Page 45 of My Office Rival (Keep Your Enemy Closer #2)

JASON

W hen we got home, I immediately escaped and went for a run.

The early evening was crisp, the setting sun a beautiful bruised blue and purple over the fields.

My heart pumped and my breaths sawed and I felt alive .

I ran a third mile, faster than the last, and then a fourth even faster, just because I could.

My mind cleared more with every step, until Cynthia’s words from earlier barely registered.

I stopped after five miles and made my way back to the house, enjoying the quiet and the stars just starting to come out.

My phone buzzed, and I pulled it out.

Miles

How’s it going with your hot colleague?

Jason

How do you know she’s hot?

Jonah

We looked her up. She is hot.

Jealousy flared through me.

Jason

Stop salivating over her. I can almost hear it. And she’s opposing counsel, not a colleague.

Jonah

Semantics.

Miles

Are you jealous?? I think he’s jealous.

Jonah

You’re fucked.

That was the understatement of the year.

Miles

You’re so into her.

Jason

Yeah, well, she’s not into me.

Jonah

Is she blind? Unless you’ve gotten fat since the last time I saw you?

Jason

Don’t hold back to protect my feelings or anything.

Miles

Feelings. Did you just say feelings? Yeah, you’re fucked.

I shook my head and pocketed my phone. I was the king of not having feelings.

But today? Acting like a couple, but not being one?

Feeling possessive of her, but having no right to?

Wanting to drag her behind one of the tents every five minutes?

Her words had stung because they’d been the truth.

I wasn’t her boyfriend. I was barely even her friend.

She had a way of making the world feel brighter, and I couldn’t stop picturing her as mine.

But she’s not yours. And soon you’ll be back to real life.

The thought of it stopped me short. What would happen when we went back to the city?

Would we go right back to being barely acquaintances?

I can’t lose her. The thought of her as nothing but a face on my video calls. Fuck . No, I couldn’t bear that.

The house came into view, bizarre turrets and huge porch appearing first, then the warm windows and the wild yard. Cynthia moved through the kitchen. Just that little peek made me want more. I raced up the steps, hoping she was still downstairs, desperate for her.

I burst through the door and her eyes flew wide. She froze, mug of tea in her hand. Her hair was pulled up in a bun, highlighting her high cheekbones, that soft mouth, those thick lashes. My heart thudded.

“Hi.” She gave me a small smile. “Are you being chased by a serial killer or something?”

I think I’m falling in love with you. I reeled.

“Uh, nope, just cold.”

“Okay.” She cocked her head. “Should I help you with dinner later?”

My hands shook with the need to crush her to me. Right. I had promised to cook for her. Like a boyfriend. And I had thought this was nothing? Fuck, I was an idiot.

“That would be great. Maybe I can show you a thing or two.” I sounded casual, right?

Maybe not. She gave me another confused look, but nodded and headed upstairs.

I sank onto the floor, head in my hands.

How much time did I have with her? A few days?

A week? When this deal blew up, we would be headed back to New York.

And everything will change. I needed to make every moment count.