Page 18 of Hate You Up Close

There is no way in hell that I can work withherfor eight hours a day. I’m the busiest I’ve ever been, and she’ll be nothing but a distraction.

The elevator dings loudly, pulling me from my thoughts asI step out onto the Human Resources floor of the building. My heart pounds against the confines of my chest as I speed walk through the maze of cubicles, avoiding shocked stares as I head straight for Skylar’s office.

I have a bone to pick with her, and it's not going to be pretty.

I don’t knock when I make it to her office. Instead, I barge right in and slam the door behind me. And just like I suspected, she’s lounging back in her leather chair with a shit-eating grin painted across her face.

“Rough morning?” she smirks, folding her arms across her chest and tapping her manicured fingers against her shoulder.

“What the fuck, Skylar?” I fume, nostrils flaring as I clench my jaw.

“I don’t understand,” she says in a sarcastic tone. “What’s going on?”

Don’t play dumb with me. I don’t have time for this bullshit.

“You knowexactlywhat’s going on,” I sneer.

“Actually, I don’t,” she shakes her head. “Care to enlighten me as to why you just stormed into my office unannounced?”

“Oh, I don’t know,” I scoff, tossing my hands up in the air. “Maybe because you hired Megan Fox’s doppelganger as my fucking assistant?”

She slaps a hand over her mouth to hide her chuckle.

“So that’s what this is about?” she asks, barely able to contain her laughter and remain professional.

“Of course that’s what this is about,” I thunder, raising my voice. “She’s the kind of girl who belongs on a New York runway, not a fucking finance office. What were you thinking, Skylar?”

She arches a brow like I’ve insulted her.

“I was thinking that she has a degree and experience. She’s more than qualified for the job. It’s not my problem thatyou can’t trust yourself enough to keep your dick in your pants.”

Her face slightly falls as any hint of amusement leaves her tone. We both know that comment was meant to be a jab. I can’t argue with her because she’s right.

I hurt her in the worst way, damaging her trust so effortlessly. I cheated on her without thinking twice about the consequences. I did it because I was lonely. Even though I was engaged to an amazing woman who cared for me deeply, I still felt empty. God, Skylar tried so hard to make us work, and I pushed her away every chance I could.

Even though she’s head over heels for my brother, I can see it in her eyes that she still wonders. She still wants an answer… An answer that will never satisfy her.

I fucked a woman who wasn't my fiancée because it temporarily filled the hollow pit in my stomach that no one human being can fill. I did it to save her from me. No one deserves a life with someone like me. How can I fully allow myself to love someone when I fucking hate myself?

It’s as if Skylar wants a different answer. Not because she mourns our relationship but because she thinks there’s still hope for me. Just like everyone else in my life, she thinks I can still find happiness, which is a complete and utter joke.

I swallow down the lump in my throat, deciding to ignore her comment. We’ve already had this conversation a million times, and the answer is always the same: I’m a selfish asshole. End of story.

“I need you to figure this out,” I hiss.

“Excuse me?” she narrows her eyes to little slits.

“Move her to a different department or fire her,” I snap. “I don’t care what you do, but she’snotworking for me,” I add, shaking my head furiously.

“Yes, she is, Elliot,” she retorts. “You had the chance tointerview Roxy before we extended the offer, andyoudeclined. So ultimately, this is on you. If you want to be pissed at someone, then go take a look in the mirror.”

I briefly close my eyes, inhaling a deep breath as I run a hand through my hair.

“Skylar, I am begging you,” I plead. “Please just move her to a different manager. I’m sure at least a hundred other employees are requesting an assistant right now.”

She scrunches her brows together, staring at me like I’m out of my mind.

“Do you hear yourself right now?” Skylar says in disgust. “You sound like such a pig. You want me to transfer her to a different department on her first day because she’spretty? This isn't the fifth grade, Elliot. Grow up.”