Page 45 of Irresistible

"Scarlet,' Richard started.

"Hang on. I'm almost done. Like I said, I want to continue this and see where it goes. But I want you to take some time and think about it. I need you to really put some thought into this, because I know I'm going to fall for you hard if we go forward. If it ends poorly, it'll end really poorly for all of us. This is kind of our last chance to get out with minimal damage to ourselves and our careers."

"Okay. I'll take some time to think about it and get back to you."

"Take this in the meantime," Scarlet said, handing Richard the envelope.

"What's this?"

"It's my letter of resignation. I figure I'll need it no matter what you choose. If you say no, I can't work here anymore. I'll just be thinking about you all the time, and that's no good for either of us. If you say yes, I really shouldn't be dating my boss. That's a bad look for everyone."

"Scarlet, come on."

"Just take it. My mind's made up on that."

The two nodded once more and continued back to their work spaces. Scarlet contented herself with working on the longer-term tasks she worked on the day before. Richard had an endless stream of emails and complaints to respond to. It was another hour before the rest of the employees started to show up. There were hushed whispers about why Scarlet and Richard were in the office together so early. Everyone felt as though the results of their bets would be determined shortly. But no one had the courage to go up to Scarlet and ask what was going on. They certainly didn't feel comfortable speaking with Richard about it.

The work day started as it always did, quiet and without event. But Scarlet was waiting to hear Richard's response, and she had knots in her stomach about what it would be.