Page 109 of Business Casual

“Because I can’t.”

I shook my head. “What are you talking about?”

He picked up the paper and put it back in the folder. “Because it has to be your choice. I can’t and won’t make you sign anything. But either way, I’m telling my father because I won’t have someone blackmailing, threatening, or endangering anything I love.”

I knew how much his project meant to him. I knew how hard he’d worked. I knew he didn’t want to disappoint his father. I knew he had unimaginable pressure on him. So there was no other option. I knew I had to sign his paper in order to give him the best shot at retaining all that. But I couldn’t help but recognize that signing the paper meant we were over.

He loves his career, and I can’t let him lose everything he’s worked for because of me.

I walked over to him and held my hand out. “I’ll get it back to you in the morning.”

“Thank you.” He gave me the folder but there was a pained look in his eyes. “Just read them.”

“I should go.” I stalked to the door with my bag in one hand and the folder in the other.

“Imani…”

When I didn’t stop, he grabbed my elbow and spun me around. My back hit the door with a soft thud and my body was instantly on fire. Staring up at him, his chest heaved as quick breaths escaped him. But he said nothing. With each quiet moment, I felt myself giving in to the feelings he brought out of me. My gaze fell to his lips as our faces became closer, our bodies just barely touching. All I wanted was to feel him. I waited with bated breath for him to say something, for him to do something. And when he didn’t, I forced my eyes up to meet his. I could see him fighting the temptation. I could see him resisting me.

“Goodbye, Tre.”

*****

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