Page 69 of A Mutually Beneficial Proposal

Owen

A dayand a half have passed since I got back to Charlotte. I’ve kept my phone on me at all times in case Ella or her friend reaches out, but I haven’t answered any other calls or texts.

Bill sent some updates, but I can’t find it within myself to reply. I nearly let my job turn me into the kind of person I never wanted to be. Even if they succeed in firing Jack, without drastic changes within the company, I’m not even sure I want my job back if offered. I don’t want to work for another asshole who may not be as bad as Jack, but will undoubtedly only care about one thing: making money regardless of who gets hurt in the process.

Tomorrow, when I know Human Resources is back in the office, I’ll formally quit in person. Jack won’t be back from Saint Lucia yet, and it will also give me the opportunity to grab my stuff without anyone causing a scene. That thought loosens a small amount of the unease I’ve been feeling for the last couple of days.

Honoring Kenzie’s request and not reaching out to Ella is harder than I thought it would be. My time with Ella was short, but I can’t get her out of my mind. Not even when I sleep.

I miss her warmth and her laugh and the way she made me smile for no reason. I barely got to know her, but I’m craving more. If Kenzie hasn’t reached out by tomorrow morning, I’ll consider going back to my own methods.

As if my mere thoughts conjured her, Kenzie’s name flashes on my phone. I answer on the first ring. “Kenzie?”

“Someone’s eager,” she says.

“Did you expect anything less?” I ask.

“I guess not.”

“How’s Ella?” I ask when her pause is too long.

“She’s doing better than I thought she would be. I realize something for the better happened to her in Saint Lucia and, while she won’t admit it, I think you had a little to do with that something.”

Damn, I sure hope so.

“So, do you think she’ll talk to me?” I ask.

She pauses again, and the silence makes my stomach churn. “I think so, but if she turns you away and you don’t respect her choice, me and you are going to have problems. I’m breaking all the best friend rules and I won’t be happy if Ella isn’t.”

I clear my throat, thankful she can’t see me grinning. “I would never disrespect Ella. You have my word. Is she at home? Should I call her again?”

“She’s not home and probably won’t answer her phone right now. If you want to see her today, you’re going to have to be prepared to jump off a bridge.”

My eyes widen. “Uh, come again?”

Heights are not my thing. I can look out windows and appreciate views, but walking over bridges, going up ladders, things like that? Not a fan.

“Apparently, Saint Lucia turned our girl into an adrenaline junkie. She’s going bungee jumping. You can try to join her or meet her at the bottom, but the first would likely impress her more,” Kenzie says.

“Right. Of course it would,” I reply with a slight groan.

“Well, I’ve done all I’m willing to do. The rest is up to you and Ella. If you upset her again, I will find you.”

I believe her, but I also hope there won’t be any reason for her to follow through on the threat. “Thank you, Kenzie.”

“You’re not welcome. I’m risking a lot by doing this. I just hope my instincts are right about you. I’ll text you the address of where to go,” she says then hangs up.

I make a mental note to find a way to pay back Kenzie, regardless of how things work out—that’s the least she deserves for helping me—then hurry to get my shoes on.

I don’t want to miss my chance to find Ella at the top of that bridge. I need to know if there’s any chance she can forgive me. And, if she feels the same as I do about her, I intend to find out even if it means jumping off a bridge.

I might hate heights, but there’s no way I’m waiting for Ella at the bottom. She deserves better than that from me…and so much more.

* * *

An hour later,I’m parked on the side of the road at the spot Kenzie texted me the address for. I can’t see Ella, but that doesn’t mean she’s not here. I take a few deep breaths before getting out of my car. My hands are shaking, and I’m sweating more than should be natural underneath my purposely chosen black polo, but hopefully Ella won’t notice how freaked out I am.

With semi-forced steps, I head for where I can see people gathering. There are six men and women gathered around, and I can see a metal platform secured to the bridge with bungee cords hanging from the chain link.

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