Page 7 of Anti-Hero (Kensingtons: The Next Generation #2)

I flop back down on my mattress in a sprawled, starfish position. It’s lumpy in two spots, but I’m too tired and hungover to care.

On the way home from yesterday’s interview, I celebrated possible employment by picking up sushi and buying a cheap bottle of wine. One—or both—disagreed with my stomach. I vomited twice overnight and still feel nauseous.

My phone begins buzzing on the wooden wine crate I found for free at a liquor store in Dumbo and repurposed as my bedside table. I groan, strongly consider not answering, then lift my head just high enough to read who’s calling.

It’s Lili.

We met up for dinner a couple of nights ago.

I’d texted her on Monday, finally letting her know I was in New York.

It turned out, she was in London—something Kit had not mentioned for some reason—but about to return home.

We’d made plans to get together once she was back in the city.

During our dinner, I copped to my current unemployment, so I texted her on my way home yesterday, letting her know my interview went well.

She’s probably calling for more details.

I grab my phone, roll over in bed, and answer. “Hey,” I rasp.

“Hi!” Unlike mine, Lili’s voice is cheery and clear. “Fun night?”

“Not exactly.” I rub at my gritty eyes with my free hand. “I think I have food poisoning.”

“Oh no!” Her bright tone instantly transforms to sympathetic. “Do you need anything?”

“I’m good. Thanks. Starting to feel a little better.”

“Well, this should cheer you up even more—you’re employed!”

“Wait, what? It was just an interview, Lili, not?—”

She laughs. “I know. I’m talking about another job—at Kensington Consolidated. You start on Monday! Assuming you’re feeling up to it, of course. If you’re still sick, I’m sure you can start a few days later.”

When Lili found out I was job-hunting, she said she’d check if her family’s company was hiring.

I didn’t dissuade her. Because it seemed rude to turn down her help and because I was in no position to.

But I figured she’d pass along an email address for me to send my résumé to, not get me hired in under forty-eight hours.

“ Wow . Uh, Monday? That’s … soon.”

“I know. I know. But Kit really needs an assistant immediately.”

My brain zooms in on the second three-letter word at a speed that results in immediate motion sickness. And that wreaks havoc on my unsettled stomach.

It feels like the lumpy mattress beneath me has been replaced by sand. Like I’m sinking slowly with nothing to grasp on to except for grains.

“The job is with Kit?” My voice sounds tinny, like I’m hearing it echo through a distant speaker.

“Yes, as his personal assistant. Between that and his fancy corner office, his ego will barely fit in the building soon.” Lili giggles.

“I know it’s not your dream job, but it’ll open up other opportunities.

My uncle is always complaining about how other companies love poaching from Kensington Consolidated.

Stick it out for a year or even just six months, and you’ll have your pick of working at tons of places. And it pays well.”

I swallow hard, still stuck on that one word. “Lili, I really appreciate you setting this up and the opportunity, but I’m just not sure if … you know, Kit and I have never … I’m not sure me working for him is the best idea.”

“I talked to Kit,” she replies. “He’s good with it. And he’s taking his job seriously. He’s grown up. I know his little crush on you was annoying, but he’s totally over it.”

I don’t even know where to begin processing that response.

Lili talked to Kit about me ?

He’s “good with” me working for him?

And he’s over his crush on me?

Maybe he is. Maybe one night together was all it took. I’m no longer a challenge; I’m a successful conquest. He’s probably had dozens of one-night stands. Maybe even hundreds. They must all blur together into one big orgy at some point.

But I can’t work for Kit Kensington . It would have been a recipe for disaster before we had sex. Now? It’s unthinkable .

Except … Kit doesn’t seem to think so.

He’s one of the few people I’ve seen successfully tell Lili no. Lili doesn’t work at Kensington Consolidated. She has no say in their hiring. Kit approved this—either because he doesn’t care if I work for him or because he doesn’t think I will accept the offer.

It took me three weeks to get an interview anywhere. And that interview was no guarantee of an actual offer, like I just reminded Lili.

Kensington Consolidated doesn’t have a single New York opening listed on their website.

I checked when I first moved and was compiling a list of places to apply to.

I doubt I could get an interview there on my own.

But connections are how the real world works, right?

And I could really use a win right now. Lili’s right; it can be a temporary stepping stone.

I know I can be professional.

And Kit’s the future face of the company.

For all his faults, I can’t picture him risking his reputation to flirt with a woman he’s already fucked.

Maybe it’s for the best that we slept together.

Maybe it defused the strange awareness that’d always existed when we were in the same space.

Most likely, I haven’t crossed his mind since Saturday night.

My pride has already cost me plenty. This is Lili, my friend, doing me a favor. Not Kit.

“Collins? You still there?”

I suck in a deep breath and send up a silent prayer this won’t be another wrong choice. “Okay,” I agree. “I’ll take the job. Thanks.”

There’s a brief burst of relief. The weight of failure lightens a little because I’ll at least have a regular paycheck to rely on again.

And it’s almost enough to bury the apprehension about facing Kit in a few days.

Almost .