Page 72 of Boss of Her

“But you can’t,” Jade said. “You can’t.”

“Then tell me what I need to do to make this right.”

Jade shook her head. “It’s already too late.” Something squeezed inside her chest. “I trusted you. I gave myself to you. Despite everything I’ve been through, I made myself vulnerable to you in ways most people could never even imagine. I wanted so badly to beyours. And now this…”

“Jade—”

“I can’t do this. Not anymore. I’m not going to leave you without an assistant. I’ll do the job I was hired to do. I’ll stay until your assistant gets back. I’ll finish out the week. But that’s all. That’s all you’re going to get from me. As far as you and I are concerned? We’re done.”

“Jade, please,” Simone said softly.

“I’m sorry, but this is what I want. And I won’t let anyone stomp all over me ever again.” Jade stood up from the bed. “Good night, Simone. I’ll see you tomorrow morning.”

Without giving her a chance to say a single word, Jade marched to the door and left the room, leaving Simone, and any feelings she still had for her, behind.

CHAPTER 31

Just one more day.

That was what Jade told herself every morning as she got ready for work.Just one more day. Then another. Then another. Then the week will be over. Everything will be over.

She could have quit her job that night at Club Velvet so she’d never have to see Simone’s face again. After all, that was what she did after things ended with Philippa.

But not this time. This time, she refused to run away. This time, she refused to give in to shame. She would do her job. She would stay until the very end.

So every day, she dragged herself to work, put her head down, and powered through. She completed every task Simone gave her to her impossible standard, without complaint. She buried her feelings deep inside, numbing herself to everything. Because it was the only way she could face another day, face Simone, without breaking down.

Until at last, Friday arrived. And at 5 p.m. sharp, Simone summoned Jade to her desk.

Jade obeyed, one last time.

“Here.” Simone slid an envelope across the desk toward her. “A letter of recommendation, from me, personally. To help you with any future job applications.”

Jade picked up the envelope. “Thank you.”

“It’s the least I can do. I haven’t told you enough how valuable you’ve been to me these past months. I know that working for me isn’t easy, but you’ve always gone above and beyond. I dare say you’ve done an even better job than my regular assistant. So if there’s anything I can do to help you find a new position, let me know. I have connections in the industry, so I can give you some leads, put in a good word for you.”

Jade shook her head. “I’d rather find something myself.”

“I’m sure you will, soon enough. And Jade?”

“Yes?”

“Thank you,” Simone said. “For staying this week.”

Jade glanced to the side. “I was just doing my job. Besides, you needed the help. I wasn’t going to leave you in the lurch. You wouldn’t have found anyone to replace me for just a week.”

“Whatever your reasons, I’m grateful. And know this, Jade.” Simone looked up at her, her eyes piercing straight into Jade’s heart. “No one could ever replace you. No one.”

Jade’s breath caught in her chest. And for a moment, all the words that had gone unspoken hung in the air between them.

For a moment, all she wanted was for Simone to finally say those words out loud.

Instead, her boss gave her a polite nod. “Goodbye, Jade. I wish you the best.”

Jade gathered her things from her desk, packing them into a box. And without looking back, she left Simone’s office.

She rode the elevator down to the parking garage and headed for her car. She was finally done. Done with the job.

---