Page 67 of Privileged (Adrenalin)

“Carter.” I reach for his hand and take it in mine. “I don’t think we have any other options. You have to pick the resort.”

He yanks his hand away like he’s been scalded. “That’s where you’re wrong. There’s another option.”

“What’s that?” I hold my breath as a feeling of dread washes over me.

“I move you from the spa to the ski team. I know you wanted to get that job without help.” He holds up his hand to stop the objection he knows is coming. “But time isn’t on our side. The ski team has a contract with the resort to use our facilities, though they’re totally independent of the resort. I don’t have any control over their operations. As long as you work there and not at the spa there’s no reason for anyone to force any ultimatums on us.”

“You know I can’t agree to that.” I shake my head back and forth.

“It’s the only way.”

I shake my head again.

“This isn’t about your career, Sloan, it’s about us. About staying together without either of us jeopardizing the goals we’ve been working so hard on. For once will you swallow your pride and let me take care of it?”

“I’m sorry.” I blink back the tears that are partly from admiration and partly from frustration that we’re required to make this choice in the first place. “I know your intentions are good, but I can’t accept that.”

“Dammit why do you have to be so stubborn?” He rakes a hand through his hair, drawing my attention to the creases on his forehead. Creases that weren’t so pronounced last week. It almost makes me want to relent.Almost.

I wet my lips with my tongue. “You know why.”

“It’s one little favor, Sloan.” He closes his eyes and leans his head against the back of his chair. “Just one, and it solves all of our problems.”

“That’s all it takes to undo everything I’ve worked for.”

“I can’t pick the resort. I can plead my case to the board, tell them my dad’s fears are totally unfounded, but there’s no guarantee they’ll accept it.”

“I know.”

“If they don’t, one of us has to leave our job. I gave my word that it wouldn’t be you, and I intend to keep my promise.” He presses his lips together, jaw locked tight.

“Things are different now. I won’t hold you to that.”

“Why the hell not?” His eyes crinkle at the corners as he narrows his gaze.

“Because the future of the town is bigger than a job I never intended to be permanent.” My voice holds steady since I believe it with all of my heart. I don’t know where that leaves me, but if giving up my job keeps Carter in place to carry out his plan I can live with the sacrifice.

“I won’t do that to you,” he growls. “I won’t force you out.”

“You’re not. I’ll leave on my own if it comes to it.”

He pops out of his chair and rounds the corner of the desk before I can respond, pulling me up and into his arms. “We’re in this together, Sloan. Tell me you know that.”

“I know that,” I say as he threads his fingers through my hair and pulls me in for a kiss. But I can’t get lost in him the way I normally do. Not when deep down I know‘together’includes the whole town, not just me.

***

“What did you want to talk about?” Lennon shuts the door to his office and gestures for me to take a seat.

“My hours.” I sink into the chair in front of his desk. “I know I just cut back, but I’m wondering if I can get them back. Maybe even add more.”

“No more spa job?” He presses his lips together as if he’s trying not to say anything else.

“No.” I shift my head back and forth.

“I told you sleeping with the boss wouldn’t end well,” he exhales, taking the seat across from me while shooting me look laced with disappointment and empathy. With his eyes outlined in kohl to complement today’s punk look, they pierce straight into my chest.

“It’s not what you think.”

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