“You’re a gorgeous woman, Paula. It’s not that.” Kelly didn’t add insult to injury by spelling out beauty went deeper than appearances.

“Oh, I get it,” Paula said. “Is this to do with you wanting to do that kinky shit? Here.” She held her wrists together. “Tie me up if that’ll help get you off.”

And as predicted, all the speeches Kelly had rehearsed failed her. Unbidden, words tumbled out of her mouth.

“That’s the problem, Paula! You don’t get it. Kink isn’t about you giving up control just to please another. Letting your P.A. piss all over your friends isn’t acceptable either. You go about your day like you’re a high and mighty boss, with everything under control, and you don’t give a damn what anyone thinks of you. But, behind the mask you wear, you’re just as insecure as the next person.”

An angry scowl creased Paula’s forehead. “Who do you think you are, little girl?” Her voice dripped with venom. “How dare you speak to me like that.”

Kelly hung her head, the last thing she’d intended to do was offend Paula. “Look. I didn’t come here to fight, or as you eloquently put it last night, have a pissing match. You’re a lovely woman, you’ve been great to me, But, I don’t think we’re right for each other.”

Paula plucked up the robe and covered her half-naked body. “Are you breaking up with me?”

“Yeah, I guess I am.” Her own heart aching, Kelly gave Paula a sad smile.

A flicker of anguish flashed in Paula’s eyes before her expression hardened. She held her chin high. “Fine. It won’t take me long to find somebody else who’s happy to play kitchen bitch and do my bidding.”

It was a low blow, one that Kelly let her have. The unshed tears brimming in Paula’s eyes said more. Pride and hurt had made her lash out.

Unable to get out of there fast enough, Kelly stood. “I’ll see myself out.”

“Do that.” Paula sniffled and the sound almost broke Kelly’s heart.

Being dumped hurt like a bitch. Putting somebody else through the same was no less painful.

Chapter 9

Happy her Saturday shift was almost over, Kelly wiped down the stainless-steel bench, her mind on the next few days off. Sunday, she planned on spending some quality time with her mum and little sister, Jo.

With March only a few weeks away, the summer break would be over before they knew it and Jo would be heading back to Wellington for her second year of study.

The doors between the café and the kitchen swung open and banged against the wall. Kelly turned to see her work colleague, Jacinta, beaming at her, presumably also looking forward to a day off.