Page 3 of Hooked on Marshall

Bile rises in my throat, and I rush to the bathroom, certain that I’m going to vomit. Instead, I just dry heave fora few minutes. But it’s long enough and loud enough to lure my mother upstairs. I tell her I’m just over exhausted and emotional from the last few days and thankfully she buys it and leaves me be. When I’ve gotten myself back together, I splash some cold water on my face and head back to bed.

I ignore Jonas’ text and settle in for some much-needed sleep.

Unfortunately, it eludes me for several hours. Instead, my mistakes with Jonas replay in my mind, causing me to finally cry myself to sleep. When I wake on Sunday morning, I feel hungover. I check the time and see that it’s past eleven. Thankfully, that means I’m here alone because everyone else is at church.

I take another shower and spend some extra time with my hair and makeup. Sure, I don’t go in until three today, but my mom always told me that when you look better you feel better. It usually works like a charm, but today it feels like I’ve fallen short. I find some leftovers in the fridge and heat them up for lunch and eat them out back on the deck. It’s early October and the weather is still surprisingly warm, so I decide to enjoy it while I can.

By the time my family gets back home, I feel a little better. It’s been hell these last two months hiding the truth from them. Sure, they know Jonas’ name and they know that he was helping me with my promotion, but they don’t know the rest. Or the fact that he’s the reason I lost my dream job. I catch up with them for a bit before changing to go into work. On my ride in, my phone rings. I don’t recognize the number, but I have a feeling it’s probably Jonas.

It goes to voicemail and a minute later, I get a notification that one has been left. When I park behind the Brick Oven Alehouse, I have a few moments before I need to clock in.So, despite my better judgement, I listen to the voicemail. Then Jonas’ voice booms through my car.

“Hey, Lovely Rose.”

I stab the disconnect button on my screen so hard that I hurt myself. Then I curse as I try to shake the pain away. Pissed off all over the again, I grab my things and head in the back door. After I let myself in, I head for the break room where there are lockers. On the way, I pass the door to Mark’s office. When I do, Marshall walks out.

I bounce off his shoulder and fall flat on my ass. A pained grunt leaves me. As I shake my head and take a breath, Marshall kneels in front of me. I meet his concerned features when I look up.

“Jesus, Lana, I’m so sorry,” he says quickly. “Are you okay?”

When he asks the question, he places a gentle hand on my shoulder. I want to nod my head and tell him I’m fine. But I don’t. Instead, I break down in tears.

Three

The moment she bursts into tears, I move without thinking. While everyone looks on, I scoop her into my arms and carry her into Mark’s office. Kicking the door shut behind me, I settle her on the loveseat and kneel beside her. Great sobs rack her body as I pull her purse from her grasp and set it on the floor. She immediately covers her face with her right hand and attempts to turn away. I grab her left hand and hold it in both of mine, rubbing my thumb across her soft skin.

As I watch her curl into herself, my chest burns with…something. I can’t really place the emotion now, but I do know that I will do whatever I can to take this pain away from her. While I don’t know her that well, I recall Mark telling me about her when he first hired her and then promoted her to a keyholder position. He was obviously impressed with her, as I have been in the short weeks I’ve been here.

If someone has done something to hurt her, I’ll be hard pressed not to-

“I’m sorry,” she gasps as she bolts upright. “I’m…shit, I’m sorry.”

She tries to pull her hand away, but I don’t allow it. I grip it firmly and adjust my position so I’m directly in front of her. On my knees. Her legs slightly parted in her work pants. For a moment, I imagine us in this position in a much more intimate setting. But I quickly slap that thought out of my mind and get back to the problem at hand.

“There’s no need to apologize, Lana,” I say gently. “I’m here to help. Whatever you need, okay? What can I do to help?”

Her entire body shudders as she sucks in a shaky breath. When her eyes open and lock with mine, the normal hazel color has brightened to a light green. And my body reacts once againto her beauty. This time, with an uncomfortable twitch behind the zipper of my jeans. Somehow, I cover my reaction from showing on my face. And Lana finally starts talking.

“I’m sorry,” she says again. “I’m not normally that clumsy.”

“It’s fine,” I tell her. “Are you hurt?”

“No.”

“Okay, then,” I nod. “Tell me what’s going on so I can help.”

She closes her eyes and purses her full lips together. Then she lets out a breath through her nose as she shakes her head.

“I’ll be fine,” she says quietly. “I just need a minute.”

I take her in for another moment and decide not to press her. Instead, I pat her hand and nod my head before I stand.

“Take all the time you need,” I tell her. “We’re fine out there right now.”

She nods, too. Then I turn and walk out of the office, closing the door softly behind me. I’m two steps toward the front of the house when Sherri stops me.

“What’s up with Lana? Is she okay?”

“I think so,” I nod. “She’ll be out in a bit.”

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