Page 25 of Forbidden Lust

“So, why are you quitting? Has someone upset you?”

“No, nothing like that. Everyone here is lovely. It’s a personal matter. I don’t want to work in the city anymore.”

He could see Oscar wasn’t buying it, but what else could he say?

“Okay, Josh, well, I begrudgingly accept this, but I’m holding you to your three months. You’re irreplaceable, so I’m going to need time to find the right person.”

“Of course, sir... I mean, Oscar,” he said, brightening up. “You’ll have me at one hundred percent until I leave.”

He left, feeling relieved it had gone better than expected. It was gutting to be leaving this place, as Oscar was probably the best boss he would ever have, but that money was something he couldn’t turn down. It wasn’t a loan Gavin was offering him– it was a gift. A year’s salary untaxed would be life changing for them. His phone vibrated in his pocket. He looked at it. Daniel was calling him. What was he supposed to do? There was no way he could speak to him. If Gavin found out about Josh and Daniel, he might withdraw his offer, and where would Josh be then? He’d already quit his job.

CHAPTER 8

DANIEL

Daniel was being ghosted!

Not to be an arrogant fuckwit, but he had never been ghosted in his life. That was, until he’d met Josh Carter, the man who was occupying all his conscious thoughts– and unconscious ones if last night’s wet dream was an indicator. He hadn’t had one of those in thirty years. Daniel was also ghosting his best friend. He wasn’t sure he’d be able to speak to Gavin and not say something about Josh. He couldn’t believe how he’d treated his own son.

Realising he’d get nothing done on his to-do list, he decided to head over to Oscar’s office under the guise of inviting him for lunch. He’d try and get a few minutes alone with Josh. If he would just speak to him, he’d realise Daniel was on his side. He just needed to understand everything, and then he’d go to Gavin and hear his side of the story.

Arriving at the office, he noticed Josh wasn’t at his desk, but his cup of coffee was still warm. If he waited outside and Josh saw him, he might do a runner, so he walked into Oscar’s office. The door was open, and Oscar was engrossed in something, so didn’t notice someone standing in front ofhim until Daniel cleared his throat. Oscar startled before looking up.

“What can I do for you, Daniel?”

“Lunch?”

Oscar looked at his watch and glanced at his laptop.

“Where?”

“I’m feeling sushi. I’ve got a meeting with an obnoxious client later, so I feel like breathing raw fish on him all afternoon.”

Oscar laughed before grabbing his suit jacket.

“Did you see Josh when you came in?” asked Oscar.

“No. Maybe he’s at lunch?” He tried to be nonchalant.

“Did I tell you he resigned?”

Daniel’s eyes widened. “What?”

No, no, no. This couldn’t be happening? Josh hadn’t resigned because of what happened between them, had he? Daniel couldn’t have that. If only he were here, so Daniel could talk to him.

“Yeah. He said it was personal, but I’m not willing to just accept it yet. He’s the best assistant I’ve ever had.”

“I’m sure he’s got his reasons,” said Daniel, keeping his voice neutral as they stepped into the lift.

“Yes, but what are they?”

“Isn’t that his business? Maybe there’s a reason he doesn’t want to tell you.” He was hoping he wasn’t coming across as too snippy.

“Yes, that’s what I’m concerned about. What if we’ve got another conduct issue going on, and I just let my exec assistant walk out and do nothing about it?”

“I wouldn’t worry about that. The regulator aren’t interested in personal matters that are nothing to do with the firm.”

“I know, but . . .”

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