Twenty-Six
IRIS
Max wasat the board meeting for hours today. It was so big that I guess everyone actually showed up rather than a member or two being too busy to attend. They even moved the meeting to the hotel conference center instead of the office.
It makes everything feel so secret. I wish Max had let me come.
Ignoring my feelings of hurt, I go to the fridge and grab another bottle of water.
I keep hoping Max will come by and tell me what happened. I want to know what the big news is. I hate surprises, and he knows it.
A knock at my door has me skipping toward it. When I open it, I smile when I see Max. He looks elated.
“Hey.” He steps forward, pressing a kiss to my lips.
I’m shocked by his actions, but I wind my arms around his neck anyway. I kiss him back, loving that he felt this was the first thing he needed to do.
Maybe we didn’t need that talk after all. His actions are screaming at me right now.
The elevator dings, pulling us apart as I look out my open door.
Bernard steps off with a package in his hand. He gives us a knowing smile as we step apart. “This came for you today, Miss Howard.”
“Thank you, Bernard. I appreciate you bringing it up for me,” I tell him.
“Anytime. Good to see you two together like this. I’m here for it.”
He steps back into the elevator as I blush. I can’t believe he caught us making out.
Stepping into my apartment, I smile when Max closes and locks the door. When I get to the kitchen, I grab scissors to open the package.
When it opens, my eyes widen.
It is a whole care package from Astor Conglomerate. Everything is London-themed. From my favorite focaccia bread to the custom-made Taylor Swift jacket at the market I talked about. It’s all things I discussed with the people I met and hung out with while I was there.
It is a really touching package. A great way to make someone want to join their company.
I turn and look at Max, his eyes unreadable.
I would jump at the chance to work for them if it wasn’t for him.
“So you decided then?” he asks.
I tilt my head at him. “What?”
“This looks like a welcome gift. You are really going to go work for our competitor?”
My heart drops.
“How did you know about it?” I ask, unsure what is even happening right now.
Two minutes ago, I was on cloud nine kissing the man I am in love with.
Now I am staring at a very angry- and hurt-looking Max with guilt weighing on my heart.
“They called for a reference,” he admits, looking away from me.
“You didn’t say anything? How long ago was that?” I ask.
