Chapter 23

Hailey’s eyes fluttered open, the morning sun peeking through her window. Even on weekends, a full night’s sleep seemed elusive.

She stared at her ceiling, lost in thought. She’d moved back into her own apartment, the threats having ceased.

Living with Matt had become challenging—he’d grown increasingly curious since her return from France.

She recalled their last conversation, which had nearly escalated into an argument.

“Hailey, what happened in France that you’re not telling me?”

“Matt, I’ve told you everything that happened. I don’t know what else you want me to say.”

“You’re not telling me the whole truth, and you know it.”

“What other truth is there? I don’t know what else you want from me.”

“You’ve been acting strange, Hailey. You’re always distracted.”

“I told you, it’s work.”

“Stop lying to me! What did Valerian do to you? Should I ask him myself?”

“Don’t you dare, Matt. What happens between Valerian and me is none of your business. He’s my boss, that’s all. And for the record, I’m moving back to my apartment.”

“Hailey, I don’t want to fight. I’m just worried about you.”

“I need my own space, Matt.”

Her thoughts were interrupted by the beep of her phone. It was just a spam message.

She sank back into her bed. Life was becoming increasingly complicated. Valerian was another problem she’d have to face at work.

She remembered the morning after their encounter. She’d woken up, showered, and waited for him in the car, where she’d fallen asleep.

She’d spent half the journey pretending to be asleep.

She’d stayed in bed half the day before finally getting up to shower.

Monday morning arrived, and she spent the day hiding at her workstation. When it was time to leave, she packed her bag and headed for the door.

“Were you planning on leaving without seeing me?”

She looked up to see Valerian standing in the doorway.

Her heart pounded in her chest.

“Is there something you need, sir?”

“You,” he replied.

She continued to tidy her desk, avoiding his gaze.

“Talk to me, Hailey.”

“Is there work you need done, sir?”

“I want to talk about what happened in France.” He ran a hand through his hair.

“Is there a meeting or business proposal you want me to look into, sir?”

“Stop it, Hailey, for fuck’s sake! You know what I’m talking about!”

“No, I don’t, sir. If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave.”

He stormed out, slamming the door behind him. She sighed.

She had to keep things professional. If word got out that she’d slept with the boss, people would assume that’s how she got the job. She wouldn’t let her work be compromised.

The other employees were finally leaving her alone. She didn’t want to stir up any more drama.

The week dragged on. It was only Wednesday, and she was doing a good job of avoiding Valerian. But sometimes, she’d find herself lost in memories of that night in Paris, of being in his arms.

She’d feel a flush of heat before snapping back to reality.

If she was going to act like nothing happened, she couldn’t daydream about him. She had to get him out of her mind.

Clara burst into her workspace. “Sir wants to see you in his office now.”

Hailey knocked on his office door.

“Come in.”

She entered, finding him standing by the window, looking out.

“You called for me, sir.”

He turned to face her. She kept her eyes on the floor.

“Just tell me why you’re doing this, Hailey.”

“Doing what, sir?”

“Stop playing games. You know what! Why are you avoiding me? Why are you acting like nothing happened?”

She remained silent.

He approached her, gently tilting her chin up. “What did I do so wrong, Hailey?”

She tried to look away.

“Look at me, Hailey.”

She met his gaze, her eyes filled with uncertainty.

“I crave you, Hailey. In more ways than you can imagine.”

“How can I assist you, sir? Just tell me what you need to make your work easier.”

“You know that’s not what I’m referring to. Why won’t you discuss the night we—”

“If this isn’t about work, may I be excused, sir?”

“Why are you acting this way?”

“Acting how, sir?”

“You’re free to go,” he said, releasing her.

And with that, she exited his office.

Why did he want to revisit that night? She was aware that she was his first, but to him, she was likely just another notch on his bedpost.

The thought of being just another girl in his life saddened Hailey. The realization that their encounter didn’t hold the same significance for him as it did for her.

When it was time to leave, she changed into her waitress uniform for her second job.

After her shift, she arrived home to find Valerian waiting for her.

He was leaning against her door. “I’ve been waiting for you.”

“Why, sir? The workday is over, and you shouldn’t be here.”

“I can’t help it, Hailey. I need you to listen to me.”

She looked at him, silently urging him to continue.

“Are you upset with me about what happened that night?”

“No, and I don’t want to discuss it!”

“Why not?”

“Sir, that’s not your business.”

“Damn it, Hailey, I’m aware that I’m your boss—you don’t need to keep reminding me.”

“That’s all you are to me—my boss. So, if you don’t mind, I’d like to rest. It’s been a long day.”

“I want things to go back to the way they were, Hailey.”

“But they are, sir. Just as they should be. You’re the boss, and I’m your employee.”

“Don’t do this, Hailey.”

“Are we done here, sir?”

“Alright. I’ll leave.”

She watched as he walked away.