SARAH There are so many words that I know I should say. Like “fuck off”, “screw you”, “go get under someone else’s skin”, but I don’t, because I know better. I would only give him more ammunition to use against me, and that’s the worst thing that can happen to anyone. I’ve only ever considered the man in front of me as a snake in a three thousand dollar suit, and it’s clear in the only one who shares that sentiment. The press loves him, investors and partners basically adore him. He can talk his way into and out of anything. When I do not reply, he shakes his head and makes a hissing sound with his teeth. I watch him push the chair backwards, as he plants his feet on the ground like every self respecting visitor should. “Silence just isn’t going to cut it, Sarah. You’re going to have to give me an answer. And no. Don’t tell me every press is good press, cause this,” he points to the wall behind him and laughs. “This definitely isn’t good press.” Taking one determined step forward, I keep my head high and begin to speak. “I do understand, Julian. I’m working on it. I would speak to them today and…” “Speak to them?” He asks the question like it’s the most absurd thing he’s ever heard me–or anyone at all–say. “Do they look like they care about anything you have to say?” He raises a brow and rises to his feet. Julian doesn’t tuck his hands into his pockets this time, he folds it across his chest and my heart skips three beats in my chest. I know what he’s about to say, and I know I won’t like it. “They’ll eat you alive if you go down there.” I’m so tired, the way he says those words almost sounds like he cares what the press or anyone at all does to me. I need a day off. Or two. Or several. “You need to do what’s best for this company and yourself.” My tired eyes light up in defense as I glare at him. See? He doesn’t give a shit. “And what’s that?” He angles his head slightly, left brow lifting. I do not need him to ask me the question that’s really on his mind, or tell me what he truly thinks. I shake my head in pure defiance. “No. Absolutely no way. I said this yesterday and I would say it again today. I would not resign and I would not step down. You want me gone?” I’m seething, hands curled into fists as I glare at him. “You’re going to have to drag me across the floor.” Julian rolls his eyes. “No one wants to drag you across the floor, Sarah. And this really isn’t about you. This is about what’s best for Wellspring.” No. “I know how much you love this company, and believe me when I say that every employee in this building, every account still under us, and even myself, are all here because we love this company too.” Absolutely fucking not. “You have a lot of shit going on, and being here isn’t in your best interest or this company’s. You could lose everything, Sarah.” His eyes do that thing again. The thing where they shift from scrutiny and disappointment to something that looks a lot like genuine concern and affection. I saw it yesterday at the board meeting, and now again? Is he trying to confuse me? Make me feel like he’s an ally when he isn’t? Julian Cross begins to take slow and steady steps towards me, until there’s not an inch of distance between us. Confusion dances in my mind as I look up at him. What is he doing standing this close to me? He hates my guts just as much as I hate his. I can bet I do hate his guts more, but that’s not really the point. “How are you doing?” My brows inch closer together, but not in anger. It’s something more curious. Wary, even. “You seem really concerned about me for someone who wants to take my place.” Julian chuckles. It’s a curt, yet playful sound. “I have no interest in taking your place, Sarah. I’m only doing what’s best for the company. Which is why you, Aaron, and other directors trust me.” I scoff. “I don’t.” His eyes drop briefly to my pursed lips, and the shimmer in his eyes causes me to gulp hard and take a step back. But Julian reaches for my right hand and rubs my wrist gently. His blue eyes pierce deeply into mine. He’s searching for something, and I have no idea what it is. Okay. What the hell is going on? “I’m sorry about Aaron, by the way. I always knew he didn’t deserve you.” A prickle of heat crawls up my neck, spreading across my cheeks before I can stop it. Really, Sarah? Are you so easily bamboozled by the slightest male physical interaction? I shake the thought away and roll my eyes. “Yeah. Seems I was the last person to find out.” This time, Julian Cross laughs. It’s a rich, genuine sound. Not the curt bored one he gives at meetings when someone makes a joke. He laughs like he finds me funny, and stares down at me like he finds me adorable. Alright. Kevin must have accidentally dropped me while helping me to my bedroom last night. That’s the only logical explanation for the things I’m seeing. Feeling. Thinking. When his laughter slowly dies, he shakes his head, taps my shoulder, and begins to walk away from me. I turn, watching him leave my office. “I’ll see you around, Wellspring. Or not. I’m looking forward to both.” It’s only after he closes the door I realize I’ve been holding my breath. Yes. Julian Cross can do that to you when he’s not on your side. Which, unfortunately, is my case. I let it all out, and walk quickly towards my table. My chair is coated with his scent, and it annoys me. I avoid my desk for the rest of the day, and work on the relaxation couch. Luke and I come up with more ideas for the press conference, and I’m in high spirits. I’m hoping it can clear my name and shift the opinion of the public. I need it. Wellspring Insurance needs it. At the end of the day, I am tired, spent, and on my way home to soak myself in a bath for hours. Very. Very. Long. Hours. However, the second I step out of my car and into my garage, I get a call from my lawyer. I can feel my heart painfully squeeze in my chest. It’s because of Aaron, no doubt. What has he done? What does he want? She is only supposed to mail the signed copy of the divorce papers to me. The fact that she’s calling means something is wrong. I clear my throat and answer. “Hi, good evening.” “Sarah, I am so sorry for calling. I know you must have had a long day with all the drama at the office.” Yes. I sure did. My head hurts, my feet hurt, my entire body is an aching mess. But that’s not her fault. “It’s fine,” I brush it off. “Is everything alright?” “I’m afraid I can’t really say it is.” She drops the bombshell. I fight the urge to end the call, fall to the ground, and scream. Instead, I clear my throat, eyes on my front porch. “What…what happened?” “I would love to come to your office tomorrow and talk about it. You must be very tired.” I know my anxiety would not allow me to sleep peacefully tonight, but I agree with her. I thank her for calling, kicking my shoes off, and walking barefoot all the way to my doorstep. It’s dark inside when I open the door, and I find myself wondering if Kevin isn’t at home. “Kevin?” I call out, reaching for the switch on the wall. This house hasn’t been automated like the one Aaron and I shared. My right foot steps on something that feels like a pair of heeled shoes. “What the fuck?” I press the switch, and the light comes on immediately. “Surprise!” I scream and leap backwards. My heart jumps out of my chest, does three backflips, and comes back in again. Both hands press against my chest as I catch my breath. When I look up, Kevin is in front of at least twenty people, beaming with smiles at me. I look around briefly. The living room is decorated like balloons and fancy stuff, all my couches are unboxed and situated in very nice spots. My brother walks forward. “Welcome home, berry. Everyone’s here to see you.” I don’t know when tears gather in my eyes. “Did you do all this?” He wipes my eyes with both his thumbs and presses a cheek on my forehead. “I’ll always be here for you. I don’t know what Aaron did to make you feel so alone, but you have a family and a community solidly behind you. And I just wanted to remind you of that.” I’m full on sobbing when I look up at him again. “Thank you. You don’t know what this means to me.”“We do.” My eyes widen. My heart ceases for a brief second. That voice. It came from behind Kevin, and it sounds a lot like…like… Ronan HawkThorne emerges behind my brother, tailored black shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, matching black pants, and a bouquet of pink and white roses I can’t breathe. Sure, I can take in air, but it just refuses to go down my throat. He stands beside Kevin and holds the bouquet out to me with a warm smile on his face. It’s barely there, but it’s there. “Hey, Sarah.” The words roll out of his lips so casually.