Page 127 of Mine

By the time the last meeting ended, everyone was packing up to leave for the day. Lee walked me to the elevators and I got on, but slid back out the doors without him noticing.

Pepper’s office was across the floor. I sent her a quick text message that I was coming towards her, and slowed as I approached the doorway, hearing Jeff’s voice.

“I don’t want to sign him. I don’t like him, Pepper.”

“Jeff,” she sighed. “What is going on with you?”

“With me? What about you? You’re letting yourself go and we have a huge awards ceremony next week. What happened to you getting Botox? And?—”

“Stop,” she snapped.Are you fucking kidding me?My fury bubbled to the surface, but she continued. “You do not speak to me that way anymore. We are not married. You have got to stop behaving this way.”

“I’m just being honest with you,” he said. “Everyone thinks he’s not a good fit for Rosethorn.”

“I don’t think so. In fact, I think he’s the perfect fit. For years, my decisions are what have guided this company to success. Or have you forgotten that?”

“I’m the one who gave you the money for it.”

“Yes, and you’ve paid yourself back for the investment tenfold. If you ever speak to me again the way you did earlier in front of a client or in front of our employees, I will eject you from your position.”

“You bitch?—”

I immediately filled the doorway and knocked the frame. Jeff spun around, his eyes widening slightly.

“Didn’t you leave?” he snapped.

“Not yet,” I said cooly. “But you’re on your way out, aren’t you?”

Jeff straightened his spine and scoffed, looking from me to Pepper and back again. She wouldn’t look at me, her expression unreadable.

He shook his head, but pushed past me, pausing. “You’re making a mistake, Pepper. A big fucking mistake.”

I watched him go, and then stepped into the office.

“Shut the door,” she whispered.

I pulled it closed, turning the lock silently.

She was stressed, and I felt guilty. I pressed my lips together as I rounded her desk and reached for her.

“Not here,” she said, moving out of my grip.

“Pepper,” I said softly. “The door is locked. They’re leaving for the day. Let me hold you.”

Her hands were planted on the desk. She turned to face me, tears swimming in her eyes. “Why me?” she asked. “Out of everyone you could have, why me?”

“Are we really back on that?” I asked. “After everything we’ve done together this week?”

“Yes, because this isinsane!” she exclaimed. “This is crazy, Salt. We’re crazy. Am I just a quick fuck? Because?—”

“Stop,” I interjected, reaching for her. I caught her wrists, but she looked away, her eyes glassy. “Pepper,” I whispered. “I wantyou.”

“I’m a mess,” she said, her tone going cold. “I’m so much older than you. Didn't you hear him? About needing facial work. And I have silver?—”

“No,” I said. “He’s wrong. I think you’re beautiful. If you wanted to change things about your body, I’d support you, but I love everything about you the way you are. He’s wrong, Pepper.”

“I’m the CEO of this company, and everyone expects me to be perfect.”

“You don’t have to be perfect with me,” I said. “I don’t want you to be perfect.”

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