“I see it the same way,” she acknowledged with satisfaction, adjusting her skirt. “So, I’ll formulate new rules, and you’re welcome to come up with some on your own.”
The whole thing had been far too…uncontrolled. Too explosive. They couldn’t just carry on like this. They needed structure, so they could fuck each other out of their systems in an orderly manner. And Hazel knew exactly what the contract needed to say, but she needed a few hours alone to get things straight.
“Okay. I’ll give you the first draft tomorrow,” she decided, nodding. “So, like I said: you can go now.” She smiled broadly. “Thanks for your service, Gareth. See you later.”
Chapter Fourteen
Social conduct for hate-free inter-colleague teamwork
Short: SCHIT
Paragraph 6:
Physical contact is not prohibited – but it is strongly discouraged.
Additional Clause X-1:
Physical favors are encouraged – and they are subject to absolute secrecy.
Thanks for your service, Gareth.
Gareth chuckled softly as he stopped at a traffic light.
Honestly, he wasn’t sure he was fit to drive. He hadn’t been drinking, but the whole evening had been so insane that maybe someone had slipped him something without his knowledge.
Maybe he’d inhaled too much potting soil, although the only thing left on him was Hazel.
What the hell was wrong with him?
He’d fought his attraction to Hazel for years, only to throw all caution to the wind after a single conversation?
That wasn’thim. He didn’t give up control willingly. He didn’t let words, smiles, or sighs get to him – and he certainly didn’t abandon his damned life plan on a whim.
Lacey had been his plan! And before he knew what he was doing, he’d explained to her over the phone that they weren’t working. She hadn’t even been surprised when he’d broken up with her. She’d just laughed and remarked:Our schedules really were a nightmare, weren’t they? Thanks for your honesty, Gareth. I wish you the best.
She hadn’t blamed him. She hadn’t been angry, loud, or abusive. Because she was the damn perfect woman — the one he’d thrown away just to hear Hazel moan in his ear one more time.
Someone behind him honked, and he glanced up, seeing the green light.
Shit. He accelerated, laughing dryly at himself because it hadn’t felt bad to break up with Lacey. It had been a relief, and he didn’t regret it, nor did he regret the rest of the evening. Shit, he hadn’t felt this good since… God, he didn’t remember when!
At the same time, a black weight was growing in his chest, rolling restlessly from left to right. It was as if he could see the ominous storm on the horizon, yet couldn’t stop himself from heading straight into it.
Everything was good and bad at the same time and so fucking confusing.
So manyfeelingsraged inside him – feelings he couldn’t make sense of. Feelings he didn’t want to interpret, didn’t want to have, and didn’t want to understand. One felt like ecstasy, and the other like panic. What the hell?
God. Everything seemed so gray to him, even though he’d tried so hard to keep his life as black and white as possible. Hedidn’t know what he was doing. What he wanted. What he felt. What he should feel. What was happening to his mind because it seemed like several synapses had burned out tonight, especially in the most important part of his brain: the control center.
God, he needed help. He was going crazy. And it was all because offeelings.
He only knew one person who could handle this kind of crap well – and it wasn’t Penny.
“It’s 2:30 a.m., Gareth! What the hell?” Cian snapped, shaking his head in disbelief. “I thought the police were at the door to tell me that Ada was found dead in a ditch.”
Gareth opened his mouth and immediately closed it again. “Fuck,” he muttered, running his hand through his short hair. “I…forgot it was the middle of the night. Sorry. I…oh, fuck.” He rubbed his face with both hands and shook his head again. “Sorry, I…”
He started to turn, but a hand landed on his shoulder, stopping him. “You forgot?” Cian echoed, confused.
