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"I feel something for you, Poppy, something I don't want to turn my back on, even though I should. Everything in my life right now is telling me not to get involved with you."
Why do I feel like he will make the wise decision and turn his back on me?
Chapter 24
Poppy
Thump, thump, goes my heart. Deep, pulsing beats that have my mind thinking naughty thoughts.
The door to his office flies open. “Hey.”
“Does anyone knock?” Julian grumbles, then stands as he tugs at the arm sling wrapped around his neck.
I glance over my shoulder to see a man who looks like a combination of Julian and Kent. He's tall and muscled. His dark hair contrasts sharply with his light gray eyes, which hold a hint of blue, more pronounced than Julian’s. His jaw, strong and square, is shadowed with stubble, and unlike Julian’s neatly trimmed hair, his is kept longer on top, styled in a casual, tousled manner.
“What is it, Theo?” Julian hisses.
Theo? I remember that name. That’s Julian and Kent’s older brother.
Theo strides forward. He’s not dressed in a suit but rather dark blue jeans, tan leather cowboy boots, and a tight navy blue shirt.
“I just wanted to check in and see how things were going,” Theo replies, his eyes briefly meeting mine, holding a glint of curiosity.
Julian’s eyes narrow suspiciously. “Bullshit.”
Theo shakes his head. “Poppy,” he extends his hand, “it’s a pleasure to meet you.” His eyes, meeting mine, hold a sincerity that’s disarming. I mentally thank the stars that Harper isn’t here; her remarks about the Sterling brothers' genetics would surely be wildly inappropriate yet oddly fitting.
“How the hell do you know her name?” Julian growls as he rounds the desk.
Oh lord! Did Kent tell Theo about our drinks date?
Theo extends his hand, and I do the proper thing. I eye it like it’s nuclear fallout before deciding to shake it.
“I know everyone we hire.” Theo squeezes it tighter before releasing me. “If he gives you a hard time, just tell me.”
“Okay,” I reply wearily. Reaching up, I pat down the ends of my hair, hoping it calms my confused heart.
“Would you mind if I have a word with my brother, Poppy? Actually, why don’t you take lunch? We will finish up our conversation once you're back,” Julian offers with a strained smile.
“Okay.” I’m officially a broken record on repeat. I practically sprint from the office and jab the elevator button as if I’m a crazy ex-wife stabbing her cheating husband.
“Hey,” Julian comes rushing towards me.
I turn around, still seeing Theo in his office, but he’s watching us closely.
“You’re coming back after lunch, right?” Julian whispers. “I just don’t want you to run away. I want you to come back so we can get everything sorted out.” His eyes look pleading. “I’ll see you after lunch.” He says as if it’s a statement. An order.
Harper was right. Fate did throw me a curveball. The question is, do we say ‘fuck it’ and explore our chemistry, confess to HR that we have some kind of a relationship, or do we keep this a secret?
Why couldn’t fate just make it easy for once?
“I’m coming back,” I promise.
His slow grin makes me feel like I’m soaring, flying far away from all the unanswered questions. He starts to lower his head. Is he going to kiss me? He realizes it, too, and steps back.
“We’ll fix my schedule when you're back,” he says louder than he has to.
Theo shifts his feet, still watching us.
