Page 140 of Best Friends for Never

Every head swings my way, their expressions ranging from shocked to confused to furious.

“Pardon?” Mr. Plume asks.

“I can’t do this project.”

Aaron shoves to his feet. “Give me a moment with my client.”

He grabs my arm, hauling me from my chair and dragging me out to the hallway and away from the conference room.

“Are you out of your fucking mind?” he hisses at me. “This contract is unbelievable. You can’t turn this down. I’m not letting you.”

“I have to, Aaron. I can’t do this. It’s too much work. Too much time away ...”

“Away? Away from what? You’ve never had an issue with a schedule like this before.”

“Because I didn’t have her!” I explode.

He blinks up at me. “What are you ...” Realization dawns on him. “You met someone.”

“No. Yes. Sort of. It’s ... it’s complicated.”

He shakes his head. “I can’t believe you’re turning this down for a piece of ass.”

I take a step toward him, then another. I back him to the wall, my nose just inches from his. His eyes are wide with fear, and his breath hitches in his throat.

“Parker is not just some piece of ass. She’s everything to me. And I amnotwalking away from her again.”

Aaron swallows. “Are you good?”

I back away. “I’m good.”

He pushes off the wall, straightening his jacket. “I’m not asking you to walk away from anyone. I’m asking you to give this a shot.”

“It’s six months, Aaron. Atminimum. Doyouwant to take six months away from your family?”

“I ... Well, no. Not particularly.”

“Then how can you ask me to do it?”

“It’s a huge opportunity, Noel.”

“I know that!” I yell. “I fucking know. But I can’t. I can’t commit when I ...”

I can’t commit when I left my whole heart back in Washington.

Before signing anything, I have to figure out what’s happening with me and Parker. If there’s a chance for us to work, I want to take it before I sign away six months of my life.

“I’m sorry, Aaron. I am. But I have to go.”

I turn on my heel.

“Go?” he calls to my retreating back. “Go where?”

I ignore him.

“Noel?”

I press the button for the elevators.

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