Page 59 of Ditching the Dragon (Fated Dates)

Chapter Sixteen

Annie

It’s been six days without Wickham Liam Barrett.

“Without” is probably a misnomer. He still texts me every morning, although it hasn’t gotten spicy. Maybe he senses that I’ve shut down. Or maybe it hurts us both too much to play with that aspect of our relationship again.

It was, regrettably, fun to run from Wickham Barrett.

He’s still at the office too. He doesn’t bother me, but he set up his workstation in the empty room directly down the hall from mine. If I position my chair in a certain spot, I can see him through our glass-walled partitions.

I always sit there now, even though the sun catches my laptop screen and makes it near-impossible to see the plans I’m working on.

There used to be a lot of trees outside, but that forest fire burned the area so badly that the branches have yet to recover.

It’s the perfect analogy for my life right now.

Wickham Barrett has burned to ash everything I thought I knew and wanted, and I’m hesitant to grow anew.

Because I don’t know what to do.

Every day, on my desk, is one of Marni’s chocolate croissants waiting for me alongside my latte.

Violet stopped bringing me coffee on the second day. I think they’re talking and she doesn’t want me to know. I’d be insulted, but when push came to shove she chose me, so I know it’s moreabout her trying to encourage the happily ever after she thinks is best.

My office has also been renovated. And my apartment. He replaced my bed with a fluffy monstrosity that barely fits in the room but is probably necessary for a guy with his build.

He’s tried to give me space as much as his tendencies allow, like a skewed personal brand of groveling, and somehow, I like it.

Wickham Barrett is an immovable force that can be neither contained nor controlled, but he will for me.

“Annie?” Milton asks from the door, startling me from my mental wandering.

Shit, did I forget a meeting?

“I’m free, Milton. How can I help you?”

“I just wanted to say congratulations to you and Wickham. He’s a very good man.”

I do my best to hide how uncomfortable I am. Milton is still technically my boss, even if he’s got one foot out retirement’s door.

“That’s kind of you to say,” I reply instead of spilling all my insecurities.

“Also, excellent work on the Denman project. Really spectacular. I’m not surprised he did it; you’ve earned the chance for recognition.”

“He did what?”

“The partnership.”

I can’t let on that I have no idea what he’s talking about. It would expose the cracks in my and Wick’s relationship. Yet another reason why workplace romances are a terrible idea.

“Right, yes,” I mumble. “You know Wick. Always thinking ahead.”

I glance at my mate at the end of the hall. He’s wearing a dark gray suit today that hugs his legs and chest in a way that is practically obscene.

To make matters worse, he’s pacing around his office with one hand in a pocket and the other holding his cell to his ear casually, as if I don’t know he has his eyes always shifting to me.

“You understand he can’t have anything to do with the decision, of course. It’ll be up to a vote of the partners.”

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