Page 103 of The Way I Hate Him
“Believe what you want, Hattie.”
She shakes her head and says, “This is so fucked up, Hayes. And I don’t want to deal with it anymore. After this trip is over, I’m done with you, done with this job.”
She turns away from me, as far away as she can go, and curls into her pillow, silent for the rest of the night.
She’s done with this job?
Done with me?
Not sure I like that.
Actually, I know I don’t like it.
I like knowing she comes to my house every day and is there if I want to talk. I like that she’s organizing my life even though it’s made my house more chaotic, and I hate to admit it, but I like that she’s been able to help me break through my writer’s block.
She’s peace, but she’s anarchy.
She’s a challenge, but she’s effortless.
She’s simple . . . yet complicated.
And I like all of it.
I’ve become accustomed to her presence.
Tempted to pull her back into my chest, I turn away so I don’t make another mistake. Apparently, I’ve made so many already, but as I try to get some sleep, I know one thing for sure—she’s not going to be leaving this job.
Not going to happen.
* * *
Hattie walks beside me,falling in line with my stride as we work our way through the sound stage where we’ll be working today. On the drive over, where she remained silent just like the rest of the morning, I told her what we’d be doing today and what was expected of her. Basically, to help out with anything that needs to be done.
She didn’t acknowledge me, so we’ll see how today goes.
I didn’t get much sleep last night, constantly in turmoil over Hattie.
I like her. There’s no questioning that. The problem is, she seems to be already having issues with her family, and if they find out that she’s been working for me, if I . . . if I made a move or worse, gave in to her temptation, they’d never forgive her. I’ve known Ryland long enough to know he’s not one to forgive. And for Hattie to lose her family, that’s not something I can stomach.
But fuck, I’ve found myself making stupid decisions. Like last night, like holding her hand, like pinning her against the fridge and exploring her body. Liketastingher. Fuck.
I’ve pushed it too far, I’ve pushed her too far, and now, even though I don’t want her to move on to another job, itmightbe best.
Fuck . . . I’m so confused.
“Do you have any questions?” I ask her as we near the director.
“Nope,” she says as Kevin approaches us.
“Hayes, thank you for coming in on such short notice. We truly appreciate it.” He shakes my hand.
“Not a problem at all,” I say with a smile. “This is my assistant, Hattie. She’ll be able to help with whatever we need.”
“Wonderful,” Kevin says as he greets her. “Hattie, it’s very nice to meet you.”
“Nice to meet you as well,” Hattie says, life coming back into her face for the first time this morning. “If you need anything, just let me know.”
“We will. We’re short-staffed because this wasn’t planned, so we’ll use you all day.” Kevin turns his attention to me. “Hayes, I’d like you to meet who you’ll work with today.” Kevin turns to the group and says, “Odette, can you come over here and meet Hayes, please?”
