She moved toward his desk, her heels tapping on the wood floor. He half expected her to comment on how disorganized it was, and she’d have a right to. Twice she’d helped him get his office in order, and both times he vowed to keep it that way, only to immediately revert back to his habit of setting things down and dealing with them later. But when she faced him again, she remained silent.
“Whatever it is, you can tell me.”
A quick nod. Then, “You know that new website? Thompson Recruiters?”
“Never heard of it.” He didn’t use a computer at the office, although Frank had given him one. Forced it on him actually. He’d never been on the internet and didn’t plan to. He figured it was just a flash in the pan anyway. No one in their right mind would give up a tangible newspaper or printed book to read a screen all the time.
“It’s a place to post your resumé and find jobs,” she said. “I made a profile last week.”
“You did? Why?”
“I’ve been looking for another job.”
Whoa. She hadn’t given any indication that she was wanting to work somewhere else.
Her hands were wringing now, and she shoved them behind her back. “I got an offer for an analyst position. I start next week.”
“Oh.” Well, that stunk. He wouldn’t be able to see her every day. But if she was happy, he was happy for her. He put his arms around her, fully intending to give her a hug. “Congratulations,” he murmured into her hair. She smelled so nice. Jade wasn’t one to wear perfume or more than minimal makeup. He found her simplicity enticing, and before he could stop himself, he was kissing her. To his shock and pleasure, she melted against him, returning his kiss with more fervor than she ever had before, and he was happy to match her. Bliss, pure bliss.
Suddenly she jerked away, slipping out of his arms and turning. “I’m sorry,” she mumbled, so low he almost didn’t hear her.
He scrubbed his hand over his face. Even though his office was well out of the way of everyone else on the floor, he’d blown it. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that. But I love you—”
“What?” She whirled around, stunned.
He froze, shocked he’d said the words when he hadn’t even thought them before. No, that wasn’t true. He had, but only once or twice... maybe a little more lately. But now that they were out there, he couldn’t take them back. He didn’t want to. After having his heart trampled in the past by someone he thought he loved, he realized what he felt for this beautiful woman was the real thing. She was smart, determined, caring. Sure, she could be a little uptight, a little overly focused on her work. But he liked the passion and fire he saw inside her. No, helovedit.
“I love you, Jade.” He smiled, the phrase sounding more natural. Moreright.
She didn’t move or respond. She stared at him, her mouth slightly parted and more than slightly red from their fierce kissing. As the seconds ticked by and she remained mute, his stomach turned into a sour mess.
Seb tried to brush it off. “You don’t have to say it back.” So awkward. “How about we just forget it and go to lunch? I’m starving.” The last thing he wanted was food, but he had to leave his stifling office and get some air, because it was becoming clear that he had messed up. Big-time. He started to open the door.
“The job is in Atlanta.”
The door latched shut and he turned around. “Georgia?”
“Yes.”
Now it was his turn to remain silent as reality set in. She wasn’t just leavingThe Democrat-Gazette. She was leaving Arkansas.Leaving me.
“I’m sorry, Sebastian.”
To her credit, she sounded genuine. That didn’t make him feel any better. “I didn’t realize you were so unhappy here.”
“It’s not that. I... need a fresh start. This is a good opportunity— one I couldn’t pass up.”
With every word, she deflated him. “What about us?”
Jade’s hands stilled and she looked him straight in the eye. “We weren’t that serious.”
After his declaration of love, she didn’t think they were serious? After kissing him like she couldn’t get enough of him? Like she’d been telling him... goodbye.
“It’s for the best,” she continued, her earlier hesitation gone. “We’re different people, we have different goals. It wouldn’t have lasted.”
“I just told you I love you.” He shook his head, trying to make sense of what was happening. “Doesn’t that mean something?”
A pause. Her bottom lip quivered. Then stilled. “No, Sebastian. It doesn’t.” She brushed past him and walked out the door.
