Page 45 (1/2)

He pays for our drinks and the minute he faces me, I say, "I can’t do this"

His hands co at the sa about, Emily?"

"You all but called me a whore, Shane You were an asshole You are an asshole and I don’t accept your apology" I shove at his arms but he holds on to o, Shane," I hiss

He studies ?"

"I’e and do not follow me Don’t be such an asshole that I have to quit a job I need Don’t do that to me after what you did to me in your office"

"Eht in that office, Shane Touched me We’re done" I turn and rush for the exit when all I want to do is turn back around Darting past a couple holding open the door, I cut right, instead of left toward my apartment and immediately cut into an alcove in front of a closed office, sinking into the dark corner, and waiting And waiting, but he doesn’t co into a squat, I presswhat I just did

By seven fifteen I’ve showered and left a e for every job I applied for, and two te some semblance of control, a façade of control at least, I make a list of their companies and phone numbers A lesser salary somewhere other than Brandon Enterprises isn’t ideal, but a paycheck is what matters By seven thirty I’ve dressed in a navy skirt with ascoop-neck silk blouse My hose are black My heels are four inches high My hair is flat ironed to a rich brown shine and makeup is done in pale pink hues I reach for the bracelet ave me, but set it down It’s too ht o’clock arrives and I walk into the fancy Brandon Enterprises offices, I look like that so here, even though I’ree

I stuffout today’s to-do list, and I pokehi at his co" His head pops up, his eyes narrowing on me, and I add, "Would you like coffee?"

"What I’d like is the contract Shane proht now"

"Don’t call Walk over there and get it"

I can almost feel the blood drain fro a cal at all I knew I’d have to see hilance at the clock on the wall beside ht ten If I’ the contract to me the instant it’s ready

Spurred by that possibility, I hurry down the hallaving at the pretty, happy blond receptionist, barely re a time when I was like her I steelShane and round the corner Jessica is behind her heavy reen dress that contrasts with her striking light blond hair, while Shane’s door stands open His lights are on but there is no stopping now