Shenanigans (Pretense and Promises Book 2)
Page 20
But, as she marched toward the restaurant, Raquel shook hands with Conor and left, walking in the opposite direction—and Morgan didn’t know if she felt relieved or frustrated.
Even Conor looked confused as she approached their table.
“What was that all about?” she asked, picking up her beer and polishing it off.
“I’m not sure.” Maybe that was true, but he opened a piece of paper he’d been holding in his hand and stared at it for a long time.
Setting Rex aside, though, Morgan knew what she had to do. “Conor, I need to get something off my chest now.”
“What’s that?”
Well, her news would have the added benefit of wiping the stupid look off his face. “I’ll train my replacement…but I’m giving you a four-week notice that begins now.”
“What?”
“Do you need that in writing?”
She couldn’t read his expression. “No, I just want to know why. Is it because of Jacob?”
“What? No!” She got up from the table, storming to the bar to order another beer. Getting away from Conor for a few minutes would help her keep her emotions on a steady, even keel, because they’d already started escalating. Why the fuck couldn’t she just be cold and rational?
When she returned, Conor was no longer sitting at the table. “Why are you leaving, Morgan? After all these years, I think I deserve an explanation at the very least. If it’s because of someone you met here—”
“Shut the fuck up, Conor,” she hissed. God, he was clueless. How the hell had she fallen in love with her boss, a man who might have been a gaming nerd in his high school days but who now hid behind a wealthy playboy façade? She’d fallen for the guy underneath it all, the man his parents and friends adored. But maybe the man he appeared to be now wasn’t a façade at all. Maybe it was completely real, and this weekend had put him out on full display. So, whether or not she hated what a jerk Conor had become, she hated herself even more for allowing herself to fall in love with him.
Dumb girl.
But there was no way she’d let Conor know what she was thinking inside—and vitriol would easily throw him off the scent.
“That’s how fucking stupid you are.” She felt her eyes begin to well up with tears. Where the hell had they come from? “You just don’t get it.” Fighting the weepy feeling consuming her, she downed half the new beer in a few gulps as she tried to figure out exactly why she needed to leave Conor’s employ. It wasn’t Rex…but now she felt confused, an emotion she hadn’t felt in a very long time.
* * *
Morgan’s unexpected news winded Conor more than the punch Bill had delivered earlier that day, and as the swelling and pain was disappearing from those wounds, his pretend fiancée was attempting to deliver her own blows in a much more sinister way.
If she needed to grow—or maybe if she got an offer she couldn’t refuse from one of his classmates—he’d understand, but he couldn’t counter another job proposal if she wouldn’t be straight up with him. What the hell had he missed today?
Suddenly, Morgan picked up her cell phone and started tapping on the screen. “How can you text at a time like this?”
“Can you give me five minutes, please?”
What the hell? It was like the airport was another country. So he picked up the folded piece of paper from Raquel. On it, she’d written her name and phone number, and then she’d added something at the bottom, something Conor didn’t know how he would have reacted if she’d given it to him, say, Friday night. My lips, your manhood. All you have to do is call. XOXO She’d also drawn a heart.
The flattery puffed up his ego, but he knew it wasn’t real. Raquel was looking for a sugar daddy and, because of Conor’s temporary stupidity (Morgan was right, after all), he’d fallen for it. Raquel only cared about one person—herself. Would he love her lips around his manhood? Hell, yeah. What man wouldn’t? And she would gladly spend his money. But would she love him? No. And a year ago, he wouldn’t have given a shit.
Two weeks ago, he wouldn’t have given a shit, either.
That left him with grappling with these strange new feelings for Morgan. He’d realized over this weekend that he cared for her a lot more—and much more deeply—than he ever would have thought possible. Losing her would be like taking one of his limbs—and not just because she was a hell of an assistant.
Dare he say it?
There were sparks there that he wanted to fan, wanted to coax into a blazing inferno—but he knew Morgan wasn’t interested. And, if she left his business, he’d have no chance at all.
Morgan slapped her phone on the table and slid it over to him. “There.”
“What?”
“Just read it.”
Conor’s eyes focused on the flat surface of her smartphone and saw that her texting app was open. Oh—Rex. The dirtbag. Conor had never understood that relationship to begin with, but what did he know? “You’re the light of his life?”
“Keep going.”
Morgan’s final response was terse compared to Rex’s long flowery text. I don’t love you, Rex. There’s someone else, so don’t text me anymore.
That was a blow that hurt worse than the one to his jaw. The physical pain was already subsiding. How long would it take for this internal one to ease up? “I knew it. Please don’t tell me it’s Bill or Francis. Anyone but those guys.”
Morgan looked like she would have shot him if she’d had a gun in her hand. “Really, Conor? Are you that fucking dumb?”
There was one other possibility in his heart, but he dared not hope.
No, he needed to. If he’d learned anything over this weekend, it was to take chances, even when the outcome wasn’t guaranteed. And what did he have to lose?
