Page 81 of Tempt Thy Neighbor

Tick.

Tick.

“A word?”

The weight grows heavier.

I nod. “Just gotta save this.”

She disappears into her office, leaving the door open.

Able to feel Holland’s gaze on me, I glance over at her. Her brows are pinched together in question.

What’s up?she mouths.

I shrug because I don’t know what’s up. I have no clue what Jessa wants, but I know it makes me feel uneasy. Makes that weight press down harder.

Part of me is worried she knows about Holland and me. Maybe she’s about to fire me and then fire Holland.

The other part is concerned that my father called her after the shitshow at the gala and she’s come to her senses about me and is firing me for that.

Nut up, Sutton. Just go in there and get it over with.

I click save on my report, then push out of my chair on unsteady legs and make my way into her office.

“Close the door behind you,” Jessa tells me as I cross the threshold. “Have a seat.”

I do as she asks.

“Would you like something to drink?” She rolls her chair toward the mini fridge in the corner of her office. “I have water, soda, and about half a bottle of wine I can be persuaded to share.”

I laugh. “I’m good. Thank you.”

“Suit yourself.”

She pulls a mini bottle of water free, cracks open the top, and takes a long pull. She recaps the water and sets it on her desk, then folds her hands on her lap. Her chair rocks gently back and forth as she regards me.

“The reason I asked you in here is I have some news.”

I don’t say anything because I don’t know what to say.

She didn’t specify whether it’s good or bad.

“As you know, Larry is retiring in two weeks. And as you know, I have been looking for a replacement project manager.”

I nod.

“Well, I have come to a decision, and though I am not ready to make a formal announcement yet, I wanted you to know that you are my choice for the promotion.”

I sit up straighter in the chair.

“I got the job?”

She chuckles at my reaction. “If you want it, yes. You got the job.”

Her words cause me to pause.

If you want it.

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