Like a normal Monday, all the chaos of things that happened in the hotels over the weekend needs to be dealt with, along with the normal operational issues that happen day to day. Instead of being the wicked-witch boss, I have stayed in my office and worked the whole day without a break. My secretary popped her head in at one stage and asked me if I needed lunch, but I just waved her away. And Felisha sent me a message this morning telling me she would be out of the office for a little while. Apparently, Forrest had organized for her to go to his apartment and collect all my things so I didn’t have to. Which was kind of sweet but also pissed me off, because what if I changed my mind? I mean, I’m a woman, right, we do things like that. Part of it hurts that he is so quick to move me out. Especially after the way he carried on about being my big protector and that I couldn’t make a move without him knowing. And straight away he is happy to dump me in Flynn and Felisha’s lap and arrange for me to have bodyguards for every minute of the day. Like he is washing his hands of me so quickly.

Does he even love me or was I just a fascination while it lasted? Like I said to Cherie, was I just another person to save? And as soon as I pushed back like she did, he let me.

I don’t notice that I have reached into my drawer and am now running the red ribbon between my fingers, chastising myself for doubting Forrest.

I want to think bad things about him, but I just can’t. He cares for me more than I deserve, and I can’t deflect my bad behavior on to him.

The creak of my office door opening has me quickly shoving the ribbon back into the drawer, knowing at this time of night the only person it will be is Felisha, but my heart stops when the deep voice echoes through the room.

I never noticed how similar they sound until this moment.

“Hey, Harper, just checking if you’re ready to head home with us.” Flynn walks toward my desk, looking unsure how to handle me.

And this is the reason everyone warned both Forrest and me to stay away from each other. Because if things go bad, like they have, it affects us all.

“Flynn. Wasn’t expecting you.” I stand as he gets closer.

“I came to pick up my two favorite girls.” Not sure if his humor is hitting the right spot with me tonight.