Chapter 6
SIX
Pearl
Engaged?
I can’t believe he just said that. I can’t absorb anything that happened this morning. I mean, my usually stoic, grumpy boss, the guy who rarely shows any emotion, has shown me a whole lot of them this morning.
He wants me. It’s still sinking in. I remember how his cock pressed against me. I remember how hungry he was for my kisses, how he moaned as he tasted me. I remember the look on his face as he cupped my breasts. No one has ever looked at me like that. I never thought anyone would.
Peeking into the hallway, I check there’s no sign of Wells before I hurry to the back room. I’ve been trying to avoid him and behave as if it’s just a typical day, but I can’t.
His eyes are on me whenever we’re in the same vicinity. My body skips every time we lock eyes, and all I can think about is our kiss. I remember what he said, how he called me “mine.” He admitted that he’s wanted me for a while. He’s jealous of other men, any man I smile at.
Which is crazy.
I slip into the back room, smiling as I see the injured puppy from last night. I’ve checked on him a few times today. He was pretty groggy this morning, but he’s doing better now. He jumps awkwardly in his crate, the cast almost toppling him over as it bumps against the wall.
“Easy, buddy,” I coo.
He licks my fingers as I reach in to pet him. I love this little guy. I wish I could adopt him, but my apartment doesn’t allow pets. I sigh as I give him a final pet on the head, then turn and head up front.
It’s time for my lunch break. I’m taking it late today, hoping that Wells will be too busy with work to join me.
The break room is empty, and I breathe a sigh of relief as I grab a protein bar from the cupboard. I didn’t bring a lunch today, so this will have to do.
Digging my phone out of my pocket, I call Coco as I sit at the break room table.
“Hey! Are you just getting up?” she asks.
“No, I’m at work.”
“Oh, I thought someone took your shift?”
“They did. Then Wells showed up and… he kissed me, Coco,” I whisper hiss.
“YES!”
I yank the phone away from my ear. “Coco!”
“I freaking knew it!”
“Yeah, okay, you were right. He told me he’s wanted me for a while, that he hates me looking at other men, and he kissed me. Oh, and apparently, we’re engaged.”
“God, what a man,” she sighs dreamily.
“Coco! I’m freaking out here.”
“Why? Take that man home and ride him all night long!”
“Jesus,” I groan. “I should’ve known you wouldn’t be any help.”
“I’m lots of help. I’m giving you great advice,” she protests. “When’s the wedding? Am I the maid of honor? I’d better be.”
“We’re not engaged,” I whisper as a coworker walks by.
“That’s not what your fiancé says,” she singsongs.
“I’ve been avoiding him all day and trying to act like everything is normal.”
“Of course you have.”
“He’s my boss, Coco. This has all the signs of a very bad idea.”
“You need to talk to him. He’s coming on a little strong, but maybe that’s good. Tell him what you want. If he wants you, he’ll do it.”
“Yeah, maybe,” I agree, finishing my protein bar.
My phone beeps, and I frown as I glance at the screen to see a local number calling me.
“Uh, I’ve got to go. I’ll talk to you tonight.”
“Okay, love you.”
“Love you too.”
I accept the other call. “Uh, hello?”
“Hi! Is this Pearl?” asks a friendly voice.
“Yeah…”
“This is Fern Hale.”
“Oh! Hey.”
Fern is the new wedding planner in town. I’ve met her once, and she was lovely, but I don’t remember exchanging numbers.
“So, your fiancé called me and said I should get in touch to talk about wedding details.”
I choke on my sip of water.
“What?” I wheeze. “Um, I think there’s been some kind of misunderstanding.”
“Yes, uh, Wells, right? He called me this morning and gave me your number. He said you might want help with planning the big day.”
“Can I call you back?” I ask, already standing to go in search of Wells.
“Sure.”
I hang up, my heart racing in my chest. This is too much. It’s too much, too fast. This isn’t how this should go. It’s not how I want it to go.
I call Coco back, and she answers on the first ring.
“Hey, I—”
“Can you come get me from work? Please?” I beg.
“Of course. I’ll be there in five.”
I hang up.
It’s time to face Wells.
I leave the break room and duck into his office.
Wells looks up, smiling at me. “Angel,” he greets, standing and making his way toward me.
I throw my hands out to ward him off. “Fern just called me about planning our wedding.”
I’m mad. Pissed, actually. I dreamed about being with Wells, but it was never like this. This isn’t what I want.
He smiles and nods, seemingly oblivious to my anger. “I thought you might like some help. You don’t need to get all stressed out with planning when we can hire someone. I want to make sure you get everything you want on our big day, and Fern can help with that.”
“We. Are. Not. Getting. Married,” I hiss.
“Yes, we are,” he argues, crossing his arms over his chest.
My gaze strays to his biceps, straining against the material of his button-down shirt.
I shake my head, glaring at him as if he tried to distract me on purpose. “Is this a joke to you? Because it’s not funny.”
“What?” He looks confused.
“I’m not marrying someone I’ve never been on a date with, who I don’t even know properly, who would joke or railroad me into something like this,” I snap, tears stinging my eyes. “What? You think because I’m fat and a virgin that I don’t deserve to be romanced?”
“Whoa! Wha—”
“I deserve to be loved. Properly,” I cut across him. I’m on a roll now as all the hurt pours out of me. “I deserve better than this.”
Tears spill down my cheeks as I turn and flee.
I have to get out of here. I need to leave. I search blindly for my purse, grab it from under the front desk, and stumble toward the front door.
“Pearl?” Kathy calls, clearly worried about me.
I ignore her. I ignore everyone as I escape.
“Pearl!” Wells calls, his voice panicked.
I run, sobbing as Coco pulls up. Ripping open the passenger door, I throw myself inside.
“Go!” I cry.
She slams her foot on the gas.
I look in the rearview mirror as we take off, see Wells standing there through blurry eyes, his hands on his head. He looks so worried, so devastated, but I can’t care about that right now. I need to protect myself and my heart.
I just wish it didn’t seem like it was too late to do either of those things.