“So you want us to pretend? Natasha, I don’t think—”
“No.”
It’s the first word Seth has spoken, and it’s quiet yet firm.
“Excuse me?”
“I said no.” He pushes up from his chair. “I’m not doing that, and honestly, it’s completely out of line that you would even ask.”
Natasha bristles. “Look, Seth, I’m not sure how things work out in the freelance world, but here atATF—and at theChronicle, I might add—it’s important to work as a team. Sometimes we have to do things we don’t want to do for the betterment of the site as a whole.”
“That’s bullshit. And my feelings for Lana will not be fodder for your little publicity stunt. So once again, my answer is no.” He turns and heads toward the door.
“You do know that with one phone call I can put an end to your position at theChronicle.”
I suck in a breath at Natasha’s threat. Shifting slightly in my seat so I can catch Seth’s reaction, I expect to find him shooting daggers Natasha’s way.
Instead his eyes are locked on me. When our gazes meet, it knocks the wind out of me.
“Do what you have to do.”
I’m not sure who the words are truly meant for, but it’s the last thing he says before he pushes out of the office, slamming the door behind him.
Natasha studies me for a second, her piercing glare seeing more than I want her to, I’m sure. “Is there any way you could convince him to change his mind?”
Of all the responses I expected from her, that was not one of them. “I think he made himself pretty clear there.” I sit up a little straighter, channeling Dr. Lawson. “And honestly, Natasha, I don’t want any part of this either. I’m not going to lie about a relationship just to get some extra clicks on the site.”
She sighs as if her favorite coffee shop ran out of oat milk and she has to settle for soy. “You know, before Seth Carson came to town, you were a team player.”
I stand, pulling myself up to my full height. “This doesn’t have anything to do with Seth. I have been a team player for the past eight years. And look where it’s gotten me.” I gesture helplessly into the empty space. “We’re not doing it, Natasha. And you shouldn’t have asked in the first place.”
I spin on my heel and head right for the door, not waiting for a reply. I’m not sure I can hold my ground if she threatens me like she did Seth. I pull the door shut gently behind me, tempted to slam it but not ready to go quite that far.
“You okay?”
The voice, and the question, startle me.
Seth is leaning against the wall, arms crossed and brow furrowed.
“I...”
I’m sorry.
I want you.
I love you.
I’m in love with you.
Every possible answer runs through my mind and I want to say them all.
“I’m fine,” is what comes out.
For a moment, we just stand there, inches away from one another, eyes locked and hearts broken.
“Seth, I...”
He shakes his head. “We don’t need to do that right now, Parker. I just wanted to make sure you were okay.”
