Page 49 of Darling Obsession

I don’t know what to do with that look.

He’s pushing me away. But maybe he doesn’t want to?

I wonder if he thinks he needs to.

“Are you getting rid of me because you made me lie to your family, and you think I might tell them? Like, if I you piss me off enough?”

He glowers at me.

“For the record, I would never hold it over you like that,” I tell him honestly. “That’s called blackmail. And it’s not a nice thing to do.”

We stare at each other in silence. For way too long.

I can’t quite tell if he wants to strangle me or kiss me.

Then he abruptly breaks the spell. “My office will be in touch, to connect you with your new employers.” He starts to rise.

“I’m just wondering…”

He stops. He doesn’t ask what I’m wondering. He looks annoyed. But he settles back into his seat. “Yes?”

“If I don’t work for you anymore,” I say, “then it wouldn’t matter if we’re in a relationship.”

“We’re not.”

“Right. Because I’m not Darla.”

His jaw does that clenching thing. “I’m not with Darla. I told you, that’s over.”

“So, you’re single.”

He stares at me, but he doesn’t answer.

Justin is going to be here soon. I have a relationship to end, and a busy day tomorrow that involves working for my ex. I really don’t have any time or energy for Harlan Vance and all his red flags, which only seem to multiply every time I see him.

I don’t know why I don’t just tell him to leave.

Instead, I say, “My coworker Alessandra is deeply into you.”

“I’m not sure what you expect me to say to that.”

“Why don’t you like her?”

“I don’t know who that is. Nor do I care to.”

“How did you meet Darla?”

“My private life is just that.Private.”

“And yet you let me into it.”

“No. I did not.”

“Really? How many people know the truth about Darla?”

His frown deepens. “I suppose… just you.”

“And why is that, again?”

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