Page 138 of The Playboy

Who had withheld the truth.

Fuck.

Me.

Once I separated us, which I didn’t plan on doing for a while, I needed to get to my phone and reach out to Walter and pull the plug on my new position.

I wasn’t going to be Brooklyn’s new boss, so there was nothing to tell her at this point.

That didn’t settle the guilt in my chest, but it would over time.

Especially when she came to me after her first day of work at the Beverly Hills Spade Hotel and told me all about her new manager. That was when I’d confess that it was supposed to be me.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I care about you so much, Macon. I never want to lose you.”

My eyes closed. “You’re never going to lose me.”

* * *

Me

We need to talk.

Walter

About what?

Me

The position I’m taking over when I return to LA.

Walter

This wouldn’t have anything to do with the new hire we just added to your team … would it?

Me

It has everything to do with her.

Walter

What’s the problem?

Me

I can’t do it. You’re going to have to find someone to replace me.

Walter

That’s your final decision?

Me

Yes.

Walter

Fine. But I’m calling you in fifteen minutes. I don’t care where you are or who you’re with. Pick up your goddamn phone.

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