Ask Me Why(74)

He chuckles. “Maybe you should start acting like it.”

I curl my fingers into a fist under my desk. “With all due respect, I’ve never stepped out of line in all the years I’ve been working here.”

His beady eyes narrow on mine. “That can change very quickly.”

I blow out the fire in my veins. “I’m good, sir. Just a bad few days. We all have them.”

“Get your damn head in the game. I don’t need clients or employees complaining.”

A wrecking ball barrels into me. I force my features to remain neutral. “Have they?”

Don flings a meaty hand at me. “Only rumors. Nothing worth reporting.”

Why the fuck is he interrupting my day for this hearsay drivel? Three fucking strikes and I’m burning out. This day just needs to end. I tug at the collar of my shirt. If I didn’t have a meeting in an hour, the top button would be popped.

I swallow the sand in my throat. “I’ll make sure it doesn’t turn into an actual issue.”

He nods. “Good. I’d hate to rescind your promotion. We know you’re a bit of a wild card, but the risk was easy. These recent developments have us worried. We don’t need bad press.”

I rip through the company catalogue, searching for the asshole who reported me. The easy assumption would be Kathy. But if I go, so does she. That’d be a real stupid choice.

My gaze locks on his. “I won’t let you down, sir.”

Don strokes his chin. “You need a vacation?”

One swift jerk of my head. “Nah, I’m good.”

“Maybe it’s not an option.”

I ease back in my chair. “You forcing me out?”

“Are you giving me a reason to force you out?”

My seams fray and I push. “Maybe.”

He snorts. “Cut the cocky shit, Brance. Get it together, or we’ll be discussing your position here.”

I glare at him, knowing the threat is thin. He can’t fire me without a fight. I’d take half the clients with me. But I still relent with a grunt.

“Fine. I’ll curb the attitude.”

He knocks on my desk. “That’s all I’m asking.”

I nod. “Don’t worry, sir. I’ll get it handled.”

Don stands, straightening his suit. “Tell that little boy of yours hello for me.”

“Will do.” I offer him a hand to shake. He takes it, applying more pressure than necessary. I quirk a brow. Really, old man? Get back to the golf course.

After he leaves and I’m left in silence, reality seeps in. It’s a damn bitter pill. Everything is fucking unraveling. I need to get a grip and shove through this dip.

Of the three, that last conversion stuns me most. I’m a fucking professional. I didn’t work this damn hard to piss it all away over a woman. This job allows me to provide for my son. Nothing has the power to fuck with that.

Mary’s concern clangs in my ear. Ollie is top priority. I’ll start by patching up the recent dents this lapse in judgement are causing. He’ll forgive me. And one day he might understand. The thought of him turning into a scorned asshole leaves me chilled. I’ll do my best to avoid that.

I crack my knuckles and settle in. This might be a long-ass day after all. I’ll clean up my act and forget about Braelyn. Two insignificant problems with one large boulder.





Braelyn



Flicker



My house is too quiet, but that’s nothing new. A few blissful months couldn’t change what always lurks just under the surface. Reality is a cruel bitch. I couldn’t escape for long. And here I am. Right back where I started.

But I’m going to be fine. Better than that.

I allow my eyelids to slide shut. The comforting words form on my lips. I’m strong enough. Today is better than yesterday. Nothing will break me again. I’ve been repeating these since stumbling out of Brance’s house a week ago. So far, it’s been vital for keeping my head above water. I’m not drowning today.

Loneliness echoes off the floors, a taunting sound I can’t hide from. I hate it. The hollow feeling festers, bubbling inside of me with no outlet. I’m one step away from getting a dog or cat. Something to take the isolation away. Companionship would be a bonus.

The lack of sleep isn’t helping. All I see is Brance. In my own damn house. He’s haunting me. The thought is laughable considering the visions are erotic. He’s banging me into the wall. So hard that the picture frames crash with our thrusts. He’s carrying me up the stairs and into my shower. The mirrors steam up with our pleasure. He’s spreading me out on the kitchen table, feasting on me for hours. Who needs food when we have each other?

Okay, enough. I need to get out of here.

I toss my purse over a shoulder and dash outside. Keys in hand, I slip behind the wheel of my car. With a quick twist the engine is purring. I grab the stretched leather in front of me. A circuit misfires in my brain. Where the hell am I going?

The idea of visiting Devon waffles through the cobwebs. The last thing I need is more silence. And talking to him about Brance doesn’t seem right. I’m not sure he’d appreciate what my mind has been picturing. I settle on driving until something strikes.

Down the winding roads I go. Light filters between the overhead trees, showing me the way. I follow with an easy smile—my first natural one in days. In the end, I turn my car onto Vicksburg Road and drive toward the cliffs. The steep views from Cliffton Heights have always been my favorite. They’re the best for rainbow sightings. Catching the rain on my face. Listening to nature surround me with music. Feeling the wind twist my hair. All the organic beauty often overlooked.