Page 92 of Seductive Scoundrel

He shrugs. “What do you want from me? You lied. Repeatedly. We talked about it. We agreed no more lies. Then you did it again and jeopardized a very important business relationship while publicly embarrassing me. I can never trust you…As much as I might want to. There’s only so many times a man can let a woman kick him when he’s already down.”

Each one of his words breaks a piece of my heart off, leaving my insides raw and bloody. “I’ll always love you,” I rasp before escaping into the hallway.

I left my pride and heart lying in ruins on Dean’s floor. Now all I want to do is to hide away in my shitty little apartment until I wake up from this nightmare.

* * *

“Excellent work, Ford,”GI Jane says, her voice blasting through my cell. It’s late, but I don’t care. I’m not doing anything anyway.

“Thanks, Jane. I’m glad everything checks out.”

More than glad. The thought of having to see Dex again, even though he’s been wonderful, is just too embarrassing. Dean probably told him about the way I groveled.

I’m humiliated, I’m broken, and I want to be left alone.

Bianca keeps telling me to give Dean some time, but the way he looked at me and the words he said makes me believe that no amount of time will mend our broken fence.

“It checks out perfectly. I expected nothing less,” Jane booms. “Look, Ford, I know you’re interested in transferring out west. Although I’d hate to lose a valuable member of my team, I’ll give you a recommendation.”

“You’re willing to give me a recommendation?” I repeat. Surely that isn’t what she just said. Maybe the sleepless nights have finally taken a toll – or I’ve completely lost it. That’s a distinct possibility.

“Don’t sound so surprised. You’ve earned it.”

“Well, thanks. To be honest, I didn’t think you cared for me.”

Deep laughter pours from the phone. “Oh, Ford, you’re one of my favorites. You’re bright, but your people skills could use a little polishing.”

The irony of GI Jane’s statement is too much. “I guess so,” I reply, a grin pulling at my lips.

“There’s a position opening in San Diego on one of my counterpart’s teams. Let me know if you’d like me to set the wheels in motion.”

“San Diego,” I muse. “That sounds interesting, but I’m not sure about moving yet.”

I’m still hoping that Bianca is right, and Dean just needs some time. If that’s the case, it’s the least I can give him. And if we get back together, there’s no chance I’m leaving New York, unless he does. I don’t care where I live so long as it’s with him.

“Remember, time waits for no one, Ford,” Jane says, making me wonder if she can read my mind. It would explain a few things. “I’ll be sending out your next assignment tomorrow. Let me know what you decide about the transfer.”

The phone goes dead before I can say anything else.

“I sure will, bestie,” I reply to no one, and then grab my laptop.

I type in San Diego and start looking through city attractions because I have nothing else to do.

An hour later, I’m fascinated by the city. It looks amazing with the incredible beaches, diverse food, andwhale watching.

I’ve always wanted to go whale watching.

My cell dings just as I click another whale watching video. It’s my sister, not Dean, and I debate ignoring it. But I open her message and my mouth immediately slides open.

Melanie: Oh sweetie, I’m so sorry.

Along with her text is a picture of Dean with Gwynne. His arm is wrapped around her waist, and they’re smiling at each other. The caption reads, “Mega mogul Dean McCormick makes five million dollar contribution at the Pink Ribbon Gala.”

Mia: This is probably old. He doesn’t even like Gwynne. She’s an idiot.

Melanie: It was taken on Saturday. The date’s right there.

I click on the link, reading the full article – and date. It mentions that Dean made a unique exception to being photographed because the cause is so near and dear to both his and Gwynne’s hearts.

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