Page 21 of First Comes Love… Then Denial

Chapter Nine

CANDICE

Damn this man. Why did he have to be so sexy? Most men didn’t have this effect on me, yet, here I was melting like butter over Zane. Even after his money comment.

“Boyish charms, eh?” I chuckled.

“If that won’t work, I’ll completely resort to puppy dog eyes, Candice.”

“Anything but the puppy dog eyes,” I rolled my eyes, but couldn’t hide my smile.

“Does this mean you forgive me?”

“Yes, but I’m not skipping work.” Zane dropped his head and groaned, in response, making me laugh once again. “Doesn’t mean we can’t go out afterward though.”

“Can I propose something else?” he looked at me and smiled.

“Why does that question make me nervous?”

“Relax, Candice,” he kissed the tip of my nose. “I’ll go to work with you.”

“What?” I shrieked. “I don’t even want to go to work. Why in the world would you want to come with me?”

“Spend time with you.”

This man was definitely one of a kind. I just wasn’t sure if he was one of a kind in a good way or a restraining order way.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” Zane frowned.

“No reason,” I grinned and leaned my head against his chest. He rubbed my back. “I’ll just stay here. There’s no reason to torture you with my job.”

“I’ll call Carol for you and transfer some money to her to give you or do you prefer me to just give you the mon–”

“If you finish that sentence, I’m going to throat punch you,” I glared at him.

“Sorry,” he whispered. “I just want to make sure you aren’t losing out on money.”

“I’ll be okay.”

It was a partial lie. Money was tight and I needed every penny I could get. Losing eight hours was going to destroy my budget.

My stomach knotted at the thought of how much financial damage was going to be caused. I really needed every penny.

I could work a few extra events or dog walk.

“Promise taking the day off won’t affect you financially?” Zane asked, stroking my cheek softly. I took a deep breath and shook my head.

“I’ll be okay,” I whispered.

“Candice, you don’t have to be embarrassed.”

“Why wouldn’t I be embarrassed? Working multiple crap jobs and still being broke is nothing to be proud of.”

“Come work for me.”

“What?” My mouth gaped open.

“You clearly hate your job… jobs. I’m currently hiring and the pay is decent,” he shrugged.

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