Page 52 of Forbidden Desires

A shiver runs down my spine as I read the words again, wondering if this is some sort of prank.

“Hey.” Emerson’s expression changes instantly. “Are you okay?”

“A single fuchsia rose was left on my desk when I came in from lunch with this note attached to it,” I explain, feeling the chicken wrap I ate for lunch churn uncomfortably in my stomach.

She comes around behind my desk, looking over the flower and the note. “That’s the same color rose we have in the foyer arrangements this week.”

“That’s weird. Do you think someone’s taken it from the foyer, then come in here to leave it on my desk with this creepy note?”

“Maybe? That note is really creepy. Who do you think it’s from?”

“I don’t know.” She takes it from my shaky hand.

“Let me do some investigating, see what I can find out.”

“Thanks.”

“I’m sure it’s just a prank. Paisley’s probably just messing with you. Maybe it’s a slow week or something at the florist.” She shrugs, but I already know that’s just the first excuse she can come up with. She doesn’t believe that’s what's going on here, just as much as I don’t. I can see the worry in her eyes.

“Did you need me for something?”

“There are a couple of new wedding inquires I can forward to you for later in the year.”

“Okay, thanks.” I take a seat at my desk, staring at my computer screen. This week has been weird, and the more I think about it all, the more uncomfortable I feel. First the date with Mason, then all the sneaking around with Brody. And his reaction yesterday when he found me talking to Mason. It was a lot. I have gone from dateless and single to having guys flexing their dicks to claim ownership over me. And what is thisletter? Another disgruntled employee that I’m expected to have noticed?

“Don’t worry about this, Gisele. It’s nothing, I’m sure of it.” Em pats my shoulder before leaving me to overthink it.

“Okay,” I agree with her, but I am worried. Why would someone leave a note like that? Has it got something to do with the article printed about me, or is it Mason after what happened yesterday? Nah, he wouldn’t bother. Paisley says he has loads of girls chasing him, he wouldn’t still be interested in me. Besides, I haven’t heard from him again since yesterday. If he wanted to, he has my number, he could just call me. The last thing that enters my mind is Brody. I don’t want him to know about this. If he finds out, he will overreact again. Maybe that’s what someone wants. Maybe someone saw us yesterday, and this is to force him to come clean and tell them all we’re seeing each other. It’s a long shot, but it could be the case. Victor would be my bet. This type of creepy is right up his alley.

I open my screen and start looking over the emails Emerson sent me. There are three new wedding inquiries that need addressing. I go to check the calendar and jump when I notice Brody standing in my office doorway. I wasn’t expecting to see anyone, and after that message, I’m on edge. He’s leaning into the doorframe casually like he has been there awhile waiting for me to notice him.

“Did you need something?” I ask abruptly. I’m still pissed at him for walking away from me yesterday. He’s on my shit list now, not even bothering to call or message me last night, like he had been constantly all week. And I wasn’t going to make the first move. He deserved a little silent treatment. Part of me thought that might have been it, that he had decided it was all too hard, but seeing him in the doorway now and the remorseful expression on his face, I know it's not.

He lets himself into my office, glancing down the hall before he closes the door. “I wanted to apologize for yesterday.” He hands me a small paper bag.

I glance inside to find a slice of pie.

“It’s the best blueberry pie in the world,” he says like that should make his gift make more sense.

I can’t help but inhale its sugary-sweet, fruity scent. “I’m sure it is.” I place it on my desk and continue to check over the details of the new inquiry. I’m not letting him off the hook so easily. His behavior yesterday was appalling.

“I don’t get a thank-you?” he grumbles.

I glare up at him with a look that says, are you kidding me? He really has no idea at all when it comes to women.

He comes around to where I’m sitting and takes my hand. “I know I messed up, Gigi, I’m sorry. I don’t know what came over me. I just saw you standing there talking to him, and I couldn’t see straight anymore. I warned you on the weekend I have issues.”

I sigh heavily. “I know, Brody, but if we’re going to do this, you need to have a little faith in me and know that I will never do anything to hurt you. If I tell you I’m yours, I am. You are the only one I see. I was in the middle of turning him down. And you made us both look like fools, not to mention probably started new whispers around these halls.”

His guilty eyes meet mine. “I know. And I know I need to be more careful, especially around Victor.”

Victor—the name sends a chill down my spine after receiving that note. I’m sure it’s him messing with me to get to Brody. “I don’t want your family to lose this place because of me, Brody.”

He pulls me up into his arms, kissing me softly. “We won’t. We just need to be more careful from now on.” His face grows more serious. “Did I hurt you?” He looks me over cautiously.

“I can take your angry fucking. It’s when you shut me out that hurts me. I want to be here for you and understand what you’re going through. We’re in this together now.”

He kisses me again. “Alright then, from now on I will try to communicate better.”

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