Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 89674 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 448(@200wpm)___ 359(@250wpm)___ 299(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 89674 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 448(@200wpm)___ 359(@250wpm)___ 299(@300wpm)
“Take the next few days off because no one needs to see this.” He waved his finger up and down the length of my body. I followed his gaze, uncertain about what was wrong. He had a point. My dress shirt was nearly fully untucked, and I was wearing mismatched shoes. “Get your head right and come back ready to tackle the world. We need you on your A game.”
My mind resisted his instruction, not due to my dedication to the job, but from the dread of being left alone inside my own head. I feared I wouldn’t survive the company I’d be forced to keep.
“It’s not open for discussion. Let’s make it a solid week. You haven’t taken time off since you started. Take a vacation. Go to one of those all-inclusive resorts or go see family. I won’t allow this to detract from your senior partner vote next month.”
Wow. The vote hadn’t crossed my mind. The pressure of becoming a junior partner had me wringing my hands for months. Now, faced with something as significant as a senior partner—a full equity partner—I didn’t appear to give a single shit.
My answers were taking shape whether I wanted to accept them or not. Beau had yet again clarified my priorities. He was number one on the list—my list, any fucking list. I kept that news to myself and nodded. I’d take the week with the hope of resigning by the time I returned.
“You stopped paying attention again.” Lon shoved me in the direction of my car. “Go home. Keep your phone on for any questions.”
With a glance at said phone, I saw a new notification run across my screen. Without a concrete plan in mind, I decided to pack lightly then head to the Houston airport. Beau had booked a room at an inn located on the far side of Sea Springs. If he wouldn’t talk to me by phone, then he was going to deal with me in person.
23: The Bath
Beau/Dash
Beau
Two days later
Sea Springs Texas
I scratched my itchy facial growth, realizing that my reluctance to shave might not have been my best decision. When the itch crept up to my scalp, I had to remember the last time I’d taken a shower. It must have been the night before I returned home... Wait. Chicago was never truly my home, and I refused to accept it as such. The last place I lived that felt like I belonged was my grandparents’ house. They always told me that their place would be mine someday.
My eyes narrowed. Man, I was going emotionally lower than low. I also needed to bathe. As I lifted my arm to check the smell of my pit, I was relieved to find it wasn’t that bad. So much like I’d done since arriving, I aimed the remote at the television and flipped through the channels to find something to watch.
I’d spent the better part of my hotel stay in this bed, either snuggled under the covers or lying on top like I was doing right now. My Dash-induced depression weighed heavy on me. When I first arrived, I decided to give myself a solid week before I pulled my life back together. I needed a job—FedEx canned me for leaving without notice—and a new place to live. I also had to find somewhere to keep my boat.
A knock interrupted my pity party, causing me to glare at the door. Since I’d declined housekeeping, and had the snoozing door hanger on the door, no one should be bothering me. So I’d ignore them until another knock, much louder and longer this time, had me sitting up. Anger licked up my spine.
I flung the remote on the mattress as I headed for the door. Another knock sounded at the same time as I peered through the peephole. I only saw darkness, which was weird. Fuck that, I jerked open the door, swinging it wide. There stood Dash, looking as dashing as ever, wealthy and runway ready. My senses were assaulted, but somehow my brain stayed clear. I clasped the side of the door and sent it slamming shut.
Naturally, Dash denied me the satisfaction that came from hearing a slam. His foot stopped the door from closing, allowing him to enter my room uninvited. “How the fuck did you find me so fast?”
Dash didn’t immediately answer. He looked me up and down then up again. I zoned into the red rim around his pretty blue eyes, I’d missed that on the first glance. Otherwise, he was on point, his slacks and fitted button-up shirt framed him perfectly. When his gaze shifted around my room, I followed to see what he was seeing. Only then did I see the pigsty I’d created. It didn’t matter. Pinning aside the depression and hurt from moments ago, I focused on his superior attitude, my back went ramrod straight.