Charming Co-Worker - Jeannine Colette Page 0,67
in his date?”
I hold up a finger to correct him. “Not his date. His colleague.”
“You made New Year’s Eve plans with him?”
I glance to the side and back, wondering what the appropriate answer is for this. “I’m attending a gala with my boss as a promotional opportunity. After tomorrow’s presentation, he thinks it will be a great event for me to get out there and mingle with broadcasting’s finest.”
“How does he know your presentation is going to be any good? You could suck.”
“Hunter!” I scold. “How dare you! You have no idea what kind of pressure I’m under to get this right in time. Time, which you are using up right now.”
He rises from my desk and runs a hand through his hair. “Now, I’m wasting your time?” He spins around and looks over at the garment bag. “Where did that come from?”
“Saks. Isn’t it obvious?”
He sags with a no-shit expression. “I meant, why is it here and not at your apartment?”
I stand, feeling uncomfortable sitting here. “I had to have it altered so they delivered it here.”
His eyes widen as he steps away. His expression hardens. His hands are on his hips, and I feel there’s a need for me to speak and see why he’s giving me the caramel-eyed death stare, but I’m not sure what to say.
Hunter slowly paces the room. “Don’t you think this is a little too convenient? A week ago, the guy wouldn’t give you the time of day. Now, he’s asking you to Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, and who knows what other eve he has in mind?”
I step back, feeling virtually slapped by his words. “Did it ever cross your mind that I’m damn good at my job and my boss is rewarding me?”
“Rewarding you,” he says sarcastically.
“Yes. Don’t you remember how I said he’s been introducing me to people who will help further my career? He says some pretty important people will be there, so he had me go pick out a dress, so I’d fit the attire.”
“Are you saying he paid for your dress as well?” His voice gets angrier with every word.
“What do you mean by that? And I think you need to take a moment before you say something you’re going to regret.” I cross my arms in a huff. “You can’t be mad because I’m going to a work event.”
“Of course I’m not mad about that. You know I’m a reasonable man. I’ve watched you work for him for two years. Going to that party is a big deal. I get it. I’m upset because you purposefully didn’t tell me, which only leads me to believe that, deep down, you still want him.”
“You have no idea what I want.”
He puts his palms up in retreat. “I started fake dating you just so he’d finally notice you. You don’t go from pining for someone for so long to just flipping the switch. I guess you got exactly what you wanted this whole time. Have a happy New Year with him.”
I inhale, shocked at everything he just said. Before I can even process his statement, he flings the door open.
I head over and push it closed, trapping him in. “Don’t walk away.” I hold my chin up to him in defiance. “What’s the matter, Hunter? Is the clock running out on our fake relationship? Two weeks is just a few days away.”
“You’re just angry because I don’t need a relationship to be fulfilled,” he bites back. “You’re happy to be some guy’s ball and chain just so you’re not alone in your fairyland.”
That’s the problem with fighting with a Sagittarius. His words hurt more than he can imagine.
“I don’t know why you’re so upset, Hunter. You want nothing more than the freedom to explore and experience everything life has to offer. What happens when the day comes where I can’t just run off to a castle or your parents’ or go sledding in the park? What happens when you’re no longer intrigued by me?”
“If that’s what you think, then you know nothing about me. I bet you thought this was just a bullshit relationship. It was fake to you this whole time, wasn’t it?”
I shake my head, tears streaming down my eyes. “It is real. And it’s been beautiful, and we didn’t even get a chance to get started before you came in here with your plans without asking me first. I’ll go with you the next day. Book a six in the morning flight and start the New