Page 52 of Boyfriend for Hire

Montez bit his lip to keep from yelling. Then he stepped close to Desiree, so deep into her personal space that she shuffled backward while staring up at him.

He spoke in a calm, even voice. “I’m going to give you time to calm down because obviously you’re not thinking clearly.”

“Do that.”

They glared at each other, but neither said another word. When Montez stalked out of the apartment, Desiree slammed the door behind him. He turned and looked at the closed door in disbelief.

What the heck just happened?

21

Desiree slipped on the lavender pantsuit, which tied on the side with a belt. Black heels completed the outfit. Next, she took her time carefully applying her makeup.

Despite her stellar appearance, she was not in a good mood. She missed Montez and missed what they had become. They had created real inside jokes, not fake ones. They had shared interests and made memories together instead of made-up lies like the ones they told at the Stumptons’ dinner. Being with him had made all her resolutions about putting off a serious relationship melt away.

Her phone chimed, and hope soared inside of her. Maybe that was Montez reaching out to wish her good luck. She took a look at the phone screen on the bathroom counter. It was her mother.

Good luck honey. No matter what happens, we’re proud of you.

Almost immediately, another text came through, this time from her sister, Monica.You got this!

She picked up her purse and headed for the door. On the way out, another text alert. This time, from Nina.Good luck!

She smiled and swallowed the thickness in her throat. It was unreasonable to expect him to call or text after their argument, but she wanted him to. She couldn’t stand thinking that what they had shared was over that easily. Couples fought all the time, and it didn’t have to mean the end of a romance.

The drive to work seemed longer than usual, and the closer she got, the tighter her stomach. When she arrived, Gertrude gave her a faint smile, and she returned the greeting, though nerves made her stomach queasy.

Staff watched as she walked down the hall, and a few people gave her the thumbs up on the sly. If the employees were in charge of the decision, she didn’t doubt she would have clinched the promotion. Unfortunately, that final decision rested with Mark—with input from Ethel.

She entered her office and pulled up short when she saw a huge bouquet of summer flowers on the desk.

“Those arrived ten minutes ago.” Gertrude stood behind her, a knowing smile on her face before she walked away.

Hands trembling with hope and anticipation, Desiree checked the card.

I’m sorry. Call me later with the good news. Your new Ass-Face, Montez.

She laughed as happy tears filled her eyes and picked up the phone on her desk to call him right away, but then checked the time. Not now. She had a meeting to go to and then a sit-down with Mark to learn her fate.

By the time she entered Mark’s office later that morning, Royce was already there, seated before Mark’s desk. Their boss, however, was not present.

“Good morning,” Desiree said in a cool voice.

His gaze swept her from head to toe before she sat beside him.

“Good morning.” He straightened his tie. “Whatever happens, you put up a good fight, but I’m sure you know only the best man can win.”

She was determined not to let him get to her. “Or the best woman.”

He snorted as if she had said something hilarious.

Mark entered the office. “Good, you’re both here. Sorry, I’m a little late. I got caught up on a phone call with our overseas production team, but of course, you don’t want to hear about those issues.”

“Everything about the company is important to me,” Royce said.

Mark smiled, and Desiree fought the urge to burst out laughing.

Instead of sitting, Mark remained on his feet behind the desk and let his gaze encompass them both. “I’m not going to drag this out any longer. I’m sure you both feel the promotion process has gone on long enough. You know I called this meeting to tell you who will receive the senior VP position. Before I do that, I want to let you know this was not an easy decision to make. You’re both excellent and bring different skills and talents to the table. Royce, you have drive, smarts, and…. and, uh, determination.”

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