Page 104 of Unbossly Manners

A wide grin spread across his face and he glanced at Derrick who stood beside the stage. “I’m proud to announce that Dreamary is becoming part of the NOW family.”

There was stunned silence then the entire office broke out in cheers. People were hugging, high-fiving, and speculating what it meant.

Analise grabbed me into a hug. It was very uncharacteristic of her to show physical affection, so unexpected that my arms stayed glued to my side as she squeezed. She moved on to someone else, as did the others, hugging and congratulating each other.

When Isaac spoke again, I was near the front of the stage. I didn’t know where Jackson had ended up after all the commotion.

“There are still details to work out, but everyone will be receiving a bonus in their next check and there will be some changes, but NOW has promised that they want to mostly keep things unchanged. We’ll be growing, taking on more shows, bigger sponsors, but they’re buying us because they believe in our platform and what we’re doing here.”

Isaac continued to give us the details for a few minutes. I scanned the group but I couldn’t find Jackson.

I spotted him climbing the stage, taking the mic from Isaac.

I couldn’t help my smile as I took him in. His lean frame, his eyes bright and deep, always drawing me in, his chestnut hair thick and styled in the way I loved. My hands tingled to run through it.

“We did it. After all our hard work, we’re finally living the dream. And it’s thanks to everyone in this room.”

Everyone clapped enthusiastically.

“But that’s not why I’m up here.” He turned to me. He radiated nervous hope and something bigger.

Slowly, everyone’s attention followed his gaze to me.

I froze, unsettled by the sudden focus on me.

“I’m here because there’s something I’ve been wanting to say for a long time but I’ve been too much of an idiot to realize it. There’s a wonderful, beautiful, smart, courageous woman in our mix.”

Sweat broke out across my lower back and I stepped back, anticipating what he was doing. I’d wanted a confession of love from him for a long time, but not here, in front of everyone.

“Peyton. I stand here, afraid that if I don’t tell you now, then I—”

“No!”

I didn’t realize the scream had come from me until all those gazes that were upon me turned from curiosity to confusion.

I blinked at Jackson whose face radiated something I’d never seen. Raw fear. “Stop.”

His face fell into utter devastation.

“I’m sorry,” I said, I turned around to face everyone trying to figure out how to salvage this. “I… I know what you’re going to say.” I climbed on the stage and addressed everyone. Jackson collapsed into himself, his shoulders bent forward, his head down.

“Analise told me already. I received a promotion, everyone. Thank you so much. I won’t let you down.” I smiled over my shoulder at Jackson, graciously. As if this had been what he was leading up to the entire time. “It’s sweet that Jackson wanted to make a thing of it, but I hate being the center of attention. Let’s focus on our bigger news.” I put my arms in the air, trying my hardest to hide my total and utter embarrassment. “We’re gonna be huge.”

Thankfully, everyone bought it and roared, excited all over again. I quickly exited the stage, pushed between my excited colleagues, and when I cleared the crowd, I did the only thing I could think of.

I ran.

thirty-nine

I didn’t run far. I went straight to Jackson’s office, where I knew he’d end up eventually. I hadn’t shut him down because I didn’t want to hear what I suspected was going to be a big declaration of love. Maybe.

Now that I was alone, I wondered if I’d misread it all.

When this sort of thing happened in movies, I cringed. Public displays of affection were not my thing. I was embarrassed for all parties involved.

The door opened and Jackson trudged in, his face crestfallen. Everything about him said defeat.

“I’m so sorry,” I rushed to him.

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