Nothing…because Morgan had already given her notice.
On a whim, Conor got off his stool and on one knee. Morgan’s facial expression changed from sour and pissed off to almost amused. “Morgan Tredway, I had no idea until this ridiculous weekend that I love you. I’ve always loved you, but I thought it was from a sense of gratitude because you’ve been a godsend to me and the business. But that’s not it. I love your sense of humor, your attitude, your outspokenness. If you need to leave, then leave.” Morgan opened her mouth, ready to reply, but Conor wasn’t finished, and he took one of her hands in his. “But if you stay, I want you to be my real fiancée.”
Morgan blinked then, appearing to be at a loss for words.
“If you were the light of Rex’s life, then you’re the disco ball of mine.” Morgan’s eyebrows jumped up her forehead and her eyes lit up—but he couldn’t tell if she was amused or angry. “I know I haven’t been myself this weekend.”
“Got that right. You’ve been a huge ass.”
“Fair enough. Can I make it up to you?”
Morgan’s beautiful green eyes searched his, making Conor see the future in his mind. A life spent with this woman would be a life worth living to the fullest—and it felt right. She was already his right-hand woman in every way imaginable and, thanks to the shenanigans they’d engaged in over the weekend, he’d discovered that no one else could play her role as the woman by his side.
But, of course, the final decision was up to her.
A small smile curled on her lips, lighting up her eyes before rounding her cheeks. “I think that would be the best ending to this insane weekend.”
Conor stood then, her hand still in his, and she joined him. “Does your pretend engagement ring work or do you want a different one?”
“Are you kidding? This rock is gorgeous.”
Conor cupped his hands on the sides of her face and pulled her into a slow kiss, savoring her sweetness, hardly able to believe that this woman had just agreed to be his wife. Then he said, “I guess, as my assistant, I can have you work on planning the wedding.”
“We have to set a date first. And, besides, you forgot I gave you my notice.”
“You still want to leave the business?”
M
organ scrunched up her lips in thought before replying. “That depends.”
“On what?”
“Do I have to go into the office tomorrow?”
Conor laughed. “I think we both need Monday off—because we have a lot of making up to do.”
Morgan giggled and kissed him on the cheek. Then she said, “We need to get to the boarding area if we want to catch our flight.”
Conor nodded, all sorts of thoughts drifting through his brain now. Telling her had probably been one of the smartest things he’d ever done.
Before they could leave the restaurant, he spied another friendly face, one he’d seen way too much of this weekend. Jacob Martin apparently needed to catch a plane, too, something Conor hadn’t expected. For some reason, he’d thought the man had never left their hometown.
After shaking hands and telling each other how great it was to see all their classmates, Conor said, “I have something for you.”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah. I’m pretty sure Raquel wanted to you to have this.”
Jacob’s eyebrows raised as Conor slipped him the folded piece of paper, and he didn’t feel one inkling of guilt about it—because Raquel and Jacob belonged together a hell of a lot more than he had ever belonged with her. No…the woman he needed was by his side, just the way he hoped it would be from now on.
As they began walking down the airport terminal, a quiet calm settled over him.
Until Morgan opened her mouth.
“What did you give Jacob?”
“A happy future, I hope.”
“If it’s that good, why didn’t you want to keep it?”
Kissing the top of her head, he thought about it more. “Because I have my best future right here, right now. It doesn’t get any better than that.”
Morgan stopped walking and pulled his face down to hers. Yes…that kiss definitely felt like the best future he ever could have imagined for himself.
Pulling luggage with their free arms, they strode hand in hand toward the boarding area. After a few minutes, Morgan said, “Since we’re confessing things, I suppose I need to cop to something.”
Conor had no idea what to expect and he hoped his voice didn’t betray the tiny bit of fear rocking his internal organs. “What’s that?”
“I lied to you when we first met. Well…maybe embellished is closer to the truth.”
“What do you mean?”
“I, uh…I didn’t have as much experience as an assistant as I’d led you to believe when I first applied for the job.”
Conor couldn’t help but start laughing. “Do you really think you had me fooled?”
Morgan grew quiet before she finally said, “Yeah. So if I didn’t, why the hell did you hire me?”
“I liked your attitude. Even in your interview, you were a little sassy. I needed someone to keep me on my toes, and I knew my clients would love you. I tended to be all business and probably way too serious—but you changed all that. You added something to my office that was sorely missing: a spark…and you added it to my life, too.”
Morgan squeezed his hand. “So you seriously knew?”
“How couldn’t I, Morgan? I called your former employers and your references after I interviewed you. Trust me—I had more qualified applicants…but there was something about you, Morgan Tredway, something that told me to take a chance.”
“Is that why you told me I had a six-month probation period and you could let me go at any time?”
Conor’s smirk would tell her before he said the words. “Yes. But my gamble paid off. You were intuitive and willing to learn. And even though it took me a while to get used to your potty mouth in the office, I appreciated how you wanted to make yourself invaluable.”
