Spoiler alert: he wasn’t.
It turns out that I mistook charisma for character.
He’s rich and entitled, a mama’s boy with a superiority complex.
He’s never worked for anything in his life, and it shows. I only wish it had shown sooner before I was already in too deep.
He could take pointers from that“pompous asshole”about what hard work truly looks like.
“That’s my boss, and I need to go speak to him.” I write down the information for a restaurant that is lively enough it mightdrown out Corey’s reaction and tell him to meet me there at eight.
That gives me enough time to finish work and concoct a plan with Addie on how to handle tonight.
“Why don’t I just pick you up from work? We can go together.”
Ugh. Good question.
“I have a meeting with a potential client at their office near the restaurant that might run late. So meeting there is easiest.” I lie right through my teeth.
“Home is Georgia. Not this overcrowded cesspool. When you’re done here at this place, you’ll realize your mistake and come home to me,” he states matter-of-factly, and I’m torn between wanting to scream my head off or puke in disgust that I ever fell for someone like him.
I fake a smile and grab my phone, then escort him through the office to the elevator, ignoring the prying eyes of the gossips. Faking smiles and quick waves as I pass their desks.
Corey’s waiting for a kiss goodbye, but he’ll be waiting a long time.
The thought makes me nauseous, especially when my lips still remember what it felt like being just a breath away from Nate’s.
And especially not here.
M-Squared.Nate’s company.
“Oh. I really need to go.” I pretend to read an urgent message on my phone. Then stand on my tippy-toes to kiss his cheek and wave him off, practically shoving him into the elevator.
As soon as the doors close, I bolt toward Leo’s office.
I brace myself and suddenly feel the urge to run the other way. The glass is frosted, and he only does that when he wants his privacy, or he’s reaming out an employee who has screwed up.
I feel Lizzy’s eyes on me as I approach, and her sympathetic eyes say it all. “Just go in,” she whispers.
“Shut the door,” Leo snaps, in a voice I barely recognize, one I’ve never been on the receiving end of.
“Leo,” I plead.
He turns, and although he attempts to show no emotion, I see the anger boiling deep within.
“I don’t appreciate the blatant disrespect in my office. I thought you were more professional than that.”
Ouch.
I veer back, as if slapped by his sharp words. “I’m sorry. He surprised me.” I pause.Wait…“How is a hug unprofessional?”
He scoffs, his expression bordering on disgust. “That was more than a hug.”
“Seriously? I’ve huggedyoumore affectionately.” He sits behind his desk and crosses his arms, glaring at me, and it begins to piss me off. “What’s really going on here, Leo?”
“I know you’re engaged,” he says, glancing pointedly at my bare finger. Luckily, Corey didn’t catch it. “But keep your personal lifepersonal. My brother doesn’t need that shit thrown in his face.”
Oh.
