“I don’t owe him sh…”

“Apologize,” Winston ordered.

Walter looked over at his father in shock. “What? But Da…”

“I said apologize! The young lady is right. John is a valuable asset to our company and you should show him the respect he deserves. The things you said not only reflect poorly on our company, but the Henley family name. So, apologize or you’ll be dismissed from all operations.”

“Sorry,” Walter grumbled before getting up and storming out of the room.

Winston sighed as he rubbed his temples. “I’m…I’m so sorry about that. Why don’t we discuss this further outside?”

I’ve never seen people rush to get out of a room quicker. Even with Walter gone, the tension that filled the room was thick and awkward. I peeked up at Johnny and his friend. He was about to stand, but Mateo put his hand on his shoulder and pushed him back down into his seat. The look on the Latin man’s face was one of pure rage. I quickly gathered my things and headed for the exit, leaving the two men alone.

“I’m tired of that son of a bitch talkin to you like that,” I heard Mateo state as I headed out of the room.

“Matty, not here please,” Johnny whispered.

This seemed like it would be a tense conversation so I tried to get out of there as quickly as I could. The board members and Henley Construction crew were standing by the entrance to the front office, discussing where to go for lunch. Mr. Erickson invited me to go, but honestly I didn’t want to be anywhere near that asshole Walter. Standing beside him, I noticed his sister Pacey was shooting me dirty looks. What the hell is her problem? Something about the way she looked at me sent a chill down my spine. 

I just wanted to go home. It’s been a long, exhausting day and seeing Johnny brought up some feelings I’m not quite sure I understand. Am I glad to see he’s ok? Or am I pissed he’s not dying and purposely ignoring me? I dug through my bag for my phone to text Cami about grabbing drinks tonight. Only it wasn’t in my bag. I let out an exhausted groan when I realized that I left it back in the conference room. Johnny and his friend’s conversation should be over by now, right?

As I headed to retrieve my phone, I thought I heard the faint sound of footsteps behind me. I could hear hushed, angry voices as I got closer to the conference room. I tried not to interrupt them, but I could see Mateo pacing back and forth behind Johnny as the taller man remained seated.

“When is this shit going to be too much?” Mateo growled. “I swear, John, you better put that fucker in his place before I do. Spewing that bullshit at you. He’s openly racist and you sit there and you say nothing!”

“I told you to calm down, Mateo,” Johnny sighed. “There’s a time and place for these things. I told you, we can’t make waves. There’s too much at stake.”

“Too much at stake? Is it worth your fucking dignity?” Mateo leaned over to growl in his friend’s ear. “Your fucking pride is going to ruin your whole life one day. Mark my words.”

Johnny turned his head slowly and I felt a wave of hostility surge through the room. What the hell is this? I can’t tell if it’s coming from Johnny or Mateo – maybe both – but it’s enough to make your heart race.

“Watch it, Mateo Carlos,” Johnny warned. “I may allow these insignificant people talk to me like that, but I won’t stand for it when it comes from you.”

Mateo straighten his posture and took a step back as he let out a huff. “That was her, wasn’t it? That woman.”

What woman? Are they talking about me?

“She’s why you didn’t snap,” Mateo continued. “The Johnny I know would have come up with a smart-ass, passive aggressive comeback. No wonder you didn’t say anything. You don’t want her to hear your inner asshole come out. But she’s not here so it’s ok to throw your dick around.”

“What kind of analogy is that?!”

“Tell me I’m wrong.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“I know you, John Rian. She got a reaction out of you. I’m sure she got a rise out of you too.”

“Would you shut the hell up?! We’re in a school. You can’t be talking about…that.”

“More reason why you should be ashamed of yourself.”

“Get out of here before I kill you.”

Mateo just laughed. “Like you can come after me with that thing at full attention.” He dodged Johnny’s fist as he headed for the exit. I tried to stay out of view, but he caught me and grinned. “Afternoon…Ms. Loughty was it?”

I could see Johnny tense up in his seat at the sound of my name.

“You can call me Dani,” I smiled. “You’re Mateo, right?”

“Yes ma’am.” He glanced over his shoulder then back at me. “I’ll be heading out but thank you for sticking up for that big dumb ape.” He leaned forward and lowered his voice. “Go easy on him, huh? He looks tough, but he’s a big ridiculously sensitive teddy bear.”

I let out a chuckle as I raised my brow and whispered back. “I’m not sure I know what you’re talking about, Mr. Ramos.”

He let out a laugh. “Sure you don’t. Well, have fun and behave.” He gave me a wink before walking past me and down the hall.

I watched Johnny for a moment as he remained in his seat. Why isn’t he moving? Is he waiting until I leave? Whatever. If he wants to make things awkward, then fine. I’m not going to let him ruin my day. I headed to the other side of the table and grabbed my phone.

“I accidentally left this behind,” I explained, though he didn’t ask.

He looked up at me with those clear blue eyes and I had to remind myself I’m angry at him. He didn’t have the courtesy to leave you on read, Dani. He didn’t even look at your texts. His eyes followed me as I headed for the exit again. Just leave. Don’t talk to him, just walk out that door.

Nope. Couldn’t do it.

“Screw you, Johnny,” I growled. “I get I said some mean things to you, but I was at least trying to apologize. You didn’t have to ignore me like that! You didn’t show up for class all week and none of us knew if you were ok. And this…you just sitting there staring at me, not saying a word…it pisses me off. You’re such a…ugh!”

He slowly reached into his pocket and pulled something out. What the hell is he doing? He brought whatever it was to his face and I realized it was a mask. He let out a cough.

“Sorry, I was sick,” he explained. Are. You. Kidding me?! “I didn’t even want to come today, but Winston insisted.” He finally got out of his seat and straightened out his clothes. “I…thank you for standing up for me earlier. I know you don’t think much of me, but I appreciate it.”

Was that the passive-aggressive attitude Mateo was talking about because his words stung.

“Even if it wasn’t you, I would have told that jerk off,” I brushed it off. “No one deserves to be treated like