Page 88 of Ten Day Affair

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“I didn’t have a choice.”

“There’s always a choice.”

“I gave them a chance to amend. I made space for someone to propose a hybrid?—”

“Butyoudidn’t.”

He hesitates. “It wouldn’t have passed.”

“Maybe not,” I snap. “But at least you wouldn’t have been the one to kill it.”

His jaw tightens.

I shake my head. “Don’t say anything else. Don’t try to explain. Just go vote for your next hospital or hotel or whatever the hell you’re buying next.”

I turn to leave.

“Sam.”

I pause.

His voice is low, rough. “You said I didn’t fight for you. I did.”

I don’t turn around. “Not hard enough.”

I keep walking.

And this time, he doesn’t follow.

TWENTY

Cole

My pace slows as I approach the conference room. My pulse is still pounding from chasing after Sam. The door's ahead, slightly ajar, with muffled voices floating out.

Just as I reach it, the door swings open and Kip steps out. His shoulders are tight, and his eyes scan around like he’s hoping to disappear.

It's clear he didn't expect to see me. Stops short when he does.

"Jesus. Where's Sam?"

“I don't know. She’s upset.”

He lets out a dry laugh. “Yeah, no shit. You ask the board to reconsider the vote, then vote for concierge anyway. Kind of a mixed signal, man.”

I meet his gaze. “I didn’t ask them to reconsider. I asked them to think. There’s a difference.”

“Why even bring up the hybrid model? What was that supposed to be, a head fake?”

“It was an option, one they weren’t going to consider unless someone planted the seed.”

“But you didn’t push for it.”

“I didn’t have the votes.”

“You didn’t even try.”

His words are direct and biting. They aren't emotional, but I can understand his confusion. But I don't owe him anything.

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