Page 66 of Texting My Secret Santa

Asher:It’ll be worse if he finds out from somebody else. Hate me if you need to.

Me:Give me a day, I reply.Let me try to fix this. Please.

Asher doesn’t text back.

There’s a flaw in his plan. He’s telling me to hate him, but I could never do that.

I navigate to my social media app and message Derek.

Me:We’re in a lose-lose situation. We both have leverage now. We need to be smart about this.

Derek:So NOW you’re good enough to message me back.

Me:Derek, think about this. Please.

Derek:I like it when you beg, but okay, I’ll have a little think.

Me:You don’t want to lose your job, do you?

Derek:That would be rather inconvenient. I’ll let you stew for a while.

Me:Message me back by the end of the day.

Derek:So demanding …

Me:I mean it!

He doesn’t reply. I’m ghosted by the man I hate and the man I … don’t hate, could never hate.

The man I love.

That’s the phrase that was going to complete that thought. I stop myself from going over that edge. I can’t let my mind go there.

CHAPTER 24

ASHER

Mia eyes me up when I walk into the office. I’m not in the mood for this.

I didn’t mean to lose my cool with Derek, but what else was I supposed to do? He looked like a goddamn ghoul as he stared at her, leaning close, getting ready to lay his hand on her. He’s got no right to touch her. Nobody does except for me.

Mia knocks on my office door, twisting hair around her finger. It’s not just that she has the same name as my ex that gets to me. She keeps trying to get my attention when I’ve been pretty clear with her, not to mention she isn’t Holly.

“Mia, this is getting out of hand,” I say before she can even open her mouth. “I’m your boss. I’m not interested in screwing my employees. Let’s keep this professional, okay?”

She stares at me, tears in her eyes. Then, she suddenly turns and walks away.

I lay my head in my hands. Dammit. I didn’t mean to upset her like that. My mood won’t settle, not after the argument with Holly, plus the shit Derek pulled.

A few minutes later, Dan appears at my door. He’s got a big smile on his face, looking like he’s still buzzed from last night.

“Sup, brother,” he says, dropping into the chair opposite, grinning from ear to ear, the happiest I’ve seen him in a long time. “The date went so much better than I thought it would, even after you sulked your ass out of the running.” He’s lost in his own world, which is good. He can’t see how miserable I am. “I won’t go into detail, but it’s safe to say I’m feelingverychill today. It’s not just the physical stuff, though. We’ve already arranged a second date. Don’t worry. Not a double this time.”

I manage a weak smile. “Ha, good.”

He stands. “Just wanted to swing by and tell you, no hard feelings, you hear? You’re a good friend, even if you are a crappy wingman.”

He turns.

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