Page 81 of Dangerous Pursuit

“I love you, Walker. I’ll get ahold of you the second I’m allowed. Don’t change your number. And don’t forget about me.”

“Mia, stop it. You’re like my sister. We’ll be back together in no time. You know I love you, and you better not replace me with some other best friend because no one is as awesome as me.”

I laugh, grateful for the distraction. “Never. I’m definitely going to miss your humor. Something tells me I’ll be needing it.”

I walk him to the door, struggling to keep from breaking down until his car disappears, and then start sobbing for what feels like the millionth time.

Two more hours until my life changes forever.

INCENTIVE

Jackson

When I get to work Monday morning and see an unfamiliar face at Mia’s desk, I come to an abrupt halt.

“Who the fuck are you, and why are you at Mia’s desk?”

“Oh, um, I’m Rebecca. The temp agency sent me over. I’m sorry, am I at the wrong desk? I was told I was filling in for Cindy, and they led me here.” She starts to stand up.

“No. Just… stay there for now. Let me figure out what’s going on. I’ll be back.”

I slam my office door and call the agency. “This is Jackson Soloman with Soloman Management. Who ordered the temp you sent over?” I bark into the receiver.

“Mmmm, let’s see… Hazel Soloman called in. She requested a full-time executive assistant for four months. Is there a problem with who we sent over?”

“No. Thank you for the information.” I hang up and immediately call my mom.

“Good morning, Jackson. How is the new assistant working out? I’m sorry, honey. You were right. We should’ve just gone with a temp service to—”

“Mom, what’s going on? Where is Mia?”

“Oh, I figured you knew. I got a call from Sofia yesterday telling me they were leaving town and that Mia wouldn’t be able to work anymore starting Monday. I felt bad since it’s my fault for putting her there in the first place, so I called in a favor to have someone in place before you got there this morning. I am sorry, honey.”

“Dammit. Did she say where they were going or why?” I ask desperately.

“Jackson, what’s wrong? I figured you’d be happy about this.”

“Mom, just tell me everything she said. There’s a lot you don’t know, but I don’t have time to explain right now. Please…”

“She didn’t go into details, but I assumed they had a death in the family with how sad she sounded. I asked if I could help, and she told me that nothing could be done and that they’d be fine.”

I growl into the phone. “That sounds familiar. Okay, I’ve gotta go. Bye, Mom.”

“Wait! Jackson, please tell me what’s going on.”

I inhale deeply, preparing myself for what I’m about to say. “Mia and I… we were… together. I love her, and I fucked up. I need to find her and make things right between us.”

“Jackson, she’s so—”

“Yeah, I know, Mom. She’s young. It doesn’t matter—she’s the one. She makes me happy. She’s perfect for me, and when you meet her, I know you’ll see that, but first, I have to get her back.”

“Oh, wow. I didn’t see that coming. I’m sorry, honey, I’m sure it’ll all work out, though. Will you keep me posted?”

“Sure, but I need to go. I have to make some calls. Bye, Mom.”

“Bye, honey. Good luck.”

This is the last straw. I tried to do what Mia asked and give her space before doubling my efforts, but I won’t let her throw away her job—her life—because of me. She hasn’t answered any of my calls or texts other than to send that single message asking for time. Well, time’s up.

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