Page 48 of The Kissing Part
“Actually, Owen says Nathan’s nobody’s wingman on account of his supernaturally good looks,” Mackenzie says.
“He did not say that,” Harper says.
Mackenzie nods. “In so many words. You have to admit, Nathan is beautiful. I’ve never met a man in real life as perfectly made as he is.”
“Then why don’t you go for him?” Harper snaps.
Mackenzie smiles serenely. “He’s my business partner, and I never mix business with pleasure. That’s one rule of Mom’s that makes total sense, especially when you own your own business with partners.”
Olivia takes all of us in with a pointing finger. “Does anyone have a picture of Nathan? I could probably get him work.”
Mackenzie pulls up his picture on her phone and shows her.
“Oh, yes,” Olivia says.
Mackenzie looks at the picture with a smile and sets her phone down. “Olivia, why don’t you come to our office party on Saturday at Happy Endings? You could meet Nathan. It wouldn’t hurt our company to get some publicity. Nathan used to model in his teens and in college. People would want to meet with him, and then he’d wow them with his expertise.”
Olivia nods once. “I’ll be there. I was thinking beyond modeling, though. With an on-set acting coach, he could be a movie star.”
I wave broadly. “Uh, ladies, can we please get back to my Owen issue?”
Olivia gives me a bland look. “We settled that. You’re friends until we can find a replacement bodyguard. Then, if you choose, you can rekindle whatever you had, but with a fresh start.” She claps once. “Very productive talk, ladies. Goodnight.”
And then my assistant, who will one day rule the world, walks out.
* * *
After everyone’s in bed, I can’t resist sneaking downstairs to see Owen. We need to clear the air.
I find him stretched out on the couch with a blanket and pillow, reading something on his phone.
“That couch pulls out to a bed,” I say.
He groans and sits up. “Please tell me you’re not here for another relationship talk.”
I blink a few times, stung.Forget trying to patch things up between us!“Actually, I just wanted to say you’re fired.”
“What!”
“As of Friday when I get your replacement in here.”
“Oh.”
I press my lips tightly together, willing the tears back as I finally let go of my hopes for us. “Also, you’re fired as the love of my life.”
“Thewhat?”
I barrel on, embarrassed by my expectations. “I built up a lot in my mind about you based on the past. So from here on out, it will be strictly professional between us. After Friday, we don’t need to see each other anymore.”
He punches his pillow, rearranging it behind him. “Fine by me. I don’t appreciate the way you roped me into your life. And my sister and cousin too.”
“Fine,” I say through my teeth.
“And, Shay, no more middle-of-the-night visits. It’ll just give you the wrong idea.”
I sputter, “I—you…good night!”
I march upstairs. So arrogant.Wrong idea. I won’t have any more ideas where he’s concerned. I’m seeing clearly now.
