Page 23 of Most Eligible Boss

Jill's expression shifted. "Jeremy, I believe we can maintain a balance,” she argued. “My aunt and uncle have worked together for years while maintaining a successful relationship and thriving careers. They work in the same bank. They see each other all day, every day, and it’s never once held either of them back."

"It is not that simple," I replied gently. "They work in a small-town bank. They don’t work for a Fortune 500 company with international reach and the world’s eyes on their every move. I can’t have any distractions or conflicts that might impede my progress in my career or the company's progress. It’s just not workable."

"Yeah, that is true, and I guess my uncle isn’t exactly New York’s most eligible bachelor either,” she said snidely. Realizing she came off a little insulting, she added sincerely, “Jeremy…I understand your concerns, but I genuinely believe we can find a way to make it work. I don't want to let something special slip away because of our careers."

The sincerity in her eyes touched me, tugging at my heartstrings. The connection we shared was undeniable, and I had developed a profound affection for her, but I needed to prioritize my long-term goals and aspirations as well as her own.

"Jill," I whispered, taking her hands in mine. “It isn’t that I don’t appreciate the seriousness of our feelings for each other. I want this, too—more than you know. I can’t ignore the potential risks posed to our careers. You’ve just started here in New York, and you’re killing it! We have come too far to jeopardize our futures."

Tears welled in her eyes as she nodded, her voice choked with emotion. "I understand, Jeremy. I just thought that maybe... maybe we could find a way to make this work."

It pained me to see her hurting, and I wanted nothing more than to throw caution to the wind and kiss her. If there was one thing I’d learned in my life, it was that sometimes life demands difficult choices to be met with even more difficult answers.

"I wish it were that easy," I said, kissing her forehead tenderly. "You mean the world to me, Jill. I hope you understand why it has to be this way."

She nodded as tears streamed down her face. "I do, Jeremy. It's just I didn’t expect this this morning.”

Without another word, she turned quietly and walked out the door.

I wanted to go after her but held back. I understood her hurt but could not allow those feelings to overshadow what I knew was the right choice. I had decided and needed to stick to it for both our sakes.

Within seconds, though, she knocked back at my door. When I opened it, her tear-streamed face looked back at mine. Her eyes were ablaze with anger and determination.

She had decided not to let me off the hook so easily.

"What the hell is this all about, Jeremy?" she demanded, her voice laced with fury. "You claim that it is unprofessional for us to be involved, yet you seemed perfectly content when it suited your interests. Like last night when you fucked me. You criticize my clothes and say they’re too provocative for work but overlook it when you want to see more of me. You preach about commitment to work but are afraid to commit to people. You’re a walking double standard! Fucking hypocrite."

Her words struck me unexpectedly, leaving me searching for a response. She was correct in her accusations. I couldn’t deny anything she had said. My actions had been inconsistent, driven solely by my desire and fear.

"Jill, I did not mean to be hypocritical," I answered sincerely. "I confused myself. Any man would be crazy to turn you down, and the other night, I only wanted a future with you. Then I thought more about it and knew it couldn’t work. I know it’s unfair to you that I didn’t think this through sooner, and for that, I am genuinely sorry."

She folded her arms over her chest, burning me with an unwavering, furious glare. "Sorry, it does not change what you did, Jeremy," she said firmly. "You cannot have it both ways. You cannot advocate professionalism only after you’ve already got what you wanted from me."

"I understand what you must be feeling. You’re wrong, though. This isn’t what you think it is. I haven’t used you- at least not on purpose. I’ve just been regrettably inconsistent. I care about you, Jill. More than I should, perhaps. Even though I am ambitious in my career, I know you are, too. An office romance will distract us from our goals and create opportunities for gossip and dissent among the rest of the staff. It’s just too risky."

She continued to stare at me, not speaking a word. I knew she was waiting for a better explanation, and I knew she was owed one.

She saw right through me. She knew this wasn’t entirely about work.

“My past isn’t what you’d call normal,” I said, carefully choosing each of my next words. “A relationship from my past has left me emotionally scarred. I’ve wrapped myself up in my career because it’s easier than focusing on anything personal. My ex has left me scared to get close to anyone else, and this is especially true when it comes to office romances or anything that might interfere with my working life because my working life is how I cope with pain. I can’t let it get tainted with real-life stuff. My entire life has been built around being cautious, and merging personal relationships with my career feels like a disaster brewing. This doesn’t excuse what’s happened, though. You’re 100% right. I should have been more considerate.”

All of the anger on Jill’s face faded, seemingly replaced by empathy. “I’m glad you decided to share this with me, Jeremy, but you’re right. It doesn’t excuse the double standards you have placed on me. I can’t force you to want to be in a relationship with me. I don’t want to be in a relationship with anyone who doesn’t see the value of taking on a little risk to pursue that, but I will ask that you back off a little on your criticism of my wardrobe in the office. After this trip, I don’t think you have any right to do that anymore.”

Her point was valid, and I couldn’t argue against it.

“You’re absolutely correct,” I said. “It is not your responsibility to accommodate me with how you dress. If I am distracted by your clothes, I must deal with that alone. You deserve to feel comfortable at work and express yourself however you see fit.”

She nodded. “Thank you, I guess. I’ll go get ready to head home. I hate that it ended this way. I think you will regret this later. No, you know what…I know you will. You just became the cliché everyone thinks you are. Congratulations on gaining your Most Eligible title back.”

“Jill,” I said, watching as she stormed out of the room again.

With her out of the room, I stepped back, collapsing onto the bed with a sigh.

I ran through the conversation in my mind, trying to convince myself that I had made the right call.

I’d never been less sure of anything in my life.

Chapter Thirteen

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