Page 29 of Twice as Forbidden

What’s the harm in indulging a little before then?

When I enter the kitchen, Noah is slung over the island, typing on his phone.

“Morning.”

He barely lifts his head. “Morning.”

“You don’t look so hot,” I say, grabbing a mug.

“Fuckin’ hungover. Don’t make a big deal about it.”

“Wasn’t going to. Shouldn’t you be getting ready? We have to leave soon.”

“Not goin’ in.”

“What? You can’t justnotgo to work.”

He lifts his head, his eyes bloodshot. “Watch me.”

“Noah, how am I supposed to get to work? You can’t just—”

He pushes off his stool. “Take my car. Not a big deal. And what’s it to you? Dad’s not gonna fire me.”

“Well, he should—”

Noah steps into my personal space, his eyes blazing down at me. “Why don’t you stop worrying about what I do and focus on yourself? I’m not your problem anymore, remember?”

“I wasn’t saying—”

“Don’t say anything at all. Seems anytime you open your mouth, it causes a fight.” He leans in, the stale booze on his breath hitting my nostrils. “Butt the fuck out, George.” He pulls back and walks out of the kitchen, darting up the stairs.

I want to run after him, demand he explain what his problem is—especially since I thought we were fine after our talk yesterday. Instead, I gather my things and grab his keys off the counter, deciding this could be a good thing. I can talk to Jackson without worrying that Noah will catch us or question why I’m in his office. I head to work, making a beeline for Jackson’s office as soon as I get in.

“He’s in an offsite meeting,” his assistant states as I raise my hand to tap on his door.Great. There goes my whole plan of attack.I pause and face her.

“Do you know when he’ll be back?”

“Not sure. Would you like me to leave a message?”

“Can you tell him Georgia Price came to see him? I’m his—well… I’m—just Georgia. Thanks.”

God! I’m such a nitwit.I’m his… what? His freaking intern,nitwit. Ugh…

I go about my harrowing day, shadowing Jacob as he makes call after call. After he has me try a few, which I butcher, I fake a headache and skip lunch, unable to face the painful conversations. If I have to talk about my and Noah’s nonexistent relationship, I’m going to stab my eyes out. I’m tempted to blow his cover just to stop the torture. When Jacob gives me the okay to leave for the day, I walk down the long hall to Jackson’s office.

“Hi. Me again. Has Jack—Mr. Blake returned?”

“He has, but he’s in an important meeting.” I look over her shoulder at his closed door. “He asked not to be disturbed.”

“Oh, okay. Will you let him know I stopped—”

Laughter rings out, and I glance up as his door swings open, revealing Jackson accompanied by a stunning blonde. “I’ll never get enough of you, Jackson,” she says, her voice dripping with admiration.

“You’ll never have to.”

The blonde twirls around and presses her palms against his chest, showcasing her perfectly manicured nails. “Just what I wanted to hear. Thanks for the lunch. Looking forward to dessert.”

I stand frozen, unable to look away.

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