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I turn to face hi the space between us so he doesn’t get the wrong idea of why I’ reason as to why I’et burned

"Is everything all right?" He rounds the desk and coainst the center Clasping his hands in front of hiarms A broad chest and shoulders His expression is neutral, though just as handsome as usual "I know the last time I saw you, you were quite upset"

Oh, leave it to Ryder to get right to the point He minces no words, this ht," I start, hating the hesitation, the nervous shake inconfused "Thankwhat happened between Zachary and es Zachary had barraged ht had leftfroulped down before I even arrived at work "You were very calm, and I appreciate that"

"You were the one as not so caler you offered us, Violet" The little smile that curls his lips makes my heart flutter I like it when he says my name and he does it quite often He makes it sound like an endear?"

"Not really But I’ll get through it" I shakethe look of concern on his handsome face "I just … I wanted to ask you a favor"

"What sort of favor?"

"I was hoping that I could ask for your agreeht" My request sounds completely convoluted I wouldn’t be surprised if he told et out of his office Not that he ever would, but … I a for ether I don’t want to say anything more for fear I’ll sound like a co overwithinalive My breath stalls in my throat as I wait for his answer and when he finally lifts his gaze to mine once lasses of wine

"Your dresse of subject

"What?" I take a few steps toward hi as I stare at his broad chest The solid red tie he wears is alht"

"Like we planned it"

"You didn’t get thedown and out, crying intoover the loss of my boyfriend, but I’m not