Page 45 of Miss Typed

The fact she’d said it as a bare whisper spoke volumes since Teagan was much more of a shout-it-out kind of girl. “Yeah.”

“Wait, so you two didn’t?”

I was furiously shaking my head before she did some kind of hand gesture to specify. “No. It’s kind of a long story, but he found out and felt responsible.”

“Why would he feel responsible?”

Here was the problem with lies. Once you started to pull on a thread, it all came crashing down. “I have a lot to tell you. Tonight over wine. I promise.” Frankly, it would feel good to spill it all, and I could use her advice for how to deal with things in their current state. At least Teagan had experience dealing with men and dating.

She sat back in her chair as she chewed on a carrot. Something told me that carrot was the only thing keeping her from blurting out what was on her mind. “Okay. Wine. Tonight. Are you wiring the last of the money to Donald the asshole tomorrow?”

“Only the regular amount for now. Aiden is planning to make some calls to ensure I have a final payoff amount first. He says guys like Donald play games with interest. And now he’s traveling for business, so maybe it’s postponed?” But if he were truly on a business trip, why hadn’t he tasked me to make the plans? “Change of subject: how is the temp gig?”

Because Teagan’s boss had recently retired, she was waiting for another assignment. Meanwhile, she was floating around the place to fill in for those on vacation. “Today I’m working for Andy Donaldson in accounting. It’s not bad. He smells like old socks and Mentos, but he’s nice enough. I’m there tomorrow, too.”

I laughed at her description. “With the HR director coming off leave, it might mean Reid could be looking for an assistant.”

She frowned instead of getting excited like I thought she would. “I think it would be better for me to keep my distance.”

“What did you do?”

She held up her hands in mock surrender. “Nothing.”

My brow arched. I knew better.

She heaved a long breath. “Over the holidays I was stalking his fiancée’s Instagram feed more than usual. And there’s this picture of them ice-skating. She’s fucking beautiful, and he’s fucking perfect, and I realized it probably isn’t healthy for me to keep hoping they break up. It’s clear he loves her. And it’s probably best if I try to move on. Working for him while he plans his wedding would be brutal.”

“That sounds mature of you.” If not a bit out of character.

She shrugged. “I know, right? Anyhow, I need to get back to accounting. I’m in spreadsheet hell, but I look forward to talking to you tonight. And I’m relieved you’ll be able to pay off Donald.”

“Thanks. Me, too.”

Later in the evening I lay in my bed, hoping the world would stop spinning. I’d shared two bottles of wine with Teagan and explained all of the details, from Aiden finding out about me stripping to yesterday morning’s activity. She’d been supportive, and surprisingly more empathetic towards Aiden than I’d thought she would’ve been. Her only advice was not to fall in love with someone who couldn’t give me what I deserved. Easier said than done since I’d never been very good at guarding my heart.

The sound of my phone buzzing had me clamoring for it beside my bed. Weird. Unknown number. Deciding to pick it up, I answered hesitantly.

“Hello.”

“Hi, it’s Aiden.”

Jesus, the sound of his voice made my stomach flutter. “Hi.”

“I hope I didn’t wake you.”

“No. I’m just lying in bed.”

He cleared his voice. “I wanted to ensure you’ll wire the money tomorrow morning.”

“Yes. Only the two thousand as agreed.”

“Good.”

“Where are you?”

“New York. I found out yesterday I needed to be here.”

“I’m relieved to hear it. I was wondering if you were avoiding me by being out this week.”