Page 33 of The Office Games

“Anything else?”

“Yeah.” He scoffs. "Why the hell is she exempt from this mandatory work session?”

“It's a long story.”

“I’ve got time to read it.”

"She never misses the holidays with her family, so…” I pause at the sight of Taryn emerging from the tent, carrying my leftovers in her hand.

Her nipples are poking through her top.

"Hello?” Stephen yells. “Hello, James?”

“Yeah,” I clear my throat. “What were you saying?”

“You were the one talking,” he says. “You were about to explain why Miss Stone is officially out of the running for the second highest position because she’s too good to work during the holidays. As a matter of fact?—”

“You know what?" I interrupt him. "You and the team don't need to stay there and suffer. Go home and enjoy the holidays with your families. If any client gives us hell for changing course, I’ll handle it.”

“What?”

“I’ll send an official email in a few minutes.”

“Are you drunk?”

“Not at all.” I’m too busy staring at Taryn. “I’ll call you later.”

“Don't you dare hang up on me. Don’t you?—”

I end the call.

"Can I ask you something personal?” Taryn asks.

“As long as it's not about last night.”

She blushes. “It's not.”

"Good.” I motion for her to come closer.

"Do you think you'll ever forgive your brother?"

"I doubt it.”

“You’re not even willing to consider it?”

“No,” I say, “because the last time I lost a girl to a friend, I promised I would never forgive it again…Why are you asking me this?”

“Just curious.”

“Feel free to elaborate.”

“Even though what he did was messed up, it also sounds like you weren’t…” She suddenly stops talking, drops the food, and gasps.

Assuming she might be experiencing a sudden chill, I take off my coat and wrap it around her, but her breathing becomes more labored.

Tears fall down her cheeks, and it hits me.

Shit.

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