Total pages in book: 34
Estimated words: 31497 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 157(@200wpm)___ 126(@250wpm)___ 105(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 31497 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 157(@200wpm)___ 126(@250wpm)___ 105(@300wpm)
“See you at lunch,” I tell him and head to Mason’s office.
When I enter, Mason makes me close the door behind me and it puts me on edge. I sit in the chair in front of his desk as he types on his computer. It goes on for a few minutes and he ignores me, so I wait until finally he speaks.
“A promotion would be good for you, Bailey. I know you and Hazel need the money.” I fidget in my lap. It’s odd to hear him talk about my personal situation with Hazel. It’s not his business.
More so because I don’t want anyone digging into it. All it would take is one phone call and the state would know about my mom being MIA. Then I take the risk of them coming to snatch Hazel from me. But I don’t say anything to him. Instead I nod in agreement, keeping my mouth shut.
“I just didn't think you would try to sleep your way to the top.”
All the blood drains from my face when he says that. I know it’s not against company rules to date other people you work with. That much was clear from watching Mason sleep around. Still, I can’t believe he just said that to me.
“It’s not like that,” I defend, but he’s not having it.
He lets out a sound of disgust. “I’m going to give you the promotion, Bailey, so don’t get all worked up.”
Worked up? Seriously? I want to snap back at him, but I remember he’s still my boss and can fire me.
“Thank you,” I manage to say. I keep reminding myself that I need this job. I think of Hazel and the insurance I just got on her. I keep thinking it over and over so I can keep calm.
“All I’m saying is you should rethink your relationship with Mr. Reed.” Mason stands up and comes around his desk to lean on it in front of me. “This promotion is on a trial basis, so if I were you I’d get some things straightened out in your personal life or you’ll be having a lot more free time.” He folds his arms over his chest and I swear he’s trying to puff it out and intimidate me.
In a roundabout way, he’s threatening to fire me if I don’t end things with Shawn. He doesn't outright say it, but it’s there between the lines. He’s an even bigger asshole than I thought.
“Thank you,” I say again before I stand up and turn to leave.
I know he’s doing this because I rejected him. Every time he made a pass at me, I shot him down and now his ego is hurting. And probably more so now that I’m seeing someone. I go to open the door and he speaks again.
“He’ll get tired of you, Bailey. You have too much baggage in your life. Don’t let this fling ruin all the hard work you’ve done around here.”
I feel him come up behind me and I hold still as he moves my hair off my shoulder. Inwardly I cringe at how close he is to me.
“I’d be good to you around here. Just think about that.”
With that he steps back, and I open the door and flee his office. My heart is pounding and I don’t stop until I’m in the women's bathroom, in a stall by myself. I pull my cell phone out and look down at it, wanting to call Shawn. But I don’t want to go crying to him about my boss being an asshole to me. We haven't been together long, and I don’t want him to think I’m taking advantage of him. Reluctantly I put the cell phone back in my pocket, hating how everything was so great just moments ago. Now I could lose it all.
Chapter 8
Shawn
“Shh,” I say to Bailey as I give her another quick kiss.
I’ve just gotten to the store and I pulled her into a hidden corner of the stock room before we have to go. I missed being with her, even though we were only separated for a few hours. It’s clear that I’ve got it bad.
“I don’t want you to stop,” she whispers, and she dips her hands lower to the front of my jeans.
I have to swallow a choked groan when her palm rubs the front and squeezes my hard length. “Bailey, you’ve got to stop,” I say as I take her wrist in my hand. But instead of pulling her hand away, I press it tighter to me.
“Maybe you could stay a little later tonight?” she suggests as she kisses my neck.
My breath catches in my throat and it takes all my willpower to take her hand away and wrap her arms around my waist. I hug her close and kiss the top of her head.