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“I was wondering if you could help me out.”
“How much are you talking?”
“Like, fifty thousand, give or take.” She keeps her voice light like this is no big ask.
“What are you doing for work these days?”
“Oh, um. I’m into real estate.”
I’d see if I could get her a job at the company, but I don’t want this woman in my life. I don’t mind helping out an old friend, but I’m getting the impression she’s not in the mood to work for the money.
“And it’s not going so well for you?” I ask.
“Oh, well, it’s going okay.” She waves a hand. “But life gets expensive. You know how it is.”
“Did you realize I was planning to propose to you before you picked my roommate over me?” I say.
“You were?” She genuinely looks surprised.
“Yes. And everything I have would have been yours, too. But you decided you wanted to take your life in another direction.”
“I made a mistake, Kaison. Can’t you let go of the past?”
“I can. But I’ve also learned from it too.” I stand. “I think it’s time for you to leave.”
“So you’re not willing to help me out?”
“I would think that answer was obvious to you,” I say.
“What about twenty-five?”
I can’t believe she’s still trying to milk me for money.
“I don’t think so. But I do know some older guys in Dubai that might be willing to help you out.”
“Really?”
“That was supposed to be a joke,” I say. Although, the guys I’m thinking of probably would take it seriously. She looks like their type.
“Just give it some thought.” She smiles at me and tosses that silky, most likely fake ponytail over her shoulder. “I’ll be in touch.”
I walk her to the door, and I open it for her. “See you later,” I tell her.
She blows me a kiss and waves as she gets in her car, and I make a mental note to block her number and to notify the security guard not to let her in next time. Who knows how she’s sweet-talked him into letting her onto the property?
I turn to see Ariana staring out the conference room window at us. She doesn’t look happy either.
21
ARIANA
I’m such an idiot for letting Kaison into my heart. I’d allowed myself to become vulnerable. I’d kissed him in the stupid hot tub, for Pete’s sake, which is totally unlike me.
I don’t give my kisses away easily. They mean something to me. I’ve been falling steadily for Kaison ever since I’ve met him, against my better judgement. But my silly heart thought it knew better.
And now I’ve made a complete fool of myself. People in this town think I’m dating Kaison, and it’s probably going to end up getting spread across the internet once the paparazzi pick up on the story.
I’ve just discredited myself as a professional. This kind of gossip follows you on the internet. Potential employers google your name these days. I don’t want the reputation of the girl who dates around the office. How can I work with Kaison now that I’ve let him into my heart? Knowing that he’s likely starting something with his ex again?