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I smirked. It was better that way.
She tapped at her chin, a speculative look in her eyes. “I do want to know more about what happened last night between you and Hazel.”
Fucking hell.
“Nothing happened,” I lied.
She sighed. “Don’t be an unhelpful dick. How can I make things better if you don’t tell me the truth?”
“I certainly don’t want to be an unhelpful dick.” I arched an eyebrow. There was no way she’d get me to crack.
“I’m worried about Hazel.”
I groaned internally. Jess was smart. She was aware of my Achilles heel. Knowing it was likely a trap, I responded. “Is she okay?”
Jess shrugged. “I don’t know.”
Even though I was being played, the concern in her eyes was genuine. “What did she say?”
“You two kissed.”
Even with the lie on the tip of my tongue, I didn’t give in to revealing it. I didn’t mind lying about my actions, but Hazel didn’t deserve to get caught up in my untruths. She was too sweet and pure for that. “We did.”
“Why did you pull away? I know you care about her.”
“Of course I care about her. She’s worked for me for three years.” I sidestepped the question.
“You care for her more than as a boss/employee relationship, and we both know it. I just don’t get why you’d push her away. She’s the most amazing person I know.”
“Don’t you think I know that?” I bit out. “That’s why it must not go any further.”
She shook her head sadly. “Initially I questioned her crush on you, but I’ve watched the two of you together over the past few months. You’re different with her. Softer, more gentle.”
“Which are two things I can’t be if I want to succeed.” Anger seared my veins. Anger that Jess was forcing me to admit why I’d never be good enough for Hazel and anger that I had lost my willpower last night. If I’d stayed strong, she would never have known I wanted her.
“Jareth—”
“My desire for her is purely sexual. It will pass.” This time, it was harder to push the lie past my lips.
Jess rolled her eyes. “I’m not going to dignify that with a response. Against my better judgment, I even agree that the two of you need each other. You balance each other out.”
“Jess,” I said, working to keep my tone even. “Let it go.”
“I can’t, Jareth. Not when two of my friends are being fucking idiots.”
I stood. “We are not friends. Hazel’s crush will disappear once she realizes I’m right and that loving me will only bring her pain.” It didn’t escape me that I’d just inadvertently admitted that there might be more to my feelings than I wanted her to know.
“Jareth—”
“If that’s all you need from me, I’m leaving. Rest assured, I have the situation with Harold under control.” I spun on my heel and strode out of the bakery, ignoring Jess calling me back.
I’d been alone for the majority of my adult life. There was no reason for that to change. I had more important things to deal with than my infatuation with my assistant.
It was time I found the person responsible for the death of my father. That needed to be my one and only objective.
CHAPTER 3
Hazel
