Page 107 of Undeniable

“Fine,” he said. “But don’t expect me to give you a recommendation.”

I scoffed but didn’t turn back, striding through the door with my head held high. Though Spines for Soldiers was my baby, I’d find another way to give back to the community. Heck, maybe I’d find a job with a nonprofit. Or start my own.

Alyssa caught my eye from above the cubicles, and she raced to join me. “What’s going on?”

“I just quit my job.” I marched toward my cubicle with her on my heels.

“Wait—what? Really?” She lifted her hand for a high five. “I’m so proud of you.”

“Thanks.” I laughed, feeling proud of myself. “It does feel pretty good. Apart from the fact that I’m now unemployed.”

“Who the eff cares? You’re going to have people begging you to work for them.”

I was confident I’d find another job, a better job. Because I knew my worth, and I was no longer afraid to advocate for myself or my ideas.

* * *

Time was strange.The periods between my visits with Connor seemed to drag. Yet when I was with him, it passed in the blink of an eye.

I visited Connor in New York, and I was able to stay for a week because I was between jobs. I loved meeting his aunt Lucy. He’d surprised us with a Broadway show. Even so, I didn’t get to see him as often as I would’ve liked since he was gearing up for his new assignment.

I also spent some time with my mom while I was there, and it had gone better than I could’ve hoped. We went shopping together, and she didn’t critique my appearance—as much. I told her about Connor, and she acted like she was happy for me.

After I returned to LA, I started a new job working with Violet’s friend at an up-and-coming boutique publishing house, Harlow & Phillips. Sold my house.

Connor came to visit for the weekend, and we were both exhausted. We fell into bed at the Huxley Grand, wrapped in each other’s arms. And we’d spent most of the weekend resting and reading together, at least when we weren’t having sex.

Through it all, Connor and I continued to talk every day. But as wonderful as our conversations were, talking alone wasn’t enough. We continued to alternate our visits, sometimes meeting in other cities if it was more convenient with Abby’s tour schedule. He’d given me backstage passes to her concert, and I’d loved meeting her.

As amazing as all those experiences were, our lives were still fractured. Every two weeks punctuated by a visit. And even then, it was difficult to mesh our schedules. Weeks passed, then months, and every two weeks we saw each other.

We’d stuck to our goal, but we were both exhausted. It wasn’t just the hectic schedule that was wearing me down, but the fact that my heart was on the other side of the country.

My new job was demanding but wonderful. I’d been given a bigger role than I’d had at Igloo, and I relished the challenge. That said, I felt like the travel and jet lag were affecting my concentration at work.

I worried about Connor constantly. How could I not? He’d taken on more responsibility at Hudson. And his job was dangerous. I worried that his lack of sleep from our visits would endanger him or his team.

Some days, it all felt like too much. I loved Connor, but our situation was tearing me apart. We were supposed to reevaluate the situation when Abby’s tour ended in three months, but that felt like eons away. Especially when Connor had had to postpone his latest visit. Two weeks stretched to three. Then four, with no end in sight.

I dropped my bag on the kitchen counter, glancing around my dad’s large, empty house with a heavy sigh. Dad was out of town for another photo shoot, and I was all alone.

I didn’t plan to live here forever—though I knew my dad would love it if I moved in permanently. But until Connor and I made a decision about our future, I was stuck in limbo. Stuck waiting by the phone. Waiting for him.

This was exactly what I’d been afraid of. I sighed and kicked off my shoes, debating what to have for dinner, as Luna jumped on the counter.

“Hey, Lunakins.” I stroked her fur, grateful that she’d adjusted well to all the recent changes in our life. That made one of us.

I took a deep breath and let it out slowly, trying not to let our situation get the best of me. Connor was worth it.Wewere worth it. But that didn’t make it any easier to be apart, especially not for this long.

I nuzzled Luna’s side, giving her a kiss while I carried her over to the sofa. I was just about to sit down and get lost in Connor’s and my latest read when something outside caught my eye. White balls bobbed in the pool, a large float gliding through the water.What the…

Dad hadn’t mentioned having a party, though my birthday was coming up. Maybe he’d let one of his friends borrow the space for an event?

I stood and walked over to the door, releasing Luna when she moved to jump out of my arms. I stepped outside, wondering who was responsible—the backyard had been completely transformed. There was a movie projector, string lights, and…

I halted when I saw Connor standing beside the pool, leaning against the cabana. His sunglasses shielded his eyes, but I could feel him watching me.

Was this a figment of my imagination? So many nights I’d lain in bed alone, imagining him next to me. Aching for his touch. Wishing for the rasp of his words in my ear. His lips against my skin.

---