Chapter 23
23
ZARA
George has been giving me odd vibes all night, and I sense he is judging me.
When I clink my glass against Piper’s glass, he comes to sit beside me. “Did you know your boyfriend was going to take over the company?” His expression has soured while the rest of us have become tipsier by the glass and laughing out loud at any trivial joke.
“Of course I didn’t,” I snap. “And don’t come at me. I’m not in the mood for your jealous bullshit.”
“Zara,” Piper gasps, shaking her head so as not to antagonize him.
“We are having a casual fling, and I know nothing about his business dealings,” I confirm. “When it was announced, I was also pissed, but I have no right to know any of his business dealings, nor should he tell me as I’m with him on a personal emotional level and not a professional one.”
“Yet you were selected for a promotion despite working at the company for a matter of weeks. It’s obvious you received special treatment.”
“What’s obvious is my experience and past record of competency since you’re ten years younger than me.” Douchebag.
“You’re being a touch mean,” Piper whispers.
“Seriously?” I shake my head.
“Anyway, darlings, I must go.” George stands and blows fake kisses toward Piper and me.
“Are you watching the game tomorrow?” she asks him.
“Of course. See you there.” He gives me a sideways glance before sauntering away.
“You’re watching the game tomorrow? Where?” It hurts not to get an invite.
Piper lets out a loud sigh. “You’re caught up on weekends with your boyfriend when he’s in town. We assumed you wouldn’t be available,” she says apologetically.
“You can always ask. At night, Jobe is often busy with business matters and spends hours talking on his cell.”
Piper tilts her head at me. Her eyes hold understanding. “How serious are you?” I frown at her. “What feelings do you have for him? Can you see a future with him?”
“We all hope for a future with a partner we like. So yeah, when we’re together, we’re great, but he’s so busy, and the weeks he is away, I also enjoy my time alone.” I shrug. “So I have no idea where it’s leading, but for now, it works.”
“Right.” Her eyes flick over my face as if searching for an answer. I’m not hiding anything. “When you’re together, do you have long and meaningful conversations?”
What is she getting at?
“Or is it about the sex? What is great about your time together?”
I spin away from her, feeling exposed. Jobe and I talk, but it’s not long and meaningful discussions because we are similar and like the same things. It’s quite the opposite. Our connection is great sex. I down the rest of my drink before turning back to her.
“I’m not attacking you, my friend,” she says. “I’m pointing out what the rest of us have noticed. I care about you.”
“The rest of you noticed? Am I a subject of gossip between our work colleagues?” When she doesn’t say anything, a bubble of anger grows in my chest.
“For fuck’s sake,” I mutter. “Our relationship is no one’s business. If it’s about the sex, so what? I’m an adult and in my mid-thirties and don’t need to answer to a bunch of twenty-somethings who have barely any experience with the world beyond their schooling.” I stand and grab my bag and coat. “Thanks for the concern. Have a fun day watching the game tomorrow.” I storm out of the bar, still in disbelief that everyone at work thinks Jobe gives me preferential treatment. I suddenly have lost all cheer about being in London.
Her words play out in my head until I exit the taxi. I look up to the terrace and tighten my coat around my neck. Too cold for him to be sitting outside tonight. Piper said it can snow over the holidays. I imagine there will be ample when I return.
The penthouse is dark, and I wonder if he is even home. I head to my room to change, and my first impulse is to search for Jobe, first in his room since that is where I spend my nights.
Piper’s words keep playing out in my head. Should I feel guilty that I love having sex with Jobe? Does it matter if we don’t have anything else in common and are just having fun? I flop onto the bed and close my eyes. Whenever I think about a future with him, I push it out of my head because I believe it would never happen. I snort out a laugh to myself. Ridiculous thoughts . I picture myself in the future, my career intact, no Jobe. My chest hollows. Suddenly, I’m overwhelmed with sadness. My chest is tight, and my throat is dry.
We’re only having fun, and nothing has to change.
I cannot control my emotions. Ugh, it must be that time of the month. Speaking of, I’m sure I’m due. With that thought, I climb under the covers to prove to myself I don’t need to be with Jobe tonight.
Hours later, I wake feeling warm.
Safe.
An arm drapes over my waist, and the heat is radiating from behind me.
He climbed into my bed and didn’t wake me for sex. Jobe wanted only to hold me. A stupid grin creeps over my lips.
We are good together, and we don’t need long conversations to prove it.
It feels right.