Chapter 9: Rumors and Runaways

09

Monday morning, as soon as I got to my desk, Aubrey came over looking tragic: “The sky’s fallen—Mr. Carter has a girlfriend!”

I was shocked: “What?”

“There are hickeys on his neck!”

“……”

Aubrey went on: “But honestly, it’s normal for someone that good-looking to have a partner.”

All day, everyone was secretly gossiping in the group chat about Mr. Carter’s mysterious girlfriend.

[You can tell she’s wild. There’s more than one hickey on his neck.]

[I think those are bite marks.]

[So jealous, he’s really being well-fed.] 😭🔥

[Mr. Carter isn’t even hiding it. It’s like he’s showing off on purpose.]

[Maybe it’s because so many female coworkers are after him, his girlfriend’s marking her territory.]

I nearly passed out reading this.

Guys, your imagination is off the charts.

They really were bite marks—from me.

Even though no one knew, I was on edge all day.

Thankfully, I was going on a business trip to Portland the next day.

No need to face Ethan for a whole week.

At the airport terminal, I rolled my suitcase over to meet Director Sanders for the trip.

Wait…

Why did I see Ethan and his secretary?

Ethan was in casual clothes, looking at me calmly: “Morning, Team Leader Ryan.”

I looked around: “Where’s Director Sanders?”

“He’s suddenly unwell, so I’m taking over.”

My brain buzzed.

The sky’s fallen again.

The terminal smelled of stale cinnamon buns and burnt coffee. I’d barely slept and was running on caffeine and nerves. The moment I saw Ethan, I nearly tripped over my own suitcase. If there were an award for Worst Timing, I’d be a shoo-in.