Page 58 of Forever After All

"Ialwaysneed coffee, Brenna, that would be amazing." I sigh in relief at the words coming out of her mouth. She had my attention as soon as she said coffee.

"Anna has booked a meeting with you at eleven," she says, getting up from her desk.

"Oh god," I groan out. "I'm gonna get fired for taking last minute leave, aren't I?"

"Not a fucking chance, she needs you too much. Not everyone is against you, hon. You're great, remember?" She squeezes my shoulder.

"I am pretty great, aren't I?" I give Brenna a shit-eating grin as she leaves to hunt for the nectar of the gods.

Carter: Have a good day at work.

Me: Thanks, I will. Have a good day doing nothing at all.

Carter: Thanks, I will. *winking emoji* I love you, Alice.

Me: I love you too, big guy.

Me: Still mad at you, though.

Tapping on the door to Anna's office, I let myself in as she greets me.

"Alice, hi. How are you? Please, take a seat." She gestures to the comfy chair in front of her. Anna sits behind her desk with her neat bob straightened to perfection, her thick lashes frame her eyes, and she looks every bit the firecracker that she is in a grey suit, the jacket rolled up to her elbows.

"I'm okay, Anna. Thank you," I reply as I try to stifle a yawn. "I think if I sit down in that chair, though, I'll be asleep in less than two minutes." I offer Anna a small grin that she returns.

"I understand, jet lag fucking sucks."

I laugh a little at hearing her swearing.

"I wantto let you know that the charity auction is going ahead this weekend, and I'd love for you to attend. It is quite last minute, but we've been able to use the function room because of a cancelled event. I know we can turn it around in time."

All I can think about is not having anything to wear, but it sounds exciting, nonetheless.

"Oh, and just so you know, a date with Carter is definitely up for auction." She raises her eyebrow at me while fighting a smug grin, and I can't help my cheeks as the flame red. "There are plenty of women in this office who would bid for a date with that man so I'm just giving you the heads up."

"Oh, umm…" I don't really know what to say.

"Oh, Alice, don't ‘oh, umm’ me. Dress sexy, sit at the front, and claim that man. Make a statement, otherwise someone else will."

"Thanks for the heads up," I say chirpily, pushing a strand of hair behind my ear. "I'm going to bid on him with his own money. He fucking owes me."

"Well, make sure you bid big then." And she lets out a big, booming laugh. Bigger than she should be capable of making, then drums the desk with her fingers before dismissing me from the meeting.

Chapter 30

Carter

After deciding to let Alice cool off, I haven't called or messaged all week. I've wanted to, but I'm trying to respect her wish at being left alone for a while.

She's got until the end of this fucking auction, and then I'm going to her apartment to throw her over my shoulder and show her all the ways I've missed her. All I want is to see my girl, say sorry a million times over, have make-up sex and lick cream off her naked body.

Speaking of auctions…I regret ever agreeing to it. If I didn't care about the kids so much, I'd have bailed.

Wearing a dark blue suit, I pose for a photo in the mirror and take a selfie to send it to Alice. I'm not a poser, but I make damn sure that I look great, just so I can show her how well I clean up.

Me: Shame you're not going to be at this auction tonight, princess. *sends selfie*

Three little dots appear on the screen almost immediately.

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