Total pages in book: 79
Estimated words: 75481 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 377(@200wpm)___ 302(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75481 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 377(@200wpm)___ 302(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
But not just anyone.
I danced, but I felt like I was only going through the motions. And when someone approached me to hook up, I didn’t take him up on it. In fact, I left early—not that Casey and Paul noticed—and got myself off in my own bed.
But it did nothing to calm the storm raging inside me. I lifted my phone and hovered over the last text exchange between Rowan and me, which involved some work thing or another.
I think you ruined me for all clubs.
He replied almost instantaneously, which made me wonder what he was up to. Does this mean you’re already home? No fun hookups?
Not this time.
That’s tragic, he replied, but I could almost hear the relief in his message. At least, I was pretending to, given our history.
Truly.
If it makes you feel any better, I think you ruined me for all boring assistants. No others will do.
You ass. I couldn’t help grinning. Good night, Ro.
I typed the nickname on purpose, to rub it in or something. Or maybe just because I liked the reaction it got from him.
You’re insufferable. Good night.
I hugged my phone to my chest and shut my eyes because it was the best I’d get from Rowan Abernathy. A crappy text alone in my bed.
23
The following Thursday, Rowan came into work looking a bit worse for wear. His eyes were red-rimmed, he’d left a bit of scruff on his chin, which was so unlike him, and he seemed…subdued. Even his clothes were restrained. Black on top of black like he was trying to cover himself up—or maybe just his emotions.
“You had dinner with Lorenzo last night?” I asked, even though it had definitely been on his schedule, but it was hard to tell whether Rowan would follow through or not. After all, their lunch had been canceled last month—likely by Rowan. It was obvious Rowan had leftover daddy issues he didn’t want to face, and it probably had everything to do with their strained relationship.
He looked so pathetic that I wanted to comfort him or reassure him or something, but he was like a porcupine, and the minute you got too close, he swatted you, leaving behind painful quills.
“What about it?” he snapped, proving my point.
“No need to bite my head off,” I lobbed back. “You just look a bit tired and…out of sorts.”
He immediately began fiddling with his clothing in the mirror as if someone would hold it against him.
“I suppose it doesn’t matter. Everyone has their days.” He sighed, trying to fluff his hair one last time before backing away.
“You look perfectly stylish,” I said, knowing that was what he needed to hear. “Just tired. I could’ve gotten you a double shot of espresso had you warned me you needed an extra boost.”
He shrugged. “I’ll have to learn how to fetch my own coffee in due time.”
I rolled my eyes. “Dramatic much?” Christ, this guy was laying it on thick. He had been all week, acting like the walls might cave in when I walked out the door. I should’ve been flattered, but instead, I was second-guessing my decision, even knowing it was the right one.
Rowan had reluctantly agreed to make an offer to Beth, who would officially start her employment after the summer break. He’d insisted she shadow me a couple of days next week to teach her the ropes. Though she seemed perfectly capable of figuring it out herself.
But the decision made everything feel real…and surreal too. Clearly, I’d have a hard time walking away, which was why I already had a trip home planned. Visiting my family and getting far away from the city would help—or not. That remained to be seen. Still, upon my return, I will have placed some distance between us, the show would be on break, and I’d be ready to tackle job interviews. So far, I didn’t have any bites except with the temp agency, but I’d decided to give myself a little more wiggle room. If push came to shove, I’d definitely take whatever job was offered as long as it didn’t involve the world of fashion.
The day went on as usual, except people appeared to take notice of Rowan’s downcast demeanor and mood. Even Kendall seemed concerned, and hell, if he didn’t pull himself together soon, he would give everyone the wrong impression—something he hated.
None of my business. Not anymore.
“Are we all set for tomorrow?” Kendall asked, despite knowing the answer, so she was likely trying to engage him in conversation.
She had a guest appearance on another TV show and then a commercial spot in the afternoon. Those shoots made for even longer days. All the camera angles and takes and Rowan having to make even more clothing decisions to cover all the bases.
“Absolutely.” Rowan stood taller. It was important to him to always appear professional, so maybe that would make him snap out of it. “Shae will be picking up the last of the options tonight.”