Page 49 of Tempt Thy Neighbor

That night, she doesn’t come out of her room.

“Everyone, gather around, please!”Jessa claps her hands in an effort to gain our attention.

It’s Friday, and after our incident at the pool, things have been strained between us in the apartment. It feels like it did when I first moved in. She and Artemis stayed in her room all weekend while I spent most of my time in the gym.

I’ve been glad for the distance. It’s snapped everything back into place for me.

Sure, Holland is gorgeous.

But she’s still Holland.

Still nothing but a money-hungry brat.

“It’s come to my attention,” Jessa starts as I hit save on my report, “that there have been some…relations happening in the office.”

She doesn’t look at anyone in particular, but it doesn’t stop Holland from whipping her head my direction.

I have no idea why. I’m not dating anyone, in this office or otherwise.

“I’d like to take this moment to remindeveryonethere are rules in place against that,” Jessa continues. “I know some of us are new and may not have read the employee handbook too closely, but this is the final warning I’ll give anyone about it. Understood?”

Nearly everyone nods, a few people sending curious glances around the room, trying to figure out who is sleeping with whom.

“And, Ms. Evans? A word, please.”

There are a few surprised gasps, and multiple mouths drop open.

I don’t move.

I watch Holland rise from her chair, and I’m not sure anyone but me would notice the way her hands are shaking and the way her breathing has picked up. Her cheeks are turning redder by the second, her chest rising and falling faster and faster with each tentative step she takes.

She disappears into Jessa’s office, and I alternate between watching the clock and the closed door for the next twenty minutes.

Finally, the door peels open and Holland slips out.

Her gaze meets mine for just a moment. Her olive eyes are rimmed red, her mascara a mess from her tears.

But I see it.

The fury—and it’s aimed at me.

She darts down the hall, and the urge to follow her is strong.

But I wait, not wanting to draw any attention to myself.

One minute.

Two.

Then three.

Three and a half.

Fuck it.

I shove out of my chair and follow the path she took.

It’s not hard to find her, the crying giving me a good idea of where she is.

---