Page 94 of Tormented Billionaire Romance Series

My boss stared at me for a few short seconds. When the barista behind the counter called our names, I rose to grab our drinks. I slid his across the table. I took a couple of sips from mine, humming as the warm liquid rested in my stomach.

Mr. Herring chuckled while shaking his head. “Boy, I tell you, that sounds like one exceptional mess you've got on your hands.”

I huffed with amusement. “That's one way of putting it.”

“It seems to me that there was still leftover tension between you and . . . Her name is Clara?”

“Yes, her name is Clara. And I think from the moment we ran into each other, that tension had been obvious.”

He nodded. “So, it became complicated rather quickly.”

“I mean, I don't think either of us really did anything wrong. I understand that our attraction is . . . unique. We hadn't seen each other since I left. I hadn't been home in years. It was nice to be around her again and to joke like we used to.”

“You still carried her around.”

“Admittedly, yes. But I had denied it for so long that once the dam was broken, the river was flooded with enough emotions to send me right back to high school.”

He chuckled. “Were you two high school sweethearts?”

“We were. And we dated well through college up until the time I left. I was such an idiot. I kept routinely choosing my job over her and that's what ultimately broke us up. And I don't think she'll want me for as long as I have this job.”

“Do you want to quit?”

I gaped at him. “Oh, boss,never.”

“So, you could make some adjustments.”

“I had considered that. I even—and forgive me for admitting this—considered taking up a job at another company that kept me local. But I enjoy this job so much. You have been good to me. And I feel like we have a great work relationship.”

“There are other options.”

“Like what?”

He tapped the table pensively and then held his coffee, tapping the cardboard. “Steve is retiring later this year. Maybe you could take his job.”

“Steve is retiring?”

“Don't look so shocked, Levon. The man is getting up there. He's going to hit the retirement age once the year concludes and that domestic position will be open for someone else to fill.”

“And you want me to fill it?”

Mr. Herring smiled curiously. “Well, it's not up to me, unfortunately, but I could put in a good word with the head of operations. That I can sway as much as I like. They trust my judgment in that department.”

“Would you really do that for me?”

“Of course, Levon. You've been more than generous with this company. Your time is valuable and I want you to know that. I also wanted to apologize for prodding you to skip your sister's wedding. I realize now how important of an event that was for you.”

I nodded. “Thank you, sir. I appreciate you saying that.”

“We've always been on pleasant terms. I would never want to cause any discomfort that might throw a wrench in our relationship.”

“Oh, I didn't hold it against you.”

He eyed me carefully.

I laughed. “Alright, I might have been slightly upset about it.”

“You had every right to be upset. But you're right about what you had said at the time: family is more important than whatever job might come along. Jobs are temporary. Family is a forever thing.”

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