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I shake my head.
“I think you should talk to him. It’s not like you two got in a fight. You just got caught.” She smirks. Glad she’s over the whole thing.
I bite the inside of my cheek. She isn’t wrong…
“I just need some time to let the dust settle, I think.” I lean back in my chair and try to give her a reassuring smile. She nods and stands, ready to leave me to my peace and quiet.
“Well, don’t take too much time or I will be forced to take matters into my own hands, dear. Do we really want that happening again?” She winks and doesn’t give me a chance to reply. Must have been a rhetorical question.
She floats out of the room and I’m alone again. Staring out the window at the bright and sunshiny day, I contemplate everything I just learned.
Trying to wrap my head around it all. This whole secret hookup with a client was not a smart decision on my part. And I’m so damn disappointed in myself.
But the one thing I keep coming back to is how quickly and how hard I fell in love with Cole Reed.
Chapter 19
DRASTIC MEASURES
COLE
I’ve always consideredmyself a patient guy. But waiting for your girl to change her mind about ending your relationship, well, consider me done waiting around.
It’s been five days since the fallout at the Memorial Day party. She’s been dodging my calls and ghosting my texts, and I’ve been tempted more than once to just show up on her doorstep. But I haven’t. I’ve tried like hell to give this woman space.
It’s gone on long enough. I’m done with that shit.
I’m antsy as fuck. I’m in a royally bad mood, one not even Travis’s bullshitting can pull me out of.
I had an early call this morning, but with that out of the way, I dial up Happily Ever After. Jodie, the receptionist, quickly connects me with the woman I think will be of the most help to me.
“Cassie speaking.” Her chipper voice flows through the phone.
“Cassie, it’s Cole Reed.”
“Oh, well, hello there. What can I do for you this morning?”
“I need your help with something,” I tell her, trying to gauge her interest.
“Unless it’s got to do with telling Layla you love her and want to spend the rest of your life together, I’m rather busy.” I can hear the laughter in her voice, so I know I’ve made the right decision.
“Looks like I’m in luck then.” I chuckle.
“Perfect. How can I help?”
“She’s not returning my calls or texts. So I think I need to come to her. Any way you can schedule me an appointment with her?”
“Hmmm. Let me look at her calendar. What day and time works best?” She’s so serious now.
“Now? In an hour? After lunch? Whenever she’s available, as soon as fucking possible is ideal,” I say, looking at my own calendar, not caring I’ve got a full schedule. It can all be rescheduled.
She laughs and I can hear the distant clicking of a mouse. She’s silent for a few moments, typing something. Then she speaks, “All right, be here in an hour. She’s got about two hours free of meetings before lunch. I put myself down as who she’s meeting with, so you’ll be a surprise.”
“And she won’t be concerned with a meeting with you?” I ask.
“Not at all. We schedule meetings just to catch up and chat on the regular. I’ll let Jodie know at the front desk to expect you and to let me know when you’re here.”
“Perfect. Thanks, Cassie,” I tell her and a sudden weight is lifted off my chest knowing I’m getting time with her.
