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“I love a good skillet—you know, eggs, potatoes, sausage, toast. And I’d kill for some coffee. Someone kept me up too late last night.” She sent me an accusatory glare.

“Someonewill be making up for that with the best skillet of your life. See you when you’re done.”

42

Farrah

The meeting with HR was... awkward.

Especially when Shantel reminded us it was against company policy to fraternize on company grounds.

My cheeks flushed bright red, thinking of all the things we’d already done, during and after work hours at The Retreat. When Shantel saw my reaction, she barely bit back a smile.

“I know you’re the owner of the company, Gage, so you technically can’t be fired or demoted, but you do set the tone for your employees. If you ignore the rules, the more likely it is that your team may do the same.”

Next to me, Gage wasn’t the sweet guy with a soft side; he was the commanding CEO I first met. “We understand.”

I nodded in agreement, instinctively reaching for his hand. But he shrugged away from my touch, and my cheeks heated again.

This would be strange... It was one thing to have a purely physical relationship and pretend nothing was happening at work. But to have my heart beside me and act as if it meant nothing all day? That would be a challenge for me.

“In fact,” Shantel said, “now that we know about your relationship, company policy advises against you two working alone together. Any meeting you have should be attended by a third party or take place with the doors open. And Gage, it’s high time you moved back into your office. Farrah is clearly doing a great job at The Retreat, and we have security present, so it isn’t unsafe for her to work there on her own.”

My stomach sank. Working at The Retreat by myself? Unable to see Gage every day? I thought this meeting was about coming clean, but it felt like it was designed to break us apart. A strong pang filled my chest as I realized how little time we’d get together once he moved back to this building. I had three kids to care for as a full-time mom. I couldn’t shuck my responsibilities at home to get extra time with him outside of work.

Of course, I’d sound pathetic to say any of this out loud, especially with Shantel here.

Since we didn’t have any more questions, she called in Griffen Industries’ head of public relations, explaining that we needed training on how to interact with the media.

She introduced herself as Tallie, giving me a firm handshake. From her charcoal pantsuit to her slicked back red ponytail, I could tell she meant business.

After brief introductions, she gave me a laminated sheet with talking points, saying, “Please go over these as quickly as possible. Paparazzi got shots of you two eating dinner with Gage’s family last night, and it’s very clear you’re romantically involved. With Gage’s celebrity status, it’s likely you’ll be confronted by reporters sooner rather than later. Remember, you can always say, ‘No comment.’”

I looked over the list, reading the lines she wanted me to have ready.

Gageand I met during work and quickly realized we admired each other.

Our relationship is completelyseparate from the business, and business always comes first.

“I can’t say this,” I said, gesturing to the list. “What would my children think if they heard me saying we come second to his job?”

Tallie tapped her chin. “We should probably bring your kids in for a press briefing as well.”

“We won’t be bringing my children in for anything,” I nearly growled. “They’re not a part of this.”

“They absolutely are,” she said. “It won’t be long before reporters have pictures of your entire family on social media or interview your ex about you. Have you checked your social media yet today? You’ve gained a fifty thousand followers in the last half hour.” She looked at Gage. “You really should have consulted me before starting a relationship. Jason Romero’s approval rating is already down fourteen points, and he has been blowing up Mia’s phone line demanding a meeting with you.”

My eyes widened. “It’s hurting his campaign for governor?Why?”

“According to social media sentiment, it’s because they don’t trust that your intentions are pure. Divorce is a big no-no for a large number of his supporters. Add on the fact that a broke single mom suddenly gets a high-paying job at Griffen Industries after years off work, and then it comes out she’s sleeping with the boss when she’s only been divorced a few months?” Tallie shook her head sagely. “It also seems impulsive on Gage’s part. Two things people don’t want in a company leader?” She held up two fingers. “Impulsivity and gullibility.”

My jaw dropped open at her words, angry tears filling my eyes. “How could you say that?”

“She’s not saying it’s true,” Gage explained. “That’s just how voters are perceiving it.”

She nodded resolutely. “With some reassurances and time, this nightmare will blow over, but until then, we need to play our cards very carefully or we risk Romero pulling out of the deal.”

Did she really just call my relationship with Gage, my first relationship post-divorce, a nightmare? “I’m going to need a second,” I said, pushing up from the desk.