Page 62 of How to Play the Player

“He hired me on the spot,” Kiera adds with a small smile. “And I was determined to do my job well.”

“She went above and beyond,” Jonathan continues. “Organized, efficient. But there was nothing romantic happening between us then—I was very careful about that boundary.”

Sarah leans forward, clearly intrigued. “So when did things change between you two?”

They exchange a look filled with private meaning, and Kiera’s cheeks color slightly. “There was an email situation,” she says carefully. “I accidentally sent Jonathan a personal message thatwas meant for my friend. It contained some…rather direct thoughts about him that I never intended for him to see.”

Jonathan chuckles. “Let’s just say it made her feelings quite clear. I was surprised but also flattered.”

“I was absolutely mortified,” Kiera admits, her cheeks flushing slightly. “I thought for sure he was going to fire me.”

Kiera answers every question with a sweet and genuine nature, avoiding the trap of over-explaining. Smart girl. The real story—an accidental, explicit draft message meant for her friend Kami that landed in her boss’s inbox instead—would only make things worse. The public doesn’t need to have every intimate detail to know these two are genuinely in love with each other.

“Instead, it broke down the walls between us,” Jonathan adds. “After the initial embarrassment passed, we were able to have an honest conversation about the connection we both felt but had been too professional to acknowledge.”

“One that might never have happened otherwise,” Kiera continues. “We’d both been so careful about maintaining professional boundaries that we never acknowledged the connection we felt.”

“After that, we took things slowly,” Jonathan says. “I was very conscious of our professional relationship and wanted to make sure Kiera never felt pressured because of my position.”

The interview flows naturally from there, with Jonathan and Kiera recounting key moments in their relationship—their first official date, how they navigated workplace dynamics, the moment they decided to go public with their relationship. I watch Sarah’s expressions, noting when she’s particularly captivated, mentally marking the quotes that will likely make it into the final piece.

When the conversation turns to the baby, Kiera’s entire face softens. “It wasn’t planned, but it’s the most wonderful surprise.We were already engaged, but finding out about the baby just accelerated our timeline a bit.”

“We couldn’t be happier,” Jonathan adds, and the genuine joy in his voice is undeniable.

Near the end, Sarah asks the inevitable question. “An outlet published some rather unflattering speculation about your relationship today. Would you like to address that?”

I tense, ready to redirect, but Jonathan handles it perfectly.

“What matters is the truth. Kiera and I have built something real, something that means everything to us. We’re starting our family, planning our future. Those who know us understand who we are and what we stand for. The rest is just noise.”

Kiera squeezes his hand. “I’m proud of our story—all of it. That’s why we wanted to share it with you today.”

Sarah smiles, clearly satisfied with their response. “Well, I think our readers will be touched by your openness. Is there anything else you’d like them to know?”

“Just that we’re grateful,” Kiera says, “for our family, friends, and colleagues who have supported us. And for professionals like Quinn who help us navigate these moments with grace.”

Her unexpected mention of me causes a lump to form in my throat. Her acknowledgment feels like a lifeline thrown to me as I’m drowning.

As the interview concludes and final photos are taken, I’m reminded of the brief phone call I had with Nathan before.We should talk. After the interview. There’s something I need to show you.

After this morning’s accusations, after walking out on me when we shared such an intense moment together, now he wants to talk? At the time, I wanted to refuse. And in hindsight, I probably should have. But I relented because if this was going to be the last time I talked to him, I should at least try to find closure.

But what does he have to show me?

Now that the interview has wrapped up, what is waiting at my office for me now? More proof that I’m a lying, stealing bitch? But beneath the anger and hurt, the tiniest bit of hope inside me still refuses to die. It wants me to wonder if he’s found something different. Maybe he’s realized I’ve been telling the truth all along. Could this be his way of extending an olive branch or just professional courtesy?

Only one way to find out.

“Okay, Quinn.” Sarah’s voice pulls me back to the present. “The piece will run tomorrow morning. Front page of the lifestyle section.”

I nod, slipping my phone away. “Perfect. As we agreed, you’ll give us approval on the final draft.”

“Absolutely,” she agrees.

As we say our goodbyes to Sarah and walk toward the elevator, Jonathan hangs back slightly, letting Kiera and Lyla move ahead.

“I want you to know Nathan has been…investigating.” Jonathan clearly chooses his words carefully. “He’s starting to consider other possibilities.”

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