Page 101 of Tempt Thy Neighbor

“Please understand that I did not come to this decision lightly. I just…I have to be fair. I have to be firm. I’m running a business, and if my employees think the rules I’ve put in place can be broken, what kind of message am I sending them, you know?”

“I understand,” I say, finally finding reasonable words for the first time. “I truly understand where you’re coming from, Jessa. I honestly had no idea Sutton had even approached you about this, but I’m happy you took the time to let me know what you’ve decided.”

“I’m really sorry. I did love working with you, and I do think you’re going to kill it in the marketing game. I’d be more than happy to write you a letter of recommendation for your next job if you’d like. I promise to leave out the whole fraternization part.” She laughs awkwardly.

And I’m reminded again of what I’ve lost.

My job, an amazing boss, my apartment…Sutton.

“Thank you, Jessa. I appreciate that.”

“Sure. Just let me know if you need it. I’m only a phone call away.”

“Thanks again.”

“You’re welcome. Take care, Holland.”

The call disconnects, and my head begins to swim.

Sutton went to Jessa to get my job back for me. He didn’t go for himself when he’s equally in need of it.

He went forme.

He went for me and he told Jessa he…fell in love.

“Holland? You okay in there?” River calls through the bathroom door.

…he explained how he fell in love with you before you two ever worked for Spectrum Marketing…

Fell in lovebefore.

Before we made that stupid bet.

“Are you still alive?”

Before we were roommates.

“Oh god. You’re not getting sick are you?”

Before we kissed.

“Okay, that’s it, I’m coming in.”

Before I ever knew I was in love with him.

She pushes the door open.

“Hey, you good? You look a little pale.”

Holy shit.

“Holland?” she asks, inching closer. “Everything okay?”

I nod and meet her concerned gaze.

“What’s wrong?”

“I think…I think Sutton Barnes is in love with me.”

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