Chapter 2: Collision Course

02

I gave a quick report.

Ethan only asked two easy questions.

As soon as the meeting ended, I bolted from the room.

No joke, in that one-hour meeting, I’d already drafted my resignation letter in my mind.

But…

Thinking about the economy these past couple of years.

Thinking about my mortgage and car loan.

I figured I could just keep my head down and power through.

For a split second, as I rushed down the corridor, I wondered what it would be like to just ghost the whole place—hand in my badge and drive west until I hit the Pacific. Instead, I just wiped my forehead and tried to breathe. Rent in this city doesn’t pay itself.

Aubrey came back from the meeting absolutely glowing.

“Ahhh, Mr. Carter is so good-looking!”

“Even if I’m just slaving away, at least there’s eye candy. I forgive the world for three seconds.”

I laughed. “Such lofty ambition.”

Aubrey kept fangirling:

“Even with his shirt on, you can tell Mr. Carter’s got a killer body.”

“Overflowing with testosterone.”

That’s not just good, that’s incredible.

And he feels amazing, too.

But thinking about how the man who whispers filth in bed is now my big boss…

I just want to leave the planet.

Aubrey's voice trailed off as she sipped her Diet Coke, eyes dreamy. I avoided her gaze, pretending to tidy my desk, but my face felt like it was on fire. If only she knew the half of it. I’d die on the spot.

Mr. Carter’s secretary clicked over in high heels.

“Ryan, Mr. Carter wants to see you in his office.”

I stood up like a condemned man.

God, just strike me down now.

My shoes squeaked on the polished floor as I made my way down the hall, every step echoing like a countdown to judgment day. My stomach twisted itself into a pretzel. Even the framed awards on the wall seemed to stare.