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‘Henry Burke is always known for keeping relationships private to the level that some people believe he’s been married for several years and has children while others believe he has a male lover tucked away in a nearby small town. But all of that may be a ruse, and what we’ve missed is an in-your-face love affair with his much younger assistant. Only time will tell.’
I drop the tablet on his desk like it’s a serpent ready to devour me and jerk back into my seat, nearly knocking it over. I’m going to throw up.
“Oh, my God.” I clutch my chest with shaking fingers. “I never.”
I swallow hard over the lump in my throat as he stares with bloodshot eyes. Surely, he doesn’t think I set up some kind of play to get money out of him.
“I’m so sorry, Harbor.” He braces his hands on his desk and shoves upright. “I’m used to the scrutiny, and so is Josephine.”
“Oh, my God.” I scramble out of my chair as tears sting my eyes. “She doesn’t think there’s something going on between us, does she? This is awful. I’m so sorry. I should quit. I don’t want to cause problems between the two of you.”
“Harbor, stop.” He shakes his head. “You didn’t do anything wrong.”
“I….” My heart thuds erratically in my chest. The whole world is going to think I’m some money-hungry slut. Cole is going to think I am. Bile rises in my throat. What am I going to do?
“Calm down.”
The private elevator door slides open, and Josephine steps inside the room. Her hair is brushed to a luxurious shine, and her face is painted to perfection. She’s never looked more gorgeous in the entire time I’ve known her. Porcelain skin. Crystal blue eyes. A double-breasted suit jacket and skirt. She looks like royalty. And I must look like an overheated tomato.
“Josephine.” I raise my hands in defense. “I–”
“Please.…” She smiles reassuringly. “You didn’t do anything wrong. You’re an amazing asset to Henry, and I don’t doubt his devotion to me. I never do.” She wipes her hands on her skirt and studies her husband. “This is my fault.”
“No, it isn’t.” He frowns. “It would be the same thing if our relationship was out in the open. All that would change is the wording. Harbor would remain the mistress.”
“Don’t. Don’t even say the words together.” I cringe and straighten my shoulders. I didn’t do anything wrong. Mr. Burke didn’t do anything wrong. Josephine is not to blame. “This is the media trying to make an extra dollar.”
“You’re right.” Mr. Burke smiles for the first time. “You’re no one’s mistress.”
“Thank you.” And he’s right. Once this gets out, I won’t even be Cole’s secret girlfriend. I’ll be his dumped once-secret ex-girlfriend.
“Listen, I’m ready to go public to save your reputation.” Josephine tucks a strand of hair behind her ear and smiles. “I mean, this is how Henry and I met. We’re the original goofing around the office couple.”
Wow. That’s a newsflash. I had no idea Josephine was previously his assistant.
“Honey….” Mr. Burke marches across the room and places his hand on her shoulder. “You don’t have to do that. It’s not going to change anything, and then you know how the spotlight gives you anxiety.”
“No, I want to.” She places her hand on his chest, causing the enormous diamond on her ring finger to glisten under the office lighting. “It’s time.”
“Let’s rest on it, love. First, I’ll send a cease-and-desist letter to the news outlet and deny the allegations.” He turns his attention to me. “I apologize for dragging you into this. I wish–”
“Don’t.” I rotate my shoulders back. “I apologize for freaking out. This is not a big deal. The paparazzi and news outlets are always coming up with bizarre storylines. We’ll deny it, and that’s the end. There’s no need to make it into a production; in the end, it would make us look guilty. When there’s nothing to be guilty about. I was talking about my boyfriend when they took the first photo, and you were happy for me, and I was talking to him when they overheard my comment.” Hopefully, I still have a boyfriend. But there’s no use dragging this out.
Mr. Burke pulls Josephine close to his side after wrapping his arm around her. “I’m glad you’re not upset. I didn’t want you pulled into these things, and if there’s anything I can do to help with your boyfriend, let me know.”
“Yes. I want to rest his mind at ease, at least. Does he come to the city? Henry was telling me he lives in your hometown.”
“Yes, he’s here now.”
“That resolves it.” She steps out from under his arm, claps her hands, and smiles warmly. “You’ll come to our place tonight. That way, we can explain our bizarre relationship–”
“Bizarre relationship?” He glares playfully at her.
“You know what I mean.” She gives him a droll look. “I don’t want him to have any questions or worry that you’re trying to steal her away from him.”
“I’m not sure.” He’s the only person I’m worried about. I don’t want him to believe the worst about me, and the thought is making me sick. “I’ll let you know once I see him.”
“Perfect.” Mr. Burke marches to his desk and snatches up the receiver. “I’m calling my attorney to settle this. It won’t be an issue again.”
