Shit.

But I nodded respectfully, knowing I’d only make things worse if I argued with him. I’d seen other employee argue and try to talk their way out of being reprimanded, only to piss him off more and get a harsher punishment. I knew when to keep my mouth shut.

It was nearly impossible to remain quiet though, so I left his office without waiting to be excused.

The Rikers were nowhere to be seen when I opened the door, which was for the best, because I had a bad feeling I would’ve kicked Ethan’s scrawny ass right there in the hall. I escaped out a side door so I wouldn’t have to run into any of my coworkers and explain what had happened.

When I reached my Jeep, I crawled behind the wheel, defeated, and rested my forehead on the steering wheel after I started the engine.

What the fuck was I supposed to do now? Rees

e was no doubt still at my place with Sarah, where I’d told her I was going to stay away from her. And while it shouldn’t matter that she’d called things off with Riker—because of me—it actually did. A lot.

Since I’d promised myself to keep my distance, I, of course, drove straight to her. The girl just had some kind of crazy power over me. I couldn’t stay away no matter what happened.

I made it home in a strange daze, trying to decide what to say when she asked why I’d come home early. No good excuse came to mind, so by the time I pulled into my driveway, I merely sighed and slumped myself from my Jeep. When I entered the back door, I could hear her melodious voice floating down the hall. I couldn’t make out distinctive words, but from the sound of it, she was reading to my sister again.

I sat at the table and closed my eyes, just listening to her, comforted by the stability her voice brought me. It didn’t seem to matter what I went through, how bizarre or awful my day was, she always seemed to bring me back to an okay place with her laugh and optimism. With her light.

When muffled footsteps echoed down the hall, telling me Sarah was asleep and Reese was approaching, I tensed, needing to see her like I needed my next breath. I bowed my head, trying to put the moment off because I also felt I didn’t deserve any more time with her.

She entered the kitchen and immediately gasped, jerking to a halt and backing into a wall.

“Oh my God. Mason,” she scolded as soon as she was able to talk. “What’re you doing home so early?”

I glanced up from the chair where I sat slouched and sent her a look of utter defeat.

I still had no idea what to say. I couldn’t tell her Riker had tried to get me fired. She’d blame herself. So, I blew out a breath and went for dramatic. “Fate hates me.”

Her brow wrinkled. “Huh?”

I laughed bitterly and shook my head. “I was sent home early and suspended for a week.”

There. At least that was the truth.

Her eyes widened. Pushing away from the wall, she approached me hesitantly, her face plastered with concern. “What happened?”

I snorted and rolled my eyes. “I was freaking distracted and backed into a valet car when I was parking another one. Dinged both of them.” Because I couldn’t look her in the eye as I lied, I dropped my forehead onto the table in front of me and groaned. “I think the only reason my boss didn’t fire me on the spot was because I’m usually a good employee.”

Add a tally to the truth column.

Her expression filled with sad compassion. Hugging her own waist, she said, “I’m so sorry.”

Huh? “For what?” I hadn’t lied to her so she’d end up feeling responsible, anyway. She wasn’t allowed to put this on herself.

She waved her hand. “You know, for causing your distraction.”

“You didn’t. I…” I stood up, determined to put her at ease. “My suspension had nothing to do with you.” Another lie. Total lie. “It was all me. You…you’re not to blame for anything. You’re the good part in all of this.”

Truth. The truths were at least outnumbering the lies, thank God.

I stepped closer, watching her earnestly, needing her to know that she was the best part of everything.

“You’re the warm sun that shines when everything else is dark.” Truth, truth, truth. “A smile and a hug in a roomful of disapproval. You’re…” I cringed knowing I shouldn’t touch her even as I pressed my brow to hers. “You’re everything.”

A tear slipped down her cheek. Then she blurted out a nervous laugh. “I love you, too.”

Confession #26: Did I mention I could make some terrible decisions?

Tags: Linda Kage Forbidden Men Romance
Source: readsnovelonline.net