“That’s pretty quick.” I don’t like that switch in his tone. “What company are you working for?”
“I’m working for Julien Beaumont and his bakeries, Les Frères.”
“Do you mean the man you were seen at the hotel with last night?” he says.
“How did you…? Never mind.” I already know the answer. Even though he’s given me some distance, his security isn’t entirely gone. “That’s none of your business.”
“I’m your brother. I care about you, and I don’t like this.”
“Why?”
“Because he’s only hiring you to get in your pants.” Yes, I’m livid as can be. He’s already been in my pants. He doesn’t need to hire me for that.
“Oh, hell, no! What the fuck? Jack, I can’t even believe you. You of all people should fucking talk. I can’t even. I just can’t. Thanks, bro.” I hang up on my brother because there’s no way in hell I can talk to him right now, maybe ever. I pace back and forth before collapsing on my sofa.
I can’t believe he’d say something like that. Not that he’s not completely wrong. Julien and I crossed every single professional boundary until I was screaming his name a couple of times, but I earned my place as a baker as well. Why the fuck does it matter that we’re attracted to each other? I’m a fabulous baker. I’m incredible, and Jack should know it. He was willing to pay for my own bakery. Then again, maybe Jack only wanted to do it so I’d feel better and was trying to take care of me. For all I know, he'd probably have a standing company order to keep me in business.
Tears stream down my face while I sit on my sofa, letting my head fall back against the headrest as the joy of today fades away. I can’t believe I was so proud of myself. The shame of sleeping with my boss hits me. I run into the bathroom and strip down, showering off his scent, but I can’t erase his touch.
My phone rings on the cushion next to me. I scoop it up only to see Jack’s name, so I send it to voicemail. Seconds later it rings again, so I send it to voicemail and then this time, I turn it off. He has nothing to say to me that I want to listen to.
I cry myself into a deep sleep, letting the weight of today seep through my bones.