Zac turns and stares at me, aghast. "As in, Jason, the asshole?"
After a snort of nervous laughter, I nod.
"What happened to him?"
It's Zac asking that has me once again worrying about this very thing.
Had Jason's complete lack of talent caught up with him?
Or had management realized he was a misogynistic jerk? Hah, of course not. Not with Brian Mackey belonging to the same club. It was as likely he'd been promoted rather than fired, and that I couldn't cope with.
All round, there were a lot of reasons for me to be nervous about even considering the job.
Zac rolls onto his side to examine me. "If he had to be an asshole to survive in that job, won't you need to be the same?"
Not waiting for my response, he returns to lying on his back, his next words addressed to the ceiling. "I wouldn't have thought you'd go for that."
Of course, if we were talking about the new Kelly, he'd be right. But if we're talking about career Kelly, then he'd be dead wrong.
As sleep claims me, I whisper into the pillow, "I'd be a fool to turn it down," my words quiet enough that Zac won't have heard.
ZAC
Even with Kelly fast asleep in my arms, it's as if a barrier has been erected between us. So, the big city girl is heading back to the big city, leaving the small-town boy right where he belongs.
It's just as well I didn't declare my undying love for her as I'd been planning to. What an idiot.
Women wanted one thing from me. And there was nothing permanent about that. I'm then unable to do anything about the voice inside my head that acerbically says,"And isn't that how you like it? Casual, with no commitment."
"Ah, shut up!"
I only know I've said this out loud when Kelly's eyes snap open.
"Sorry, sweetheart, I was talking to myself. Didn't mean to wake you."
I rub her back in calming circles, taking comfort from the action myself. What happened to the Zac Thomas, who could have any woman he fancied?
Here I am, having found the one I want, and now it's my turn to be passed over.
I wouldn't have a clue what the time is when I awake in the night, although the moon high above the skylight says it's nowhere near dawn. Next to me, Kelly is also awake, her breathing giving her away.
I don't care what tomorrow will bring. Right now, I need her.
"Can't sleep?" Much as I want to reach out and make her mine, I'd never do that. And after her telling me about that job last night, I'm unsure of myself.
She sighs before answering. "Yeah, my brain won't shut up."
"You want me to help with that?"
There's enough moonlight for me to see her tentative nod. She's grown so much since we've been together, more than ready to ask for what she wants.
I reach out and splay my hand across her stomach. I love her curves almost as much as the woman herself. She's got more compassion and love in her little finger than any other woman I've dated.
After running my hand down her tummy, I bury my fingers in her curls, and she opens herself to me with yet another sigh. However, this one differs from her earlier response.
As my fingers tweak her pearl, I lean in, my lips close to her shell-like ear. "Let me show you what you mean to me." It's a copout for sure, but try as I might, I can't bring myself to say the words.
If I do, it'll seem as if I'm manipulating her into turning down that job, and I love her too much for that. Soon enough, I bury my fingers deep inside her, finding that other hidden gem, the one that has her gasping in need, whimpering for more.
