❝ꋬⲧℓᥲ𝖘❞

I picked up my phone for the hundredth time since I’d touched down in Montana. My fingers hovered over Crazy Girl, but I locked the screen and set the device back on the desk. I still didn’t know what to say. It was the most important pitch of my life, and I was at a loss.

My dad’s advice about winging it or giving her what she wanted was impossible because I had no idea what the woman wanted. I needed to talk to her. I knew that. But I wanted to do it in person. I wanted to look into her eyes and tell her how I felt.

But I needed the right words.

Maybe I should suggest we meet up for dinner or coffee or something.

If I could remember how to get to her apartment, I’d show up at the door in a heartbeat. But then again, maybe I’d have the same issue I had every fucking time I picked up the phone.

Because if she said no—to dinner or coffee or even to feeling anything, to trying again for real—it was over. And the possibility froze me solid.

A knock on the doorframe brought me back to the present. I was settling into things at the corporate office of Myers Water, but I was still getting used to the number of people who kept popping in. Most stopped by to introduce themselves, but the constant stream hadn’t stopped even after two days.

I looked up at the open doorway, and my eyes widened. All dark hair and curves. I took in her black leggings, letting my gaze run over her hip and up to her shoulder, where the gray sweater hung loosely. Collarbones and creamy skin.

I swallowed hard before finally meeting her bright blue eyes.

Jesus, sheʼs beautiful.

And it floored me every time I looked at her.

My heart sped up.

“Hey” Erin’s pouty lips turned up slightly.

“Hi,” I croaked and cleared my throat.

She crossed her arms, pushing her breasts up and making my mouth go dry. My brain screamed at him to invite her in and tell her to sit down. But my heart pounded in my ears and my words caught in his throat as I took in every inch of her skin, the waves in her hair, each curve of her body. I longed to touch her. Feel her against me. To hear her laugh, moan.

“Congrats on...” She waved her hand around the office.

I didn’t give a shit about the job at the moment, but I nodded.

“Thanks.” I took a breath, racking my brain for the right words. Because this—she—mattered too much to mess it up. “Come in?”

Hesitantly, she scanned the space and swallowed before moving the five feet from my door to stand behind the chair across the desk. Her hand rested on the leather back, her dark blue polish catching my attention as she gripped the seat back.

I tried not to be discouraged when she didn’t sit. But dread grew in the pit of my stomach when she wouldn’t meet my eye either.

“I don’t know if you heard, but, um,” she tucked a long wave behind her ear and cleared her throat, “I start here, as Belinda’s assistant, tomorrow.”

The words turned up at the end. Like she was hoping for something. But it wasn’t news to me. There was no doubt in my mind that she would rock her new position.

“And since this is clearly…” She shrugged and waved her hand between us. “I didn’t want to do this on my first day.”

I shook my head and swallowed hard. My chest caved in on itself as the realization hit. She’d come to clear the air. But this was my chance to finally talk to her. To tell her how I felt. To take a chance without letting my pride stop me.

“I came by to make sure we were…that it wouldn’t be a problem, you know. Us j-just...” a small crease appeared between her eyes as her brow furrowed, “...working together.”

The words echoed in my ears.

Just working together.

If that was what she wanted, I’d respect her wishes, but damn, seeing her here every day would crush me. Even the idea of putting her in the coworker only category felt wrong. Not being able to touch her. To whisper in her ear, to make her moan my name. But I’d do it.

“It won’t,” I assured with a fake smile that every fiber of my being wanted to rebel against. “I’ll be the best damn coworker ever. I know this job is important to you.”

This opportunity for her in the lab was huge and I wanted it for her.

Finally, her blue eyes met me, almost like they were pleading, but for what, I didn’t know. I’d given her everything, and she didn’t want it.

“Right.” She shrugged. “S-see you tomorrow.”

She turned, but I swear I saw tears in her eyes before she looked away. But she walked out of my office without looking back.

This was it. Over. She’d walked away again. Just like when the door clicked shut behind her at the hotel, I wanted to chase her. More than anything. But just like last time, I didn’t have the right words.

I sank into my chair and dropped my head into my hands.

What could I have said differently?

I scoffed.

“Anything.”

Then my heart skipped.

Who the fuck cared if I had the perfect words? I just needed to try some words.