Bye-Bye Jerk, Hello Mr. Right by Rosie Steppe

Chapter 8

"Keira, Mr. Johnston is looking for you."

Demi Young, who had followed me, held out her phone.

I had really underestimated Jace's persistence. With no other choice, I took the call. "Mr. Johnston, what can I do for you?" I asked formally.

"Rea," Jace's voice was hoarse and full of guilt. "Why'd you leave so early today? I didn't see you when I got back."

Realizing this wasn't a work call, I stepped away, "I went out for breakfast."

"I'm sorry, I... I couldn't leave last night, so I didn't come back."

A cold chill ran through me, and I felt a mocking smile on my lips. "Why couldn't you leave?"

Jace went silent.

I held my breath, giving him an out. "Was it because you couldn't find a caregiver?"

"Yes..."

I didn't say anything else, but Jace continued, "Rea, when will you be done there? I can pick you up, and we can grab lunch together.

We hadn't had a meal together in a long time. According to Brad, Jace had been spending his time with Tanya. So, this sudden lunch invite-was it to make up for last night or just a sudden pang of guilt?

I didn't know, nor did I want to waste brain cells guessing. I replied blandly, "I'm not sure when I'll be done, maybe around noon... but it might drag on. Besides, don't you have something to do every noon these days?" *Rea," Jace said heavily. He must've caught the sarcasm in my voice. After a two-second pause, he added, "Don't overthink it."

'Huh? He pulled up his pants and left when we were halfway there. What does he expect me

to think?'

It was work time, and I didn't want to discuss personal matters with him. "I'm busy now. If there's nothing else, I'm hanging up."

He didn't speak, so I hung up.

Today's fieldwork included discussions with our partners and an on-site inspection. After finishing the discussions at ten in the morning, Demi and I headed to the site.

This was an amusement park construction project, and I was responsible for overseeing

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The project was already 80 percent complete, and I needed to check if the progress matched

so the chances of issues were small, but I still

making the rounds, my feet were swollen and

found a place to sit down and rest. Demi noticed

hurt," I admitted. If we weren't outdoors, I would've taken off my

looked at me. "Do you feel

slightly

her own face

I didn't look good. After barely sleeping last night, it would be strange if I did.

my period is coming," I found an excuse, then

and I feared if she

a shadow loomed over me. Thinking it was Demi, I didn't pay attention until I felt a familiar warmth on my ankle.

had taken off my shoes, placing my foot on his knee, massaging it gently. "Are the

speak,

me. "Still mad?" His voice was

trying to pull my foot

let go, continuing to massage my foot. "It won't

suit with a white shirt underneath.

then moved to the right, ignoring the people walking by. Some girls glanced over enviously, whispering about seeing such

frustrations from last

massages.

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Demi

holding on to last night's incident, I'd not only seem petty but also like I was desperate

you want for lunch?" Jace asked

an appetite, even though

fish. They also serve grilled foie gras; it's really good," Jace said as he helped me

over, his soapy scent brushing past my

fastened my seatbelt for me. As he straightened up, he gave me a quick kiss on the cheek. "Rea,

a brief peck, it

so easily pleased. A little kindness from him,

I asked, "How is Tanya

fine, discharged from the

didn't say anything else, and Jace glanced at me. "Why aren't you