a couple, pretend or not. I have never had feelings like this.

Inside, I flick on the lights. Has she not come home from work? Is she okay? I tap on her number.

“Hey,” she answers. “Are you home?”

I smile at the mere sound of her voice. “I am. Just walked in.”

“I’m in the pool,” she says excitedly. “You should join me. It will ease the tension.”

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