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“I felt the same way, Frazier, although I tried convincing myself that I was being crazy, that that the only reason I was thinking that way was because you were the first man I’d been attracted to since my ex-husband.”
He nodded, remembering what she’d told him about her cheating husband and why she’d remained with him. “During all that time, did you ever consider taking a lover, the way he did? After all, women have needs, too.”
She shook her head. “No. When we got married, I’d promised to be faithful. That meant something to me, even though it obviously didn’t matter to him. Besides, I didn’t really have time to think of those needs. Ireland became my whole world. As long as I had her to raise, I honestlydidn’t care what Boris did. Who knows? If he hadn’t asked for a divorce, I might still be married to him. At least until Ireland finished school.”
“I don’t think that would have been the case, Rylee.”
His words surprised her. They were spoken as if he knew her well enough to know. “Why do you think that?”
“Because in the weeks I’ve known you, I’ve seen that you can hold her own. You are strong. I believe at some point you would have said enough is enough and would have taken a leap of faith to make a better life for you and your daughter. And, in the end, you did. I bet your daughter considers you her role model. I know you’re an exemplary employee who sets a wonderful example for others to follow. My company is lucky to have you.”
She nibbled on her bottom lip and knew now was the time to tell him. “Thanks. But-but…”
He lifted a brow. “But what?”
She met his gaze. “Earlier this year, I made a decision about my employment with Connelly Enterprises.”
“Oh?”
“I’m resigning.”
• • •
She was leaving the company?
Frazier sat up straight in his seat. Rylee’s words had definitely surprised him.
“May I ask what made you decide to leave? Do you not enjoy the work?”
“I love working there. Connelly Enterprises was my first full-time job after I finished college. I was in my latetwenties when I applied, a few months after my divorce became final. I worked hard and was rewarded with promotions, raises and bonuses.”
He nodded. “Have you been offered another job somewhere else?”
“Yes and no.”
“I don’t understand,” he said. He watched her place her wine glass aside, then walk across the room to gaze out the window. Obviously, she needed a few minutes to compose herself. Had one of his competitors lured her away? Would she be working for a company that would allow her to be closer to her daughter, who would be relocating to California after college? Too many questions were beginning to flow through his frustrated mind. Honestly, he didn’t care if she remained with the company or not. Where she was employed had no bearing on their relationship. Did she assume that it did?
Finally, she turned back around to him. “I’m fulfilling one of my dreams, Frazier. I’d always told myself that when Ireland finished college, I would make the time to do what I wanted to do. And in this case, it’s something I can do working from home.”
“Oh? And what is it?” he asked.
She came back to sit down beside him on the sofa. Whatever this job was, he could feel how excited she was about it. “If you recall earlier, I told you that the reason I’m well-versed in a lot of subjects is because I read a lot.”
“Yes, I remember.”
“Well, there’s a reason I read so many different books. It’s been a side hustle of mine for close to five years.”
He nodded, understanding now. “Do you have a part-time job as a book editor, or researcher?”
“Umm, not quite.”
Why did he get the feeling she didn’t want to tell him something? What did it matter what she did? If it kept her that well-versed, how bad could it be? Hell, he honestly didn’t care what she did, as long as it made her happy. And it seemed as if it did.
He reached out and pulled her into his arms. “Whatever it is, Rylee, I’ll be fine with it. If you’re happy, I’ll be happy.”
At that moment, a huge smile touched her lips. And then she did something he didn’t expect--she reached out, wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him.
He wanted this kiss and eagerly kissed her back. It was the first they’d shared since the one in his hotel suite earlier. Suddenly, she broke off the kiss and stared at him. “What’s wrong, Rylee?”
