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I feel a pang in my chest. I want to tell her it's okay, that we can work through this, but I know she needs space. "Of course, take all the time you need. That kiss...it meant something to me."
She gives me a small, hesitant smile. "Are you sure about any of that, Reece? You just told me that the kiss we shared before was a mistake, and you've convinced me the only reason I'm here is because Talon probably helped me get the job.”
Her words hit me like a slap. "I also told you you're talented and you deserve the job. Please don't do this; Genesis, don't play the victim.”
She steps back, shocked by my words, and I immediately regret them. I try to reach for her, but she sidesteps me. "It’s okay. It's just... I need to figure out where we stand, professionally and personally."
I sigh, frustration mixing with concern. "Okay, we'll take it slow, figure things out. I just don't want this to make working together difficult. But know that we need to talk about this, Genesis."
She's already gathering her things and preparing to leave."It may be wiser to just let it go and...see how things go."
“I swear it doesn't have to be that way.” But she’s already walking away. “Genesis…” I call out, my voice breaking with vulnerability. She pauses but doesn’t turn around. “I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable or make you feel any type of way today, other than…” I trail off, lost for words. “It's good to see you again, Genesis. I'm glad you're back, and I appreciate you're on the team at Forrester Media,” I add, hoping it conveys at least a fraction of what I'm feeling.
She nods, still not facing me, and walks out, leaving me alone with my thoughts and a heavy heart. I watch her go, every instinct screaming to chase after her, but I remain rooted to the spot, leaning against my desk. I grab my glass of scotch, down it in one go, and slam the glass down, trying to drown the frustration and longing that her departure has left in its wake.
This project, this intense, undeniable connection with Genesis, it's going to be the death of me.
* * *
Genesis
Slipping out of my work clothes and into an over-sized fluffy robe, I can't help but feel a heavy weight in my chest. Maybe it’s a hole where my heart used to be. Or maybe the pain is in my back where I’ve lost my spine! All these years of pining after the illusion of Reece Forrester came to a head this evening, and I ran like a scared rabbit out of the wolf’s den. Why can’t I stand up to this…sexy prick? Ugh, I am embarrassed, to say the least.
I'm back in my new uptown apartment, a place that's supposed to be my sanctuary, yet I can't shake off the events of the evening. The way Reece looked at me, and our lips met—it's all replaying in my mind, like a movie I can't pause.
I grab a bottle of wine and a glass, heading to the bathroom. Drawing a bath, I sink into the warm, sudsy water, letting it envelop me as I try to drown out my racing thoughts. What was I thinking? Kissing Reece Forrester, the Senior VP of the division of Forrester International, where I've dreamed of working my entire adult life. I've worked too hard for this, fought too hard to be seen as a professional, not someone who gets ahead because of who they know or...who they kiss.
I take a sip of wine, trying to calm my nerves. I can't let anyone, especially Robyn, find out what happened. And Talon? He would never let me live it down. I have to focus on my work and on proving my worth through my skills and dedication.
Just then, my phone beeps. I hesitate before picking it up, but seeing Talon's name on the screen brings me a small, involuntary smile. He always knows how to lift my spirits, but I can't rely on him for comfort right now, not in this situation.
Oh, hell no. I need to handle this on my own.
I read his text, a casual invitation for dinner, but I quickly type out my response.
Genesis: No Tal, I'm in for the evening. I'm beat. Today was a long day, and I have an early start tomorrow. I have to go in to shadow your brother.
Talon: You keep turning me down, starting to feel personal.
Genesis: Love you, Tal, but I need to keep things professional. Trying to make a good impression here.
Talon: Okay, raincheck?
Genesis: Are you already out?
Talon: Just leaving the gym. What’s good?
A thought strikes me. Maybe Talon can at least provide some clarity on the job situation. I hesitate, then decide to ask him over.
Genesis: Actually, can you swing by later? I need to talk about something.
Talon: I can do that. Give me an hour or two. I still need to run home and change. I'll bring Chinese if you’re hungry. Just send me the address of your new place. Is everything okay? Don’t leave me in suspense.
Genesis: Everything is fine. I'd just prefer to talk in person if that's okay. Oh, and an extra egg roll. You da best!
Talon: Of course, see you soon.
I send him my new address and take another sip of wine, the warmth of the water slowly calming my nerves. I have to get to the bottom of this. Was I hired based on merit or because Talon put in a good word for me? The thought irks me. I need to know I earned this position on my own. Tomorrow, I'll start shadowing Knox and stay away from Reece. I can't afford any distractions.
