Total pages in book: 114
Estimated words: 112701 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 564(@200wpm)___ 451(@250wpm)___ 376(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 112701 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 564(@200wpm)___ 451(@250wpm)___ 376(@300wpm)
The shame is intense, and now that my mom knows the whole truth, guilt wracks me, despite her words of assurance.
“Why didn’t you tell me about this before?”
She’s hurt. I can hear it in her voice. I’ve never kept secrets from her. Not since my dad died.
I sigh. “How many daughters talk so openly about these things with their moms?”
“I’m not interested in what other people do, Raven. You know I’d never judge you. You’re an adult. You’ve always been open with me.”
“I know,” I cry. “I guess I was just . . . ashamed,” I admit. “You warned me not to go there, and I didn’t listen.”
And therein lies my biggest regret. I’d been warned, and for the first time in a very long time, I didn’t listen to her.
“It sounds like it was unavoidable. The universe was throwing you together from the beginning.”
“Mom, please don’t start,” I beg.
She’s always been very spiritual. She believes some people are placed in our paths for a reason. The last thing I want to hear is that the universe wanted something to happen between Charles and me. We’re not destined like she and my dad were. We’re simply a momentary lapse. A mistake that should’ve been avoided because I’m smarter than this.
“He’s my boss.”
“And you had no idea who he was that first night. We can’t help who we fall for.”
It’s something I’ve told myself numerous times. That way, the situation doesn’t feel so taboo. But I didn’t fall in love. I fell into a lust trap. Something a stronger woman could’ve easily walked away from.
“I didn’t ask for this.”
“Exactly,” she says.
“I don’t have feelings for him. It was a one—okay, two—time thing.”
I’m on a roll, stamping down my hurt and forging a will of steel.
“You don’t?” My mom cuts in, confusing me.
“Don’t what?”
“Have feelings for Charles?”
She doesn’t sound convinced. If anything, her voice has a hint of challenge, and I don’t like it.
“Of course not,” I bite out, tone full of indignation. “It’s lust, pure and simple. He’s charming, gorgeous, and a smooth talker with that stupid British accent of his. Probably has a string of girls he beds, here and across the pond. I practically threw myself at his feet, begging to be one of the numbers.”
That thought is a serious blow to my ego. I’m not that girl. I don’t do random hookups with men I have no shot at a future with.
What was I thinking?
“You know me, Mom. That’s not the sort of thing I would allow. It is so out of character.”
“Mm-hmm,” she says, not saying a word more, so I continue.
“A simple fling is supposed to remain just a one-time thing. After the night at Silver, I never should’ve seen him again. This is New York City, not some small town.”
“True,” she offers.
“It’s not every day that your fling turns out to be your boss.”
“Excellent point, Raven. I’m glad you’re coming to terms with the fact that fate made this happen.”
I completely ignore her. That’s one thing we’ll never agree on. Fate had nothing to do with this.
“I told him not to kiss me again.”
At least, I think I did. It was strongly alluded to, at the very least.
“And he didn’t listen?” Her tone turns lethal. You don’t mess with her baby and get away with it. “You don’t want a guy like that. If he does this often, he’s not for you. No matter how good-looking or charismatic he is.”
“Right,” I say.
“You want someone who will treat you like the prize you are.”
“Absolutely,” I say, sounding like a cheerleader getting pumped up by her captain before a game. “You’re right. I definitely deserve better than that. And I’m glad I’ve put a stop to it.”
“I suppose it’s going to be awkward for a while, but there’s nothing much you can do about that. Eventually, everything will go back to normal, and you’ll forget this whole sordid thing happened.”
Unless it doesn’t.
What if Charles ends up being like all the other stuffy executives who mess with their employees and run them out of the office when they’re done with them?
“What if he makes my life miserable?” I voice my concern, and a tear leaks from the corner of my eye.
“Do you really believe he’ll do that? Is he truly that bad?” Her voice is soft.
I consider the question, thinking back on all the moments with him. Charles doesn’t seem like the type. He gave me a chance even after realizing I was the woman from Silver. He listened to my ideas and got on board. He’s always been fair. His company means everything to him, and I believe I’ve proven my worth.
“No, I don’t.” I don’t even have to think any more about it. “He’s not a bad guy at all, Mom. I’m just . . . angry with myself.”