Page 63 of Only Ever Yours

Cocky Asshole.

“She’s my assistant.”

Well, now I feel like a dumbass.

“Ohh—”

“Yeah, Peachy, that’s all she is. My assistant. Nothing more.”

I nod. “Hmm. So, what, she just up and left?” Now, I’m genuinely curious, not coming from a place of jealousy.

“Yeah, she’s pregnant—" his eyes tighten like he knows what I’m thinking, and I am, “by her husband. And she's been put on bed rest, so I wasn’t expecting to be without help so soon.”

I nod my understanding and take a deep breath.

Here goes nothing.

“Hmm, well… speaking of jobs,” I briefly pause to make sure I’ve got his full attention, I do. “Elaine cut my hours back. I don’t know if you noticed or not that I haven't been going in every day, but yeah, I’m not getting the hours I once was.” He nods, listening intently. “I’m gonna barely be able to pay my car payment this coming month, and I feel horrible, but I’m most likely not going to be able to pay the rent we agreed on either. I’m going to find another job. I started looking the day she told me, but there isn’t much available right now. I’ll pay you back once I get the money.”

“Don’t worry about it. You have a place to live regardless of being able to pay me, Ellie. I’m not relying on that money anyway.”

“I know, Jay, but I feel like such a user.” I sulk.

“I mean, you have used me several times… but I got off too,” he winks and smirks.

“Dammit, Jaydon.” I grab the pillow next to me and chuck it at him, then fall back against the couch cushions and hide my face in both hands.

“I’m kidding, I’m kidding.” Then the same pillow I just tossed comes back and hits me in the head. His laughter is infectious, and I try my best to hold mine back.

I peek through my fingers to find him still smiling. Then, his playful mood shifts.

“Why do you have that look on your face?” I hesitate, but ask anyway.

Do I really want to know?

“Peachy, you wanna be my assistant?”

“You're serious?” I sit up once again to judge his tone, unsure if he's just messing with me.

“Of course I’m serious. You need a job, and I have one for you. You can handle paperwork and phone calls, right?”

I nod. “Yeah.”

“Alright, then can you start Monday? What days are you working at the café?”

“Yeah, Monday is good. I don’t work this coming Monday. She normally gives us our schedule the week before. It changes weekly.”

“Perfect. Then you can just let me know what days you can work, and we will go from there. I can get you all set up with pay and all that stuff on Monday.”

Is this really happening?

As much as he's an asshole, he really surprises the hell out of me when he’s so thoughtful. I’m overjoyed and feel like I could cry right now. I move closer and reach for him, wrapping my arms around his neck.

“Thanks for doing this for me, Jay.”

He glances down between us, causing me to do the same—and my breasts are spilling out and over the top of my tank. I’m sure the push-up bra I’m wearing is adding to the effect.

“Peachy, you should know we do have a strict no-relationship policy at work.” He grins.

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