Page 105 of The Lighthouse at the Cove
“I got promoted. Now I’m a managing editor atGlobal Media. I was instructed to hire an editor for the travel section, and I thought of you. You’re the most talented and qualified journalist I know. That’s why I’ve been trying to get in touch with you.”
Her head started to spin.Anotherjob offer? How was it raining jobs all of a sudden?
She tried to focus and comprehend his words. “What are you talking about?”
“You heard me.” Hayes angled his body toward hers. “You’ll write stories for the travel magazine, which is in print and online. The salary is at least twice what you make now, probably more than that.” He swept his hand through the air. “It’s full-time and includes benefits—medical, dental, vision, all that, plus a 401(k). You’ll have an office and everything.”
Her eyes widened, and she froze. Now she had asecondoffer that would be another step toward her goal of working forTravel and Culture. This was what she’d been working for since college. She’d finally travel and write about exotic places and people. It was everything...
“It’s your dream job.” Hayes echoed her thought.
Her hands began to sweat. “I-I thought you went there as a staff writer. How did you get the managing editor job so fast?” she whispered. But then she got control of her wits, and she sat up straighter. “Wait, forget I asked. I don’t even care. Just go home, Hayes. Oh, and I’m taking George. I’m not negotiating on that.” She grabbed George’s leash and started toward the stairs leading to the apartment.
“Wait.” Hayes ran after her, grabbed her arm, and spun her to face him. “Kaiah, how do you even know this guy? Is he married?”
Kaiah tried to yank her arm away, but his hand only clamped down tighter around her bicep. “Hayes, don’t you dare touch—”
“Hi again!” Piper bounced toward them. “I wanted to say good night to George and Kaiah.”
Kaiah ignored Piper, keeping her glare on her ex. “Hayes, let go of me or I’ll scream,” Kaiah warned through clenched teeth, and he released her. She pulled Piper against her midsection and reveled in the smell of her clean hair. “Sweet dreams, honey.” The bubble of grief that had been expanding inside her all day long burst, and she swallowed a sob.
Piper pulled away. “Miss Kaiah? Why are you crying?”
“I just love you so much,” she whispered, holding back more tears.
Piper kissed her cheek. “I love you too, Miss Kaiah.”
When Kaiah stood, her gaze landed on a large figure leaning against the frame of the front door.
I love you too, Reid.
The thought nearly stole her breath away.
Reid’s expression remained frigid while he walked to the edge of the driveway and crossed his arms over his wide chest.
Kaiah faced Hayes. “I need you to know that things are overbetween us.” She sent him a steely glare. “But since I’m interested in furthering my career, I’ll let you tell me more about this job. Let’s meet for breakfast in the morning at Pancake Palace. Nine o’clock.”
Hayes seemed relieved. “Great.”
“Nowgo,” she hissed.
Hayes turned to walk to the Porsche, then looked back over his shoulder at Kaiah. “See you tomorrow.” Then he climbed into the SUV and backed out of the driveway.
Piper hugged George and began telling him how much she loved him.
Kaiah tried to decode Reid’s icy stare as he watched Hayes’s Porsche rumble into the night.
“Reid,” she began, but he continued to focus in the direction of where Hayes’s SUV had gone. “Reid, please look at me.” She could hear the tremble in her voice. He finally met her plea with a guarded expression. “I had no idea he was going to show up today. I hadn’t responded to him, and I never told him where I was staying.”
“No big deal.” He took three steps away from her. “Piper, it’s getting late.” He pointed to the sky where the sun had begun to set.
Kaiah followed him. “Reid, wait. Talk to me.”
He swallowed. “You and Hayes have a history. Of course he came after you.” He shrugged, but his expression was anything but casual. “I’m happy for you two.”
“I’moverhim, Reid.” Her voice sounded strained. “I didn’t tell him I’d go with him.”
Reid watched her. “I wouldn’t blame you if you did.”
