Manage My Heart (New Year New Me 2)

“I’ve worked too hard to lose everything.” He glances away.

“What are you saying?”

“I think it’d be best if you head back early. Take the rest of the week off.”

Reaching out, I grip his arm. “What happened?”

“I told you, he—”

“No. This is not you, Weston. I know you.”

His head snaps up. “Maybe you don’t. Listen, the past couple of days have been great, but this is my future.”

I physically shrink back from his words. “It wasn’t for me.”

“What?” The fear in his eyes makes something in me shrivel up and die.

“Nothing.” I shake my head and toss back the blanket. “You’re right. It was a fun time. Now it’s over. I’ll make the arrangements to leave.” I won’t let him see me fall apart. There will be plenty of time for that later.

“Adora—”

I hold up my hand. “Don’t make this anymore awkward than it already is, Weston. I’m good at cleaning up after you. This won’t be any different.”

He winces. I ignore his pained expression and move into the bathroom, locking the door behind me. Rushing over to the shower, I start up the spray as my shoulders begin to shake. The first sob breaks through, only to be drowned out by the water. I thought living with my feelings while he remained ignorant was bad. But this is so much worse because I know the way he feels moving inside of me and how he looks at someone he cares about. How he’ll never look at me again.

I step under the streamy spray and let it all out. It’s time to put this chapter behind me. He made it clear how he feels. His priority is with Alby. I can start the next stage of my life fresh, and won’t that be wonderful? No, it won’t. I stay in the shower until the water runs cool. After drying off, I fix my face and my attitude. He wants Personal Assistant Adora, that’s who he’ll get.

The door opens, and he jumps up from the desk against the far wall. “Adora.”

I arch an eyebrow. “I’m not royalty. You don’t have to stand when I enter the room. I’m going to get dressed and then start working on the new flight plans.”

“I don’t want to leave things like this.” He shoves his hand into his pockets.

“Like what, Weston? This is the way we’ve always been. This week was an unexpected left turn that we both decided to steer away from.” I shrug.

He shakes his head. “You’re mad.”

“I’m not mad.” I’m shattered.

“Then why are you talking to me like a robot?” He gestures toward me.

“I’m speaking to you like an employee to her boss.”

His face wrinkles like he tasted something bitter. “Don’t do this.”

You did it. My watch goes off. “You should freshen up. Breakfast is only thirty minutes from now.”

He looks at me, obviously torn between continuing our argument and his job, and points at me. “Don’t go anywhere.”

“Make up your mind. Do you want me to leave or don’t you?” I snap.

“Not before we talk.”

Oh, I’m done listening to you tell me what to do. “Tick. Tock.” I tap my watch, and he swears. Turning, he stomps into the bathroom. The bathroom door clicks shut, and I rush into action, slipping into a comfortable pair of joggers and a long T-shirt. I open my phone and find the next flight out of Heathrow. It’ll be a tight squeeze, but I can’t stay here another moment. I’d rather camp out in the airport overnight. I let him in, and he broke me. I was so stupid, reading too much into his actions. Closing my eyes, I rub my eyelids and hang my head. I can beat myself up from the comfort of my own home. I was going to wait for the right time to resign. Now there’s no reason for that.

Flight booked, I begin to pack, folding and separating soiled and clean clothes. West emerges with a towel slung low on his hips. I ignore him as he moves around, getting dressed.

“Won’t you even look at me?” he asks softly.