“You need to try a little harder.”
“I know.”
“And you need to keep trying every day.”
He sighs and slumps back against the chair. “Hopefully being around people her own age will stop her from isolating herself.”
“It’ll take some time, but you’ll know the right thing to do.”
“Thanks, Jordan – I mean, Ms Hill.”
“You’re welcome, Mr Kerry. It’s my job.”
“And you do it well.”
I smile, even though I shouldn’t.
“Have you worked here for long?”
“That information has nothing to do with you.” I put him firmly back in his place; but he doesn’t seem disappointed. He seems amused.
“You know that contract means fuck all, right, Jordan?” His tone changes in a flash.
“W-what?”
He gets to his feet and leans his hands on my desk. “I don’t give in that easily.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Sure, I signed the contract. I’ve agreed to keep this relationship strictlyprofessional,” he says, emphasising that last word as if he were winding me up, “but I’m not easily convinced into doing something I don’t want to do.” He moves even closer. “It’s not that easy to get rid of me.”
“You accepted the terms of the contract.”
“I did.”
“You wrote your signature and gave your word.”
“I’ll keep my word. You know why? Because you’ll be the one to take it back.”
He straightens up, slowly giving me space to breathe again.
“I can’t erase everything that’s happened. I can’t turn back, Jordan – but I can show you that I’m not that kid anymore.”
“Why should I care?”
“To be honest, I don’t know if you do care. But I really hope that you do.”
“What is this, Kerry? One of your games?”
“You should read a magazine, once in a while; then you’d know that I don’t play anymore.” He looks at me again, making sure that his words have sunk in, before leaving my office with his head held high, and his hands in his pockets, fully aware of the doubt he’s planted inside me. But one seed of doubt isn’t enough to make me change my mind about him. One tiny doubt won’t make me believe in men again.
And one night definitely isn’t enough to make me fall to his feet – even though I can’t shrug off the thought of him, of his hands sliding around my waist.
Even though it was the best night of my life.
Niall
“Hey, how was…?” My car door slams shut before I can finish my question.
