Page 69 of Boss of Her

She’d never turn to another woman, not when she’d promised herself to Simone.

But Simone had seen it plain as day. And ever since, she’d been numb with denial. It didn’t seem real. It couldn’t have been real.

Or was she only telling herself that because she couldn’t stomach the truth?

“Have you talked to her about it?” Valerie asked.

“I haven’t been able to bring myself to. Because even if there’s an explanation for it, it doesn’t change the way it’s made me feel. Uncertain, unsure, off-balance. And I don’t like feeling this way. I don’t like how crazy she makes me. I don’t like that I want to be with her so badly that itconsumesme.” Simone gripped the railing in front of her, her voice rising. “And I don’t like that all of this is out of my control, that in an instant, it can all come undone. Because everything I feel for her, everything I feel when she’s by my side, makes everything else in the world seem meaningless.”

Silence fell over them, the music from the club below thumping in time with Simone’s racing pulse. She released her grip on the railing, her knuckles white.

“Simone.” Valerie put a hand on her arm. “You’re in love.”

Simone shook her head. “I care about her, I do. Butlove?”

“Do you really not see it? It’s so obvious that you’re in love with her. And I get it. I understand how terrifying that is. The last woman I loved? You know how that worked out. So I understand that it’s easier to ignore those feelings. I understand that it’s easier to shut them out, shutherout, rather than face her.”

Simone grimaced. Hearing it out loud made it hard to deny her cowardice.

“But if you care about her at all?” Valerie said. “If you have any feelings for her? You need to talk to her before it’s too late.”

“You’ve certainly changed your tune.” Simone crossed her arms. “Last time we talked about this, you warned me not to get involved with her. That it was too risky.”

Valerie turned to look at the club beneath them. “Let's just say I’m starting to realize that sometimes, it’s worth the risk.”

“Perhaps.” Simone cast her eyes over the crowd below once again. “Or perhaps—”

But before she could finish her thought, her eyes fell upon a woman sitting at the bar. Long dark hair, hanging loose down her back. A little black dress that caressed her every curve. And as she flicked her hair behind her shoulder, Simone caught a glimpse of her face.

Jade.

And she wasn’t alone. Another woman stood beside her, leaning casually against the bar. Even from a distance, the woman’s body language was clear.

She was hitting on Jade.

Simone tensed. It was just like the night they met. Just like the moment she first laid eyes on Jade from this very spot. And just like that night, it stirred every protective, possessive instinct in her.

Jade washers. Simone needed to find out why she did what she did.

She needed to face her.

She turned to Valerie. “You know what? You’re right.” She downed the rest of her champagne. “I’m going to talk to Jade.”

CHAPTER 30

“Just one drink,” the woman said, running her hand through her short blonde hair. “I’m sure I can make you change your mind.”

Jade stared pointedly ahead. “No, thanks. I’m not interested.”

“Come on, live a little. Isn’t that what you’re here for? Why else would you come to a place like this all alone?”

Irritation rose inside her. This woman wasn’t taking a hint.

And Jade was done being polite.

She downed the rest of her drink, slammed her glass down on the bar, and turned to the woman, shooting her a steely glare. “I told you, I’mnot interested. So leave me the hell alone!”

“Jeez,” the woman said. “No need to yell,”

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