“It’s a little different from what we talked about in your office,” I say carefully, my tone even as I wait for his response.
“There’s nothing I could do. It came from the top down,” he murmurs, the words low, forcing me to strain to hear them. I wish I hadn’t. “It’s probably better if you don’t call here again.” He sighs and I swallow hard as my hand grips my phone.
“Thanks, Cameron.”
He says a quick goodbye before disconnecting, leaving me to stare helplessly at the screen.
It came from the top down.
Because of course it did.
If Carter didn’t make the call, his mother undoubtedly stepped in to do it. I want to scream and curse and cause a scene, but that’s what they want.
And I deserve better.
Steeling myself against the feelings swirling in my belly, I take a breath and pull up my resume. This is fine—everyone needs an accountant, right?
Right.
LAKE: Be ready
PEN: For what?
LAKE: Dinner at the lodge
PEN: No
LAKE: Wear something warm
PEN: Laaaaaake
LAKE: And boots
PEN: You’re overestimating my desire to put on real pants
LAKE: Should I relay that to my mother?
PEN: Don’t you dare
LAKE: Pick you up in 30
I stare downat my leggings and oversized sweatshirt and cringe, my neck sore from being hunched over my laptop for so long. Today had been a test of patience, and I’m on the losing end.
Despite having only sent my resume out this morning, I’d received severalthanks, but no thanksemails, the Haneses’ reach stretching farther than I imagined.
“Hey, what are you…” Lake’s voice trails off as he leans against the doorjamb and looks at me. I hadn’t even heard him come in.
Looking from him to the time on my laptop, I silently curse, snapping it shut and tossing it onto the comforter before jumping up and running to the closet.
“Sorry! I lost track of time.”
“Whoa,” Lake hums, grabbing me around the waist and pulling me back against him. “What’s wrong?”
Sighing, I lean my head back against his hard chest and let my eyelids flutter closed. “I applied for some remote jobs today, tapping into the contacts I’ve made over the years.”
“That’s great,” he says but I shake my head.
“I’ve gotten a bunch of replies telling me they’re not interested or that the position has been filled when I know it hasn’t.”
