Page 165 of Sexting the Boss

And definitely no more Brittany whisperingI told you sowith her eyes.

I grip the edge of my desk.

I can do this.

I can leave before anything else gets harder, before Damien finds out I’m pregnant with his child.

* * *

I findRyan by the vending machine, trying to convince a bag of chips to fall like it’s a negotiation.

“Hey,” I say, hands in my pockets.

He turns, surprised. “Oh. Hey.”

“I just wanted to say I’m sorry…for bailing on you all those weeks ago,” I say quickly. “It wasn’t intentional. I had a lot going on.”

He gives a small, lopsided smile. “It’s okay. I figured something came up, and I know you’ve been out sick. I was just glad you texted. And glad you’re feeling better.”

There’s a pause. The machine finally gives up the chips with a dramatic thud, like even it’s over the tension.

“So…” he says, casually leaning against the wall. “Want to try again? Dinner? No pressure. Just…no dramatic cancellations this time?”

I wince, but I don’t leave him hanging. “Ryan, I really appreciate it. I do. But I’m not in a place right now to date anyone.”

His smile falters just slightly, like someone turned the brightness down on his face.

“Is it because of him?” he asks, quietly.

“I guess you’ve heard the rumors then,” I say bitterly.

“Are they just rumors, though?” he says, raising a brow.

I look away. “Believe what you want to believe.”

“Did he whisk you off to some grand vacation for the last few weeks?” he says. “I mean, I can’t compete with that.”

“He didn’t do—” I stop. “Actually, I don’t think I can do anything to explain myself that will actually make you believe me.”

“Holy shit,” he says. “You like him, don’t you?”

I open my mouth but then close it shut.

“It’s because of a lot of things. Life things. I’ve got stuff going on, and it wouldn’t be fair to string you along,” I say. “That’s the truth.”

He nods slowly, pressing his lips together. “Okay. I respect that.”

I breathe out, relieved that he’s taking it well.

His phone buzzes in his hand. He checks the screen and immediately straightens up. “I gotta take this. Sorry.”

He steps a few feet away, turning his back slightly.

I’m about to walk off when I hear it—his voice dipping low, just audible enough.

“Yeah, hey. I can’t talk long… No, I didn’t ask yet. You told me to wait. She said no anyway… I know, I know. I’ll keep you posted, Nina.”

Nina?

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