The Office Rival: An Enemies-to-Lovers Romance

“Is that where you and what’s his face were getting married?” he asks with a bitter tone, while continuing to stare at the church.

“Jason, and no. Jason wanted to get married at his priest’s church out in Jersey.”

Since he has decided to bring up weddings, I can’t think of a better time to ask.

“And you? Eloise says you’ll be getting married soon.”

“Did she?” He appears agitated. “I don’t know. I don’t get involved.”

“But it’s your wedding,” I state, slightly confused.

“I’m just not interested in the finer details,” he tells me, hesitating a little.

“I know how you feel. I was excited about Jason proposing, but when it came time to planning, I lost interest. I guess that’s how I knew something wasn’t right. I always thought it would be the most exciting time in my life.”

He exhales, rolling his eyes like an immature brat. “That’s a stupid woman thing. Men don’t care. Plan all you want as long we’re told when and where to turn up, that’s all that matters. Oh, and the bachelor party.”

“Ugh, that’s such a guy thing. I don’t understand why you need to see strippers as a send-off into marriage. It’s not like you can do anything with the strippers. You’ve pretty much been tied down since the moment you asked someone on that first date,” I argue.

“You’re delusional. Do you know how many of my friends had sex with a stripper the night before their wedding?”

“Are… are you serious? First of all, I thought you weren’t even allowed to touch a stripper. Second, what’s the point of getting married, then? Just stay single and play the field.”

He stops mid-step, running his hands through his hair then turns to face me. “Some people don’t have a choice, Presley.”

I look at him and laugh. “Everyone has a choice, Haden. It’s called decision-making. It’s part of being a grown-up.”

Walking toward the park bench, we take a seat in front of the church.

“And now what? You’re going to have a baby. What about finding yourself someone?” he asks uncomfortably.

I hate this question because even when I ask myself the same thing, it always ends badly.

Cats. Cats… everywhere.

“I have no clue. I know why it’s good to be married while you’re pregnant,” I say without even thinking.

He turns to me, resting his arm along the top of the bench. “Why?”

“Why? We’re both adults. It’s not hard to figure out why. Pregnancy hands you a bag of hormones, and somehow, you’re expected to carry on and pretend it does not affect you whatsoever. Plus, everything is aching, swollen, and I swear, I’m this close to getting a membership at the sketchy massage joint downtown.”

Haden shakes his head while grinning. “You have no problem being honest, do you?”

“We crossed the secrets bridge when you took your pants off.”

“I think you took my pants off.” He smirks.

“What?” My cheeks are flushed, but it’s also hot out and below. “We were both drunk, but I swear it was all you.”

“I wasn’t drunk.”

I look at him. “Yes, you were.”

“I rode my bike. I never ride my bike if I’ve been drinking.”

I let out a panicked laugh. “I saw you drinking.”

“That was root beer.”