Page 95 of The Roommate Remodel

“What’s going on?” Sloan flips another page of her magazine as I end the call.

“We have no clothes for the fundraiser, which is kind of a problem since it’s a fashion show. I’m hoping it’s a mistake.” I scroll through my phone, looking for a number to call.

“Maybe we should just walk out of here and forget the new treatment.”

My head jerks up. “No! We’re not leaving until you finish this treatment. Everyone from the team is counting on it.”

She rests her head against the chair. “Listen, I’m glad you’re here. I really am. But I want this fundraiser to be a success for you and the guys.” She turns her gaze to mine. “Go home... forme.”

I stare at her for a beat. “I’m not leaving you in a strange hospital by yourself.”

“You’re not leaving me. Ella offered to come if I need someone. Grant can fly you back and bring her here. All I have to do is ask.”

“No, I won’t leave you,” I insist.

Sloan gives me a stubborn look. “Jaz, I’m not asking. I’m telling you to leave.”

My mouth flies open. “I can’t believe you’d kick me out.”

She flips another page. “You’d make me do the same thing if I were in your shoes. And I know you’re missing Brax like crazy. You said so yourself. I’ve never seen you this head over heels for a guy before.”

I bite my lip. She’s not wrong. “I always thought I was a strong, independent woman who didn’t need a man, but now I can’t stop thinking about him. Does this mean I’m hopeless?”

Her lips curve up on one side. “No, it means you’re in love. And you’re still a strong, independent woman. Loving someone doesn’t change that. Have you told him yet?”

“That I love him?” I shake my head. “I’m not sure I can. Trusting him is the hardest thing I’ve ever done.”

She smiles, like she’s proud of the progress I’ve made. “You’re braver than you think. And you will tell him when the time is right.” She takes my hand and squeezes it, the same way I did for her before. “Now, listen to me. I want you to go to Sully’s Beach and plan a kick-butt event that raises an obscene amount of money for those kids. Got it?”

I don’t even stop at home when I get to the airport. I head straight into work because of an urgent text message I received from Alex.

Alex:I need to see you as soon as you return.

The woman has never been warm and fuzzy, but this is bordering on ridiculous.

At least I’m feeling slightly better about the custom merchandise order. When I called the supplier, they said somebody from the office had canceled it but couldn’t tell me why. Since the jerseys were already done and sitting in the warehouse, all I needed was a way to pay.

In desperation, I looked up the one other credit card I’ve used before. Alex let me use her company card when I first started, and I figured I could explain the reason when I got back. She approved this event, so it’s not like I’m spending this money unknowingly.

When I step inside her office, a scowl forms on her lips, and she motions for me to sit.

Then she circles her desk, wearing an immaculate black suit and shiny pumps that have the Crushers logo on the toes.

I don’t know why, but it feels wrong that she’s wearing the logo on her shoes. Like she’s trying to make sure everyoneknowsshe’s a fan when I know she’s considering canning the team.

She folds her arms across her chest and glares at me. “What’s this about using my company credit card for an order?”

Shoot.This wasn’t how I wanted Alex to find out.

“I can explain,” I say. “My company card was canceled, and we needed the jerseys shipped as soon?—”

“Stop.” She cuts me off with a raised hand. “I did not allow you to pay withmycompany card.”

“But you approved the fundraiser’s expenses. This was an emergency. Otherwise, we wouldn’t get the jerseys in time.”

“That card is mine, and you didn’t ask.” Alex slams her fist on the desk so hard I jerk.

“But you let me use it before,” I stammer. “You gave me approval for budget expenses. I’m sorry I didn’t ask, but that’s what I was planning on doing today.”

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