Page 17 of Boss Me Not

-Wyatt

With my breath still lodged in my throat, I skimmed over the note again. I had so many conflicting emotions.

I appreciated his honesty, but I wished he would have waited and said all of this to me.

Maybe he wasn’t sure I’d listen. I’d stormed off after he pulled away. Did the fact that he let his guard down enough to kiss me mean he felt this insane connection between us too? Or was I reading into things that weren’t there?

I didn’t know what to make of any of it. At least I had a couple of days to get my thoughts and feelings in line before I had to see him again. And to figure out where I was going to stay, because, obviously, staying in this suite with him was no longer an option.

The day went quickly, and by early afternoon, the wedding guests had all left. I tried not to think about Wyatt and the way I’d felt when he kissed me. The way he’d made me feel sexy and desired, something I wasn’t used to. I was struggling to understand why he’d kissed me if he had no intentions of letting it go farther.

Why did he believe he was only good for a night? Granted, I didn’t really know him, but in just a few days, he’d made me feel more worthy than any man ever had. He seemed kind, giving, and observant to small details like what I was drinking and that I enjoyed sitting out on the balcony. Maybe he struggled to be faithful. Although that idea didn’t sit right, either. He was so appalled at the thought of the groom checking out my breasts on Friday.

By the time I stepped back into the suite after a full day on my feet, I wished he was here to sit on the balcony with me and eat like we had the first two nights.

With my carry-out food from downstairs in my hand, I made my way out on the balcony. Between bites, I worried my bottom lip between my teeth and glanced at my phone before finally setting my fork down and picking it up. I pulled up Wyatt’s number and typed out a message.

Me:Got your note.

Three dots appeared immediatelyand disappeared. I waited, holding my breath until the three dots showed again and a message popped up.

Wyatt:Good.

I sighed and tried again.To the point, I reminded myself.

Me:You didn’t have to leave.

Wyatt: Yes, I did.

Me: Why?

Wyatt: Obviously I can’t be trusted to keep my distance from you. So the only thing I could think of was putting miles between us.

Me: That’s ridiculous.

Wyatt: I agree. I should have better self-control.

Me: *eye roll* Not what I meant.

Me: We have to eventually learn to work together, so your solution is only a Band-Aid.

Wyatt: I never planned to live in Starlight Bay. Boston has been my home since college. In a couple of weeks, when you’ve moved into your apartment and feel comfortable, I’ll run the business side of things from here while you manage the daily stuff there.

Wait,what? My shoulders sank as a mixture of sadness and anger hit me. Although I had no right to be either. He’d made it clear he didn’t want anything other than a professional relationship. I needed to respect that.

I looked down as another message came through.

Wyatt:Please stay in the suite until your apartment is ready. I only plan on being there a day or two in the coming weeks and I have no issue staying in a regular room.

Me: I’m not kicking you out of your place.

Wyatt: 1. You’re not. I offered.

Wyatt: 2. You need the space more than I do.

Wyatt: 3. It’s the least I can do after making you start the job early and then crossing the line with you.

Me: Jesus. Martyr much?

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