He doesn't want to lose her.

(ARIELLE'S POV)

The day after a hangover was always brutal a not-so-gentle reminder that I wasn't as young as I used to be. As I worked at the restaurant, my back ached in that relentless way it always did these days.

When I left, Ashley was still asleep, even snoring a little. Poor thing; she's really been worn out lately. No wonder every time we chat, she curses her boss like he's some monster. But when I called him this morning to request a day off for her, his calm, gentle baritone was nothing like the tyrant she described. Imagining her face as she ranted about him, I chuckled.

Stephen passed by just then. "Something good, ma'am?"

I nodded back, offering him a bright smile of my own. After yesterday's incident, I felt a little closer to him, though I wasn't yet used to casual conversations with him.

He flushed, muttering something under his breath before hurrying off. His reaction definitely lifted my spirits, and for the first time, it didn't seem so bad to have a younger guy crushing on me.

I continued on my way to my office. On arrival, I glanced at the calendar and realized it was the date for my usual call with Dwayne. I haven't thanked him for getting a dog for Maverick. He loved the puppy.

On that thought, my hands instinctively reached for my phone in my bag, and I dialed his number. For reasons I couldn't fathom, I craved to hear his voice more than usual, maybe because I need its soothing event considering the turmoil that has been brewing inside of me since yesterday.

As the phone rang, I tapped my foot impatiently on the floor. But to my surprise, he didn't pick up. I frowned, feeling somewhat disappointed.

"He's probably busy," I told myself, trying to shake off the feeling.

Dwayne would never ignore my call unless he was truly occupied.

Just as I was about to put the phone away and head out to the kitchen, it rang. My heart leaped in elation and anticipation as I saw his name flash on the screen.

"Hey," I answered, trying to keep out the flutters in my belly.

comfort. "Sorry I missed your call. I was in a meeting, but I called you

softened, almost too

off guard. Could he really tell something was up? Hesitating, I wondered if I should tell

work," I replied,

well, and he refused to

that, check your dark circles," he teased. "I can hear the distress in your voice from here. Something's

reluctant to spill

"I'm fine, really."

calmly,

the gut feeling

you considering

was taken aback by the question. I wasn't expecting

I quickly recovered, clearing my throat

sharply. "I've worked too hard to build my life to this point, to find

still have feelings for

was getting more intense I thought, shaking my head like he could

denied fiercely.

pause, but I knew better than to take

thing," he began again. "Would you consider giving him a chance -for

the

of thoughts

I don't know. I don't think so, and I also talked with Ashley. But..." I faltered struggling with the complexities. "If Maverick wanted his father in his life could I really

Dwayne said, assuming

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