Page 29 of Beyond the Hate

“No one’s pay is being cut.” I can’t allow them to lower their salaries. Especially since I can’t afford to lower mine. There’s only one solution. “I’ll accept Eli’s help.”

Cheers erupt but I growl to stop their celebration with a hand in the air. “But if I hear one word about matchmaking me with Eli, I will get my revenge.”

Chloe pretends to zip her lips. “You won’t hear one word.”

“And you won’t pull any pranks to force us to get together.”

“Define prank,” Sophia says.

“To play a practical joke or perform a mischievous act.”

She frowns. “Your definition is really broad.”

On purpose. Because I know my friends. They’re troublemakers to the bone.

“You asked for a definition. I gave you one.”

“My bad. I should have known better than to ask.”

The door bangs open and Hudson strolls inside. “Uh oh,” Nova mutters. “My time is up.”

I scooch over to allow her out of the booth. Before she has the chance to stand, Hudson is there taking the baby from her and helping her up with a hand on her elbow.

My chest tightens as a wave of envy hits me. I want what they have. A loving family. But it’s not to be. And not because I’m afraid of love. I’m not afraid. But I have learned my lesson. Love is not for me.

“Let us know how your meeting with Eli goes,” Nova says as she waves goodbye.

Eli. More proof love is not for me. Not after what he did. And how he acted afterwards. His nicknaming mePaisley the Perpetual Know It Allmade his position perfectly clear.

Chapter 10

“Did I say I want to own a business with my brothers? I was mistaken.” ~ Eli

Eli

Dakota skips into my office with a huge smile on her face.

I groan. “What did you do now? Please tell me you didn’t put salt in Rhett’s coffee again. The last time he threw the coffee maker across the room. It took a week for the replacement coffee pot to arrive. I can’t survive without coffee.”

She clasps her chest. “Me? Put salt in Rhett’s coffee? I wouldn’t dare. He’s my superior.”

I snort. “Which is why you are demure around him and never give him shit.”

She bats her eyelashes. “I would never give anyone shit.”

I chuckle. “You are full of shit.”

“I guess I won’t tell you who’s here to see you then.” She makes as if to leave but I stop her.

“Dakota, who’s here?”

“It’s me.” Paisley strolls into my office. “I’m sorry to disturb your fun.”

Her eyes narrow on Dakota. Hold on. Is Paisley jealous of Dakota? Maybe Paisley does care. Maybe she doesn’t hate me. Maybe the lady doth protest too much.

“Don’t you worry. I have another Raider brother to bother.” Dakota winks before shutting the door behind her.

Paisley stares after her. “Another brother to bother? Are you sharing her?”

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