Page 42 of Tuned To Break

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I squirm, and both girls notice.

“You know what, we’re leaving,” Emily announces, standing. “You clearly have important business to attend to.”

“You don’t have to?—”

“Yes, we do. You need to call Arden and accept that job offer, and then you need to have phone sex with your boyfriend.”

“He’s not my?—”

“Yet,” Megan finishes. “But he will be if you stop overthinking everything.”

They gather their things quickly, but before they leave, Emily hugs me tight.

“Take the job, Stella. You deserve it.”

“And take the man too,” Megan adds with a wink.

After they leave, I sit on my couch staring at my phone. Jake’s last message is still open and just reading it makes me clench my thighs together.

I know what I need to do.

First, I find Arden’s number and type out a message.

Stella

I’ve thought about your offer. I’d like to accept the position as Operations Manager. When would you like me to start full-time?

His reply comes within minutes.

Arden

Fantastic! How about Monday? I’ll have all the paperwork ready. Welcome to the team, officially.

I stare at the message, letting it sink in. I’ve just accepted a job that could change my entire life. For the first time in years, I’m excited about my future—about the possibilities ahead of me.

My mind’s still on Jake—what he said, and how he made me feel last night.

Before I can second-guess myself, I type out a response to his last message.

Stella

The girls just left. And I can’t stop thinking about what you said.

Jake

What part?

Stella

All of it. I’m so turned on right now I can barely think straight.

Jake

Are you touching yourself?

Stella

Not yet… but I want to.

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