Page 97 of Rich and Bossy

I see where she’s coming from. All it takes is a look around the warehouse to know this is what I was supposed to do.

She pats my shoulder again. “But I know that doesn’t help.” She smiles. “It’s an impossible situation.”

“I’m not trying to be difficult.”

“I know. The brain and the heart don’t always play well together.” She shrugs with a sigh. “And I know it doesn’t feel like it, but times like this… They’ll either destroy what you have with him, or they will make you infinitely stronger together. What are you going to do?”

“I feel like I should apologize, at least. I feel like I lied to him, just to enjoy myself a little longer. I couldn’t tell him though. I hope he gets that.”

“You should trust your instincts. I wish I could be more helpful.”

“I’m just worried you think I’m a traitor. I’m worried they’ll think that, if they find out what I’ve been doing with him.”

Now she looks stern, even scowling. “You did nothing wrong. You’re doing the best you can with the circumstances you were dealt. Don’t let anyone tell you differently.”

“I know, you’re right.” Still, I couldn’t help but wonder. All this work she’s put into this, I know she has to think this relationship, or whatever it is, is a serious liability.

What do I want to do? There’s no question about that, really. I want to see him, since I feel like I owe him at least that much. I want to say I’m sorry and explain. A face-to-face conversation, so if he wants to go off on me, he can get it out of his system. I really just don’t want him to hate me. I want him to know last night was real, and I want him to understand why I did what I did. I wasn’t trying to distract him. I really like him, a lot.

Just to be safe, though, I duck away to the ladies’ room. I doubt the odds of anybody seeing me send a message to our CEO are very high, but it’s stupid mistakes like that which could sink this ship before it has sailed. Now, all I have to do is figure out what to say. Should I ask him to meet me? Where the hell could we meet? I have no doubt his company has people following me now. It would be weird if they didn’t, considering they track us around this warehouse with wrist bands.

I wish he wasn’t who he is. Why couldn’t I fall for someone else? Someone who could support me and what I’m doing here. Someone to share my victories and defeats with, and to curl up in their arms after working a nineteen-hour day. Somebody who would celebrate with me and provide a shoulder when I need one. When I think about it that way, the whole thing strikes me as being so damn unfair.

I know he’s busy. I know he’s probably hurt.

I just—don’t want him to think I just did that and disappeared. It’s not right.

Before I have the chance to fumble my way through writing a message, I get one from him. I swear, it’s eerie. It’s like I couldfeel him thinking about me at the same exact moment I was thinking about him.

I’m almost surprised enough to drop the phone but manage at the last moment to maintain my grip.

Paxton:I need to see you. Tonight.

I’m aboutto ask where when my phone goes off a second time.

Paxton:The Condos next to where we looked out at the city that night. Unit 230. 10 PM. Make sure nobody sees you.

At least it’slate enough that I don’t think I’d be getting in the way of any interviews. Hell, even if he wanted to do it earlier, I’d be tempted to reschedule what Campbell has set up—and that would be a terrible idea, since we’re building momentum like crazy. At least I don’t have to worry about that part of it.

The bathroom door squeaks as it swings open. “Hey, Hazel? Campbell asked me to tell you the meeting is about to start.”

I don’t know who said it, standing outside the stall, but it’s enough to pull me back to the present moment. I can’t forget what I’m doing. I can’t let meeting with Paxton overrun all my thoughts all day. I have to be mentally sharp.

“Be right out.”

I wish I had time to say more, but my thumbs fly over the screen, so I can respond before I’m needed outside.

Me:Okay.

CHAPTER 27

Paxton

“This needs to end.Maybe we can pick it up down the road, if we don’t destroy each other in the process, but it’s not good for anyone. If word gets out, it could ruin everything on both sides.”

I practice my speech.

It sounds good. Now, I just have to say it when she’s standing in front of me. It’s not exactly the most eloquent speech I’ve ever come up with, but it’s the truth. This has already gone way too far.

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