Page 109 of Until It Was Real

I wish I had an office. I could hide in there all day. Hiding in the restroom is out since Eli has no problem barging in to check on me. I had to find the one billionaire boss who understands the word sympathy.

I switch on the lights as I make my way to my desk. I frown when I notice my desk isn’t empty. I always make sure my desk is cleared off at the end of the work day. There’s nothing worse than a cluttered desk.

Hold on. It’s a gift basket. Announce to the world how you found me crying in the bathroom, why don’t you, Eli?

I snatch the card and read it.Sorry, I overreacted.

Damnit. There’s only one person who overreacted and he’s not supposed to know why he overreacted since he didn’t let me explain.

I grab the basket – intent on setting it somewhere out of sight – but curiosity gets the best of me. I unpack it instead.

Glucose tablets, nuts, protein bars, a compact first-aid kit with alcohol wipes and a backup syringe, band-aids, sugar-free chocolates, and a candy jar filled with jellybeans. The pink ribbon around the jar readsBreak in case of low blood sugar or when you need a little extra sweetness.

“Do you like it?”

I screech and clasp my chest before whirling around to confront Rhett. “You scared the mermaid out of me.”

He scratches his chin. “Sorry. I thought you heard me.”

“You should wear a bell.”

“And let my brothers know I’m coming?” He shakes his head.

I roll my eyes. “You wouldn’t want to lose the prank war.”

He motions to the gift basket. “Do you like it?”

I love it. Most people do not react to finding out I’m a diabetic by giving me a gift basket. Usually, they run the other way. Or break up with me.

“I guess you figured out I’m not a drug addict.”

He grimaces. “I should have let you explain.”

Damn right, he should have. But he didn’t, so how did he find out?

“Who told you?”

“Eli.”

I should have known. He’s the only person who knows about my illness. Except my friends who I trust not to blabber to Rhett. Especially since they’ve nicknamed him the Dodge Master.

“Eli’s got a big mouth.”

“Eli cares about you.”

I snort. “Because no other assistant would answer their phone at four o’clock in the morning.”

He scowls. “Eli calls you at four in the morning?”

“It’s fine. I’m awake at my other job anyway.”

“I hate you having two jobs.”

Who does he think he is? Mr. High and Mighty is not allowed to comment on my life. Not anymore.

“Good thing your opinion on how many jobs I have is irrelevant. In fact, your opinion on anything I do is completely irrelevant since we’re no longer involved.”

He rears back. “I apologized.”

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