Page 17 of Stay With Me

“So, how is it living with the woman you’ve been pining for the last decade and a half?” He smirks at me.

“I haven’t been pining for her,” I grumble.

Ji Hoon scoffs. “Sure. And I won’t be a bachelor forever.”

Sighing, I glance at her. “Honestly, it’s a little confusing. She walks around in these tiny yoga shorts and oversized T-shirts. It’s unexpectedly hot. And it’s just nice having her here. I thought those feelings were gone, but I guess I was lying to myself.”

He’s the one person I would actually talk to about this because Ji Hoon never presses or pushes you in any one direction. It’s honestly surprising he hasn’t found the one yet and is so determined to stay single, because he would make someone an amazing partner.

“It sounds a little confusing. But I know you will figure it out. The two of you have a special friendship.” He claps his hand on my shoulder.

Ji Hoon visits until late. He leaves and I feel like we’ve finally been able to truly catch up in a way I didn’t know I needed.

After locking up and letting Kimchi out to do her business, I ponder her curled up in an awkward position.

“I can’t leave her like this,” I say to Kimchi, who gives me a judgemental look for even contemplating it. Grabbing her phone from the table, I stuff it in my pocket before bending down, I scoop her into my arms as gingerly as I can. She works harder than most people I know. I haven’t pressed about the position she posted, but I do hope she hires someone soon.

She sighs, tucking into me, and my heart leaps. It shouldn’t feel this good to have her in my arms.

Steeling myself, I climb the stairs and tuck her into her bed. Kimchi jumps up, curling behind her legs and passing out right along with Elise.

Taking her phone, I plug it into the charger. The screen lights up and I see a message from Jake come in.

Scowling, I put her phone onto do not disturb mode and leave her room. The dude is persistent, but it shouldn’t have taken her leaving for him to realize what he had. He never appreciated her and the fact that he isn’t respecting her peace now infuriates me.

If he doesn’t back off soon, we’re going to have a chat.

Chapter Seven

Elise

Mysecondtolastinterviewee leaves me feeling underwhelmed, just like the previous four. Groaning, I stretch and go make myself a latte. My cell buzzes as I finish, Young Jae’s name popping up on the screen.

“Hey.” Glancing at the time, I’m relieved I only have one more to go. I can’t believe I closed for a half day to conduct interviews and they have been disappointing.

“Uh-oh. You sound exasperated. I take it the interviews aren’t going well?” His voice is empathetic.

Sighing, I make my way to the table and pull out the last person’s resume. “Three weren’t even qualified. The other two met the criteria but didn’t read the ad. I just have one more and then I’m done for the day.”

“Almost done. And this is only the first round. You can always post the ad again.”

I know he’s right, but having five back-to-back interviews without even a hint of a potential candidate is discouraging. “True enough.”

He chuckles. “I called to tell you I ran into Hank and apparently the planning committee is putting on a last minute picnic at the gazebo. I thought it would be fun to go.”

“Really? That’s new, but sounds like a fun way to spend some time this evening.” The bell rings, my final interview coming in. “My last appointment is here, I gotta go.”

We hang up and I stand to greet her.

“Hello, you must be Mary.” I extend my hand to shake hers. “I’m Elise Cooper.”

“Nice to meet you.” Mary’s voice is pleasant, and her energy is warm and welcoming. “Thank you for the opportunity to interview.”

“I’m glad you were able to make it. Would you like anything to drink? I can whip something up quickly.”

She refuses my offer and we settle in. I run through the normal questions about experience and get to know her. Her resume lists some incredible credentials, including running several restaurants.

By the end of the interview, which feels more like a natural conversation, I’m feeling pretty good.

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