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“You’re not fired, and I won’t hurt you.Yet. But if you hurt my little girl, Bradley, I can’t make any promises.”
“I would never hurt her,” I say with confidence.
He tilts his head to the side like he doesn’t believe me. “Well, she just spent the weekend crying in her bedroom and watching an ungodly amount ofGilmore Girls, so it would seem you have some more apologizing to do.”
Thinking about Jade crying feels like being socked in the stomach. I take responsibility for that, but he’s probably not ready to hear that I wasn’t exactly the one who broke her heart. But that’s a conversation for another day. “I will. I plan to,” I stammer.
“We’re getting a regular temp,” he says, and it sounds like he’s getting back to business. I can’t help but wonder… Is that it? “Not because I care about you two at the office but because I want Jade to get the job she really wants. She deserves better than sticking around here for us when she’s qualified for more.”
“I agree,” I reply without hesitation.
“Good.”
Then he and I stare at each other for a moment. There has to be more to this. Isn’t he going to throw me out for doing filthy things to his daughter?
“Now get out of here. Go apologize. And if you hurt her, you die.”
In shock, I stand up. “Yes, sir.”
Halfway to the door, he stops me. “Bradley.”
“Yeah,” I reply on a turn.
His face has lost the stone-cold expression he wore a moment ago. It’s a bit softer as he looks into my eyes. “You really love her?”
I swallow and straighten my spine. “Yes, Will. I do. Very much.”
It feels good to tell the truth.
He takes a seat at his desk. Then he just…nods. He doesn’t say another word, just turns back to his computer and lets me leave.
Even in the hallway, I’m struck silent.
This entire time I’ve dreaded this moment—Will finding out that I am the guy his daughter chose to be with. Not just because of the whole boss’s daughter situation, but I have had myself written off as the sleazy asshole no one would want their daughter dating, and yet…he seems fine with it.
When I walk back to my office, his words echoing in my ear, I feel as if I’m weightless. The heavy burden of truth is off my shoulders now. Turning the corner into my office, I freeze at the sight of Jade standing in the center, tears in her eyes.
It takes me a moment to speak. I haven’t said a word since she stormed out of my apartment, and I don’t quite know what to say now. I can’t fix everything. I can’t get Eden back and make her commit to something she won’t commit to. And I’m not quite sure where that leaves me and Jade.
But I’m willing to try.
“I’m sorry I didn’t tell him sooner,” I say softly.
She nods. “It’s okay.”
“He already knew,” I say.
“I know,” she replies.
God, I hate to see her cry. I want to hold her in my arms and keep her from pain for the rest of her life.
“I’m so sorry, Jade. I’m sorry I lied about my relationship with Eden. I’m sorry I kept us a secret from your dad for so long. I’m sorry I never told you how much I love you.”
Her chest shudders with a sob. “I love you, too.”
“I never felt good enough for you,” I say.
“I know,” she replies. “But you were. You still are.”
