Page 29 of Work: Strictly Professional

“She’s back, biatches!” I yell, grabbing her by the waist and swinging her around. “Badass Bridget is back, and she is onfire!” I set her down quickly when I realize she looks like she’s going out. I’m not being funny, but if she runs into that dickwad, Josh, looking like this, it’s all over for this breakup. “Where are you going, and who’s going to be there?”

“The Tremor, and girls only,” she says, “but obviously, you’re invited.”

“Obviously.” It hardly needs to be said. “But ugh, I can’t. I have to start packing for Hawaii.”

I’d love to go, but I think given the current state of my dick, it might be best to stay home and try to reason with it a little more. The last thing I need is for a night out to derail my sex sabbatical. I didn’t make the decision to go on one lightly, and yes, sure, it’s been a little harder than I thought it would be, but I know what Iwant. And as we all know, doing the same thing and expecting a different outcome is the very definition of insanity.

I want something different for my life. Therefore, I have to do different things.

So no going out. And no being a slut.

It’s fine. I like staying home.

Plus, I can’t wait to pack.

I love traveling, and I’ve bought a ton of these cute little dividers for my luggage that separate outfits, toiletries, shoes, and all that. I can’t wait to use them. I’m going to organize the crap out of my bag, and then I’m going to have a lovely time in Hawaii. I know it’s a work trip, and it’ll be fairly busy, what with the wedding and all, but I’ve booked myself a bungalow. Sadly no sea view—saved those for the guests—but I have my own plunge pool and the bathroom is to die for. Free-standing bath, outdoor shower, the whole nine. I’m not saying the gorgeous accommodation had a huge hand to play in my decision to choose the Orchid Lani as Ryan and Miller’s wedding venue. It was a big decision, and there were obviously many factors to consider.

But I’m also not saying it didn’t.

You better believe that after the month I’ve had since I started at MacAvoy Group, I fully intend to get my money’s worth. Well, Derek’s money, but you know what I mean. I’m going to chill so hard I’ll barely be recognizable by the time I get back. The puffiness under my eyes will be a thing of the past. I’m going to work on my tan. Might hit the gym. Might make some gains. Might even take a yoga class and improve myself. I’ll definitely be having nothing but tropical fruit for breakfast. Might only have salad for lunch, but we’ll have to see about that. Don’t want to overcommit, you know. “Hey, Siri, remind me to pack cute flamingo swim shorts for dream Hawaiian vacation.”

I don’t usually like saltwater because the salt makes me itchy, but you never know. This might be the trip that changes all that. By the time I get back, I might be one of those people who goes for a run on the beach, has a nice little dip in the ocean, and skips coffee altogether.

I might even enjoy it.

“Hey, Siri, remind me to pack running clothes for dream Hawaiian vacation.”

Hmm. No.

“Hey, Siri, remind me to buy running clothes for dream Hawaiian vacation.”

12

Derek

I make it backto my apartment before the depth and breadth of my own insanity hits me. Just. I make it back just in time. One minute later, and I wouldn’t have made it. I drop my keys and phone on the table and rip off my jacket, tearing at my collar, ripping buttons when I can’t open them fast enough. My lungs scream as if I’m being held underwater.

I gasp.

And gasp.

It doesn’t help. Air means nothing to me.

I see Barbara Anne’s face as I struggle. Her eyes. Wide. Shocked. Hurt. And I hear her words.

I hope he’ll make you happy.

Happy.

Happy?

Me?

I don’t know what came over me in that room. What the fuck happened? I mean, it’s madness. Obviously, what came over me was madness. It’s a clear case of insanity. I’ve clearly taken leaveof my senses. I’ve made a bad decision. A very, very bad decision. A terrible, ridiculous decision. A nuclear, life-altering decision.

I’m bringing Wyn?

It’s early, but it feels right?

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