Total pages in book: 26
Estimated words: 24747 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 124(@200wpm)___ 99(@250wpm)___ 82(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 24747 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 124(@200wpm)___ 99(@250wpm)___ 82(@300wpm)
“You’re lying,” I whisper.
“Am I?” She pushes off the frame. “Ask him. See if he tells you the truth about why he’s really keeping his distance. Think about it. You really think West Hayes, who runs a billion-dollar company that he created, is going to show up anywhere with a woman who has pastel rainbow hair and kitten ears?”
She doesn’t wait for me to answer. Instead, she starts laughing again while walking out of our cabin and leaving her poison in the air.
I stand there, my bag half-zipped as her words echo in my heart. Is West really going to lose his place at the company because of me? That would break my heart for him, even if he’s going to break mine too.
My phone buzzes, and I grab it out of my pocket.
Deidra: Bonfire’s starting. Are you coming?
Me: Is Rachel there?
Deidra: Yes
Good. I leave my cabin and head for the bonfire so I can talk with Rachel. I haven’t spoken to her much, but she’s always been kind. She’s the regional manager of the Midwest division. I’m going to quit before Sheryl can report anyone.
As I walk toward the bonfire, my kitten ears suddenly feel ridiculous. Like wearing a costume I’ve outgrown but can’t take off. My hair and ears are part of what makes me me. I refuse to believe Sheryl about them being the reason West isn’t affectionate in public. Maybe I am a silly girl for wearing them, but either way, I can’t work with Sheryl anymore. I can’t have someone like her in my life.
The bonfire comes into view, and I see silhouettes of people gathered around. Laughter carries on the breeze as I glance around, looking for West. I don’t see him, but I spot Rachel talking to someone from accounting. I’ve always liked her. She’s efficient but not cruel, the way some managers can be.
When she sees me approaching, she smiles. “Bellarose, I was hoping to catch you before tomorrow. I was just talking about your work in graphics.”
“Thank you.” My voice sounds strange and somewhat distant. “I actually need to talk to you about something important.”
“Of course.” She touches my arm, guiding me away from the group so we’re more private. “Is everything all right? You seem upset.”
I open my mouth to lie, to make up some excuse about family or a new job opportunity, but her eyes hold genuine concern, and I can’t do it.
“I need to resign,” I said. “Effective immediately.”
Rachel’s eyebrows rise, but her expression softens rather than sharpens. “Resign? Bellarose, you’ve been one of our strongest performers. Is this about the retreat? Did something happen?”
I shake my head, my throat tightening. “It’s not a good fit anymore. I can’t—” I gesture vaguely at the cabins, the people, and everything else. “I need to leave.”
She studies me for a moment, then steps closer, lowering her voice. “Is someone making you uncomfortable? Because if there’s harassment, we have protocols to protect you. I don’t want to lose you over something that someone else has done.”
Her kindness almost breaks me. I feel tears prick my eyes and blink them away.
“It’s not like that,” I whisper. “I just can’t be here anymore. Can you process it, please? I don’t want to make a scene.”
Rachel’s hand settles on my shoulder to keep me steady. “How about I process it as a leave of absence first? That will give you time to think over what you want to do. Bellarose, you’re talented. Whatever’s happening, don’t let it drive you away from something you love doing and that you’re exceptional at.”
I almost laugh because I don’t love doing this job. I love creating, but I can do that anywhere.
“I need a clean break,” I say. “Please, Rachel.”
She sighs, but she’s nodding. “All right. I’ll start the paperwork. But I’m putting my number in your phone so you can call me if you need anything. References, recommendations, someone to talk to. Promise me.”
“Promise,” I manage to get out. She’s being so sweet.
She gives me a soft smile as she squeezes my arm one last time. “Also, you should speak with Mr. Hayes first.”
“Rachel—”
“Oh, she’ll be talking to me,” West says. Shit, he’s right behind me. “If you’d give us a moment, Rachel.”
“Of course,” Rachel tells him.
“Also, before you go, I’d like you to handle terminating Sheryl.”
“Consider it done,” Rachel says, then she winks at me before she steps away.
When I turn around, West is standing there with his hands in his pockets. His gaze is fixed on me like I’m the only person in the world. The distance between us feels like miles, and I can see the tension in his shoulders. He wants to move toward me, but he’s holding himself back.
But his eyes—God, his eyes—they burn with everything he whispered to me this morning.
I’m the one to look away first. I have to. I’m in love with this man, and I don’t know what happens next. It scares me in ways I don’t understand.