Page 42 of The Boss Situation

Josh takes a long while to think about it, and I appreciate that he does. It means he’s digging deep to give me honest answers.

I won’t work with someone who can’t be truthful about what it is they want.

“No. I can’t.” He takes another shot. “I just …hatehow she’sstillunder my skin. I can’t stand how she’salwayson my mind. She haunts me in my dreams, and I wake up enraged because I can’t stop thinking about her. I’ve tried to move on. I’ve tried to be with other people. And I can’t. She broke me, and I wish I’d never met Billie Calloway.”

It’s then I realize I’m no different from him. She’s done the same to me. We down the tequila and our glasses tap the bar top at the same time.

He grins wide. “At least we have one thing in common.”

“What’s that?” I ask, wondering if he can read it on my face.

“Common enemy. For now at least.” He grins wide.

Another round of shots is placed in front of us, and we swallow them down.

“Still dangerous,” I say with a smile, referring to the liquid gold.

This brand could be huge in the party scene, especially with summer upon us. It’s crisp and refreshing; plus, it has a nice story.

“You know, Billie was the best fuck of my life,” Josh says, pulling my attention back to him. He stares off into the distance, as if sliding into their memories together.

Knowing she screwed this guy makes me sick to my fucking stomach. I thought Billie Calloway would have better taste than Josh Lustre. She deserves better than him.

“The way she sucks cock. Those soft moans. Fuck.” He sighs.

My jaw clenches tight. Having to visualize it pisses me off.

“That’s enough.”

It’s then I remember exactly why I can’t fucking stand Josh. His locker-room talk has always been disgusting. My friends and I don’t talk about this shit—ever.

The mood sours, and I can’t stop thinking about the two of them being together. I think about his hands and mouth on her body. It’s absolute fucking torture.

What did she see in this prick? Then a light bulb goes off.

Billie loves a douchebag.

I shake my head, knowing she’s probably fucking creaming in her panties over me.

The bartender has been pouring doubles, and I need to cut myself off.

“What happened with you two?” I ask when I can’t taste the limes anymore.

He tilts his head at me. “We had our differences and amicably broke up.”

“Break it down to me like I’m a five-year-old. I need to know what I’m dealing with because this contract isn’t about Bellamore. We both know that. Now, carry on. The truth,” I remind him, waiting for him to explain.

Josh hesitates.

“I won’t work with you if I don’t know.” I shrug.

“I cheated on her with the woman I’d dated before her,” he says nonchalantly as chips and salsa are placed in front of us.

My brows furrow, and my jaw clenches tight. “With your ex? That’s fucked up.”

I can’t believe Billie never leaked that to the public.Why didn’t she?

“It was a huge mistake, and I wanted to work through it, but she couldn’t forgive me. If I could go back and change things, I would. I’d marry Billie in a heartbeat,” he says, and as sick as it is, I can tell he means it. “Whoever ends up with her, I’ll be envious.”

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