Chapter 39 

ANNA. 

My heart is raging in my chest and I fall back by a step, leaning against the table, trusting it to keep me from falling. I swallow as I stare into blue eyes that are dark and narrowed. 

“Who let you in here, Mrs.?” 

I blink. “I came to…” My voice trails off and I swallow, staring over. “I came to hand in my résumé. I was going to take you up on your offer, working as your secretary. But I’ve changed my mind. Excuse me.” 

How could he just walk in and put his hands on the first woman he sees? What sort of 

disrespectful behaviour is that? My cheeks are flushed from embarrassment and I can’t unlive the past five minutes of my life. 

If this is his behaviour around his workers, then I’ll be better off working somewhere else than here. 

Deciding to come here to apply had been because of Sean. He’d slept out last night again. Refusing to let him share my bed seems to have cut whatever thread that pulled us together. He doesn’t even pretend to care anymore. Not for me or Finn. 

I can’t spend the rest of my life like this. So, I’d thrown on the first decent dress I found that was suitable for the occasion and I didn’t give myself the time to ponder or hesitate before getting into the car and driving down. 

I checked by Sean’s office before heading down here. He wasn’t in. Neither was his secretary. Another meeting outside the office, I guess. 

Another thing I refused to let myself consider. That there was something going on between them. I’ve known Sarah for quite sometime. She’s nice, and she helps me get him his lunch when I can’t get to him. I wouldn’t call her a friend, but she’s been a helpful acquaintance. 

Clutching my file to my side, I start to walk out, but Mr. O’Connor seems to have a much terrible habit of touching me without my permission. “Wait. I have yet to review your file.” 

I look at him. “There’s no need for that. I’m not interested.” Muttering under my breath, I add, “This was a stupid idea anyway.” 

Mr. O’Connor pulls me forward, places big, heavy hands on my shoulder and pushes me down into a chair. Then he snatches my file, opening it as he walks around his desk. “You are as stubborn and annoyingly noble as they come. Being a good girl all year to get presents from Santa?” 

I glare at him. “I am not a child.” 

He sizes me up as he settles in his executive chair. “Oh, definitely not. That’d make me a creep 

if you were.‘ 

11 

My brows furrow. “What do you mean?” 

He shoots me a wolfish grin that makes my heart stumble a little. Only a little. “Innocent is nice too. Though, I can’t imagine how when you’re obviously married and-” 

I stand up from my chair. “Have a good day.” 

“Six hundred thousand.” 

My head snaps back and my stomach drops, as well as my jaw. “What?” 

He’s staring at my file with keen interest, flipping through page after page. “Interesting that you’d apply for the position of secretary with this. Do you not have faith in your own abilities? I’ll offer you six hundred thousand for the position of CFO, Mrs. This is the best I’ve seen in a damn long time.” He glances up. “Where have you been all my life?” 

Warmth fills me, and my eyes start to sting with tears. I had written the application letter for that position, but for some odd reason, I didn’t think I’d make the cut for it. 

That too and when I left the guest room a couple of days ago, I found the application I’d shown to Sean in shreds. A very clear message, and while I was mad out of my mind, I didn’t want to escalate issues by still applying. 

I sniff, wiping the side of my cheeks quickly before he can see the tears rolling down, but it’s like a faucet has been turned on and it won’t stop. I start to sob. Ugly, snotty sobs. 

He stares at me with surprise. “If you don’t want it, you could just say so.” 

I shake my head, crumpling in the chair. “I do. I’m sorry. Just…give me a minute.” 

“Don’t cry on the wood. It’s expensive.” 

“Shut up,” I say, resting my head against the wood and sobbing softly. 

*Did I not have faith in my own abilities?* I didn’t realize I’d lost it at some point, living only for Sean and Finn and May. Never for myself. I’d forgotten who I used to be. My value to anyone at all. I’d forgotten all about that. 

Warm fingers reach for mine and I flinch, raising my head to see the box of tissues being extended to me by Mr. O’Connor. “Feel free to use the entire thing. You’ll be needing it anyway. There’s…” his voice trails off as he makes a gesture to my face. “A lot of…black stuff under your eye. You look ridiculous.” 

Ever just feel like throttling someone? Yes. That’s what I feel right now. 

I stifle the urge and take the tissues from him, wiping my face with it. How do I tell Sean about this? He’ll probably try to get me to decline the offer. Before, I would have, just for him. Now? I just need my life back on track. 

Chapter 39 

**** 

ETHAN. 

Breakfast feels like I’m being punished. The silence is harsh and unforgiving, and as May sets the plate down in front of me, her gaze dares me not to eat it. 

I do. May’s food is delicious. Though, more than half the time, I can’t tell what’s in the plate. 

The rest of breakfast is silent and I spend half the time stealing glances at her, watching her smile at something on her phone. Her eyes light up with mirth and her lips part as she tries to reel in her soft laughter. 

After dinner, she rushes to the kitchen to grab the trash bag, holding her purse in one hand as she drags it towards the door. 

“I’ll do it. Give it here,” I tell her. 

She doesn’t object. She all but tosses it into my hand and rushes out the door. 

I stare after her, frustrated. Isn’t she in the least interested in sorting things out?