“Yes. You’re brilliant and have the credentials to prove it. But there are others who are just as smart. Just as capable. What sets you apart? What makes you special?”
I knew, or at least sensed I did. But I wanted her to know it. To say it. To fucking own it.
Her head dropped, shoulders sagging. “Because…” Her lips parted, and then she shook her head and grabbed her purse. “You know what? Never mind. I didn’t even want this job, and I never should’ve agreed to it.”
I grabbed her elbow before she reached the door, my grip gentle yet firm. She could leave any time, but I got the feeling she didn’t want to. She stared at my hand on her skin before slowly lifting her head to meet my eyes. Her breathing was labored, the tension growing thick between us. I didn’t have any right to pry, to push her like I was, but I couldn’t seem to help myself when it came to this woman.
“What are you talking about, agreed to this job? Your dad asked me to bring you on as a favor.”
She laughed, though it lacked mirth. “That’s funny. He told me the same thing.”
I jerked my head back. This didn’t make any sense. “Sumner, why did you take this job if you don’t want to be here?”
She straightened. “It’s not that I don’t want to be here.” She blew out a breath, still not meeting my eyes. “It’s just—I…” she stammered.
“What is it?” This close, her eyes were almost gray, the light hitting them in such a way that they became a pale green like jade. She blinked rapidly, and I could remember her doing that as a child. A million memories came flooding back in that instant, and I knew she was lying. It was her tell. “You can trust me. You know that. I’ve always said you can tell me anything.”
“I know.” She smiled, and I suspected she’d joined me for her own stroll down memory lane.
But then she shook her head, raven-colored waves curtaining her face from view. “I-I shouldn’t have said anything. Please just drop it.”
Drop it?Was she kidding? I was alarmed by her tone and her words, so I guided her over to the chair, taking a seat next to her. “You’re lying to me. I want to know why.”
She twisted her hands in her lap. Blew out a breath. “My dad and Lea are worried about you.”
A muscle twitched in my jaw even as I attempted to maintain a calm façade. “And what were you going to do? Come to work, keep an eye on me, then report back to them?”
She scowled. “No. I guess I—” She glanced toward the windows briefly then back at me. “It’s not like I didn’t have other plans this summer, but maybe Iwanted to know you were okay. Maybe I missed you.”
I scoffed, but then the way she leaned forward, her expression so earnest, made me realize she was serious.
We’d always had a connection, and though it had been years since I’d seen her, it burned just as strong, even if it was different now. I still wanted to protect her, sure. Wanted to make her laugh. But now there was another layer—attraction, burning hot and bright like a poker.
This was going to be a long summer. But not for the reasons I’d expected.
Chapter Five
Icrossed my legs, electricity arcing between our bodies. “So…am I fired?”
I couldn’t believe some of the things I’d said to Jonathan. They were so bold. So…not like me. At least, not like the old me. But I’d made a promise to myself to speak my mind, to speak up. I figured this internship was as good a place as any to start. How would I feel confident to advise other women—ones who were likely older than me—if I couldn’t even say what I thought?
Besides, what did I have to lose? I didn’t even want this job anyway.
He chuckled, leaning back in his chair as if he didn’t have a care in the world. “It’s your first day. Do you want me to fire you?”
I lifted a shoulder, trying to portray more confidence than I felt. I didn’t want to be fired, but this wasn’t exactly part of my summer plan either. “I made a promise to my dad.”
He nodded, rubbing a hand over his chin. “Are you even interested in commercial real estate?”
I scrunched up my nose, knowing I couldn’t lie to him. He’d always seen right through me; this morning had only proven that. “Honestly?” I asked, and he nodded. “No.”
“What are you interested in?”
“I, um—” I glanced toward the door then stood. “It’s not important. Besides, I’m sure you have meetings to attend, and I’ve wasted enough of your time.” There was no way I was telling Jonathan about my coaching business. He’d probably mock me for it, just like Nico had.
He grasped my wrist, his fingers lingering a moment before he released me. “You could never be a waste of time. And it is important.”
I swallowed hard, the sight of him peering up at me almost more than I could handle. Piper was right. Jonathan had improved with age. His blue eyes were the color of the sky, his jawline like glass, even beneath his salt-and-pepper beard. His hair was longer on the top than the sides, with flecks of silver at the temples.
