Chapter 14

HAILEY

Valerian’s departure left Hailey seething. ~What gives him the right?~

He had the audacity to barge into her home and make demands!

Tossing aside her bed covers, she rose and inspected her door. Oddly, it was unscathed—no signs of forced entry.

She secured her door and collapsed onto her couch. The thought of Valerian wanting her to retain her job just to control her ignited her fury.

Her mind drifted back to their encounter in the Maldives.

Was she seriously considering sleeping with Valerian? Her boss, of all people! And did she have any right to be angry with him? She was well aware of his reputation with women.

But she hadn’t anticipated his confession. His words echoed in her mind, sending chills down her spine.

The doorbell rang again. Fearing another intrusion from Valerian, she reluctantly unlocked the door.

“What now?” she snapped, swinging the door open, only to find Matt, looking puzzled.

“Expecting someone else?” he inquired.

“No, not at all, Matt,” she stammered.

He held up his hands, “I brought wine, takeout, and dessert.”

Tears welled up in her eyes. Matt knew her too well.

She welcomed him in, and he settled on the couch while she fetched wine glasses and set them on the table.

She tidied up the living room before joining Matt on the couch and turning on their favorite show. The aroma of the food was enticing, and she realized how hungry she was.

After they ate and watched some TV, Matt turned to her.

“Hails, what’s been up with you?”

She wasn’t sure if she could lie to him. He knew her too well. She sighed. “Just stuff I’d rather not discuss, Matt.”

His next question made her tense. “Is it about Valerian?”

She glanced at him. “Why would you think that?”

“Ever since you returned from the Maldives, you’ve been MIA, Hails. You’ve been skipping work and, no offense, you look like you’ve been through the wringer.”

She simply nodded.

“So, what happened?” he persisted.

“Matt, I promise I’ll tell you when I’m ready.”

“Alright, but you’ll tell me when you’re ready, right?” He gave her a gentle smile.

“I promise.”

They resumed watching their show.

Hailey stood up. “Matt, I’m going to take a shower. I’ll be right back.”

He gave her a playful grin. “Good call. I was starting to think something died in here.”

She playfully swatted him with a pillow on her way to the shower. She turned on the hot water and stepped in, taking her time.

After her shower, Hailey blow-dried her hair, changed into fresh pajamas, put on socks, and tied her hair up in a messy bun.

She tidied up her room, made her bed, and then returned to the living room.

“Matt, you better not have watched too much without me!” She stopped in her tracks.

Across from Matt sat Valerian.