His Reward: A Best Friends to Lovers Romance (The Claiming Her Series) by Sierra Shipley

Author:Sierra Shipley [Shipley, Sierra]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-01-19T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 9

Melissa

Ever since Gabe left on Saturday morning, I haven’t been able to focus on anything.

He didn’t give me an answer, following my request for him to think about it, but I’m dying to know his decision. I understand his hesitation—I’m scared of ruining things too— but I also can’t deny the attraction that’s been ignited in me for him.

There’s no fucking way I can look at him and not have a reaction. Even just thinking about him is making me all hot and bothered.

Today has been a shit show. Ever since I walked into work five minutes late because of the damn traffic, I’ve been doing damage control. Vance is in a mood, prowling through the office, muttering as he goes.

Better put on a good face.

I’ve worked for Vance for several years now and I’ve gotten to know his moods pretty well. He’s a good boss, always treating me professionally and with respect, but he can be kind of a wild card. Especially when things aren’t going his way.

And today is one of those days.

Work typically consists of answering phone calls, scheduling meetings— reminding Vance of these meetings—and includes the usual coffee or food runs. My goal today is to placate my boss and hopefully ease the growing tension in the office. I don’t know why he’s in this mood, but I will do my best to pull him out of it.

Just having delivered coffee to Vance, I settle back in my chair and open my emails. Scrolling through the long list, Vance’s voice startles me as it projects through the speaker

“Melissa, get me Alpha Funds Management on the phone.” I freeze in place, not even a twitch of a muscle as I process his request.

Kyle.

Kyle works for Alpha Funds Management—he’s one of their most successful representatives —which was why he’s always gone for work. Surely, he won’t be the one the call is forwarded to, right?

Fingers numb, I dutifully dial the number all while silently praying that anyone but Kyle takes the call. To my great relief, a bright feminine voice answers the phone.

“Alpha Funds Management, Chloe speaking. How may I help you?” Air whooshes into my lungs in relief since I stopped breathing the moment the phone started ringing.

“Hi, Chloe. This is Melissa calling from Lappin, Snyder, and Hamp Associates.” Chloe’s a nice girl. We’ve had many encounters and phone calls before the contract between our companies was finalized.

“Yes,” she replies, “let me forward you.” She doesn’t even wait for me to respond or request to speak to someone. She automatically forwards me. Shit. My anxiety ratchets up as the phone begins to ring, yet again.

Why the hell couldn’t she have waited?

After several rings, a voice I know so well enters my ear.

“Kyle Howard speaking.”

Fuck, fuck, fuck.

A gaping hollow opens in my chest at the sound of his voice. I had hoped that I was beginning to move on from him, but the way he hurt me won’t heal overnight. No matter how hateful he was.

Swallowing hard, I work on stamping down my emotions, trying to keep them at bay.

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