“It was ‘cause I made your coffee every morning, isn’t it?”
The laugh emerging from his mouth started in his belly. “That didn’t hurt.”
“Well…if you want to be engaged for real, maybe you’ll have to start making me coffee. You know, woo me a little.”
“That’s it? You’re that easy?”
“Oh, really? Mr. I’m-too-busy-to-make-coffee-for-three-hours. Let’s see just how easy it is, mister. But if you want me to tack on more demands—”
“No. I’ll take it.”
As they found their gate and got in line, Morgan squeezed his hand. He looked down in her lovely malachite eyes and marveled that now he could gaze in them as often as he’d like. What he was about to say was going to sound sappy, but he didn’t care. He rarely indulged that side of himself, but Morgan was a safe haven.
“I thought I was on top of the world, Mo. I thought I had everything a guy could want—including a spunky assistant I could also call a friend. But then this weekend, you showed me how wrong I was, how empty my life has been. I’ve got money, and I’ve got all these crazy high school memories, and it wasn’t until I had you by my side that I realized I also had someone to share all that with. And, somehow, that’s given everything meaning.”
“Sir? Excuse me—sir?” Conor turned his head to see that the two of them were now holding up the line…so they checked in and began boarding the plane—this time not even trying to carry Morgan’s luggage on board.
Once they located their seats, Conor asked, “Window or aisle?” Still willing to let Morgan have the window, he waited for her to choose.
“I don’t care.”
“Then I’ll take the window.”
They scooched inside the tight space but instead of sitting down, Conor took Morgan’s hand before she could slide her purse under her seat.
“Are we really this compatible? I’m the window; you’re the aisle. I’m low-key and you’re spirited. I’m math and you’re English.”
“Oh, my God, Conor. You’re sappy and I’m not.”
“Exactly.”
Morgan shook her head but her eyes continued to twinkle with a hidden smile. “Shut up and kiss me already. And then we need to sit down and put together a to do list.”
“For our flight home?”
“No. For our engagement and wedding. You know there’s a shit ton to do.”
Conor laughed before doing her bidding, kissing her like it was their last, relishing the now-full space in his heart.
Epilogue
Morgan Tredway is with Conor Hammond
July 17 at 8:30 AM
Friends, we know this seems sudden, but Conor and I realize we belong together. We don’t have an *official* date yet, but details will be forthcoming.
MESSAGE!
Dee Tredway-Brooks
Like . Reply 1m
Messenger
MON 8:33 AM
Don’t you think this joke is going a little too far?
8:34 AM
No, we’re serious, Dee. This is real.
8:35 AM
I thought you said this was fake for the reunion.
8:37 AM
Pretending we were engaged made us realize we should be that way for real.
8:38 AM
I suppose that makes sense. OMG. It’s because you slept with him!!!
8:40 AM
That didn’t hurt.
8:40 AM
You’re a nut.
8:41 AM
Yeah, I know, but you love me anyway, sis.
Morgan Tredway
July 30 at 3:47 PM
Seriously…should we elope and go to Mexico for a small wedding and then have a huge reception here with food and dance or should I have the big traditional ceremony here and just have the honeymoon in Cabo? Thoughts???
You’re on the clock. ;)
Conor Hammond
Like . Reply 2m
…says the guy who’s checking FB. WTF?
Morgan Tredway
Like . Reply Just now
Morgan Tredway is with Conor Hammond
August 2 at 4:01 PM
Eek! Look at these rings!!! Aren’t they gorgeous?
I suppose I should offer my congratulations to the two of you. But,
Conor, if she’s ever mean to you, you can call me. *wink*
Raquel Bettis
Like . Reply 46m
Um…babe?
Jacob Martin
Like . Reply 2m
Just kidding, teddy bear. *kisses*
Raquel Bettis
Like . Reply Just now
Morgan Tredway
August 8 at 5:59 PM
Okay, okay, okay…we finally set a date so you all would stop harassing us already. I’ve got a wedding planner now who’s gonna kill me for the short notice, but how about November 2? That work for everybody? SAVE THE DATE ALREADY!
Conor Hammond is with Morgan (Tredway) Hammond
November 3 at 5:30 AM
Friends, it was wonderful sharing our moment together with all of you. We’re at the airport right now and Morgan’s already asleep in her seat, waiting for takeoff. We’ll see you all next week. Thanks for celebrating with us.
I was proud to be your best man, my friend. (I warned you this would happen! lol) Now log off and start your honeymoon.
Brock Ford
Like . Reply Just now
Congratulations, guys! So glad we could be part of it!
Susan Powell
Like . Reply Just now
Morgan (Tredway) Hammond is with Conor Hammond
December 25 at 3:30 PM
First Xmas with my babe and my new in-laws! Who knew?
No pressure, but when do you plan to start a family?
Dale Hammond
Like . Reply 11m
| Conor Hammond
We’re working on it, mom. We practice almost every night!