CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO #2
I grab my things and join her in the elevator when it opens, letting her cool off. Emily isn’t someone to hold a grudge, and there’s nothing I can do to change our situation.
You play the part well.
Thing is, I don’t know if I am playing a part. I know I do it in public, but at home I’ve been open about how much I desire her.
You could have fucked her and let her sleep in the guest room.
No. My internal response is sharp and immediate. I can’t imagine Emily anywhere but in my bed every night.
That’s a problem.
As we climb into the back of the SUV, I greet my team and take her hand.
She glances away.
My gaze dips to the ring on her finger and I nudge it with my own, liking how it claims her so no one will go near her.
Fuck. These reactions will need to be worked through when I let her go.
Because she’s not mine.
I will never marry.
I look out the window as we drive the short distance to the Remington Obsidian offices, feeling a tightening in my chest. I recall one of our nights together and how Emily insisted she teach me how to play a card game, which, even now, the name escapes me.
She sat cross-legged on the sofa, looking cute and sexy. After three hands I got the gist and beat her.
“What?!” she cried. “No, you cheated.”
As she reached over to grab my cards, I pulled her onto my lap and kissed her.
Panting and clutching my arms, she smiled. “I like this game better.”
“Because this way we both win.” I grinned.
Then I tugged her horrible leggings off, my own sweatpants down, and lowered her onto my cock. Lifting her top, I suckled on her nipple while she rode me like a little cowgirl.
Watching her come while she looked at me like I was her king did something to me. I can’t stop thinking about it and I hate that she’s upset.
When Josh and Tony exit the vehicle, I squeeze her hand. “Emily.”
She turns and those wild blue eyes are full of hurt. “It’s fine. I know the drill.”
What can I say? There isn’t anything I can do to change this. I refuse to lie to her and promise something I can’t keep.
“Good.” I nod. “When the dress arrives this afternoon, head to the salon to have your hair and makeup done as planned, and I’ll see you at home tonight.”
I climb out, giving her space, and as I pass Josh, I say unnecessarily. “Stay with her.”
He gives me a sharp nod.
It’s her I want protected, not the diamond.
As I walk into my office, the next reality check of the day hits me.
My phone rings and it’s Mason.
“Ringing to give me more shit?”
“Of course.” He laughs. “But I want to talk to you about what you plan to do after you get this funding situation sorted. Obviously, Emily can’t keep working for you.”
“Why?”
“You’re fucking the girl.”
Woman.
“Fine, let’s say I agree with you.” I drop my bag onto my desk and slip out of my jacket.
“Then I would say that’s a good way to think. Mostly because I do need a PA and figure it’s an excellent solution for us both,” Mason replies, sounding all business.
He’s serious.
I tense. I’m not happy with the idea, but can’t think of a single reason to disagree. Especially given I overheard some of the conversation between Emily and her parents on the phone the other day. Her father’s comment grated on my nerves, and it continues to bug me.
Has she lost her job yet?
It was the way he said it, with so much cynicism that got under my skin. It was rude, and I saw how upset she was, and how embarrassed.
Emily is an excellent assistant, and if it wasn’t for our personal situation, I would keep her on without question.
Even changing companies would give her father reason to judge, but it’s better than me just letting her go. Or keeping her and both of us getting in deeper. I can’t let that happen.
You don’t want her to leave.
Seeing the hurt in her eyes earlier is a stark reminder that I care, and that’s dangerous.
I need to let her go.
“Fine. Set up an interview time for early next week. I’ll tell her,” I respond, grinding my back teeth. I really need to see my dentist before they all fall out.
“Excellent. I’ll have my HR team reach out to yours to get a copy of her resume,” Mason replies, then I hear him pause and wait.
And wait.
“Ask your question.” I grunt.
“You like her.”
“Not a question.” I push the button to fire up my laptop.
“Be careful, buddy,” he warns me, and I close my eyes.
“She’s not Sandy. And I’m not marrying her, Mase. It’s fine.”
“But you like the girl, and this is a complicated set of lies you’ve got yourself into. Did you get it put into a contract, or could she stake a claim on your wealth?”
Fuck.
I never thought of that.
“Emily wouldn’t do that.”
Mason is quiet for another long moment, and it takes me all that time to realize my fuckup.
“Fine, yes, I like her. I like fucking her. I like having her in my home. But after tonight, she’ll be moving out. The ring is being returned to Sotheby’s. Emily knows the deal.”
I hurt her this morning to ensure she does.
“We have your back, no matter how it turns out. Just make sure you’ve thought this through. Get her signature on something. We’ve seen this before. Emily is sweet but has barely got a dollar to her name...and you are a fucking rich bastard.”
“So are you.” I snap. “Leave Emily to me. I know what I’m doing.”
I hang up and toss the device on my desk.
Can today get any worse?
Emily is upset with me, the zoning has been declined, and I’m down half a fucking billion dollars.
Amanda steps into my office.
“Morning news is covering the protesters.”
“Of course they fucking are.” I slam my fist down on my desk. “Get the team together and meet me in the boardroom in ten minutes.”
My tough armor is back.
Emily needs to remember this isn’t real. None of it. I’ll have Brandon draw up something she can sign waiving any right to...everything.
Tomorrow, she moves out, and next week Mason can hire her.
Then I’ll never see Emily Harper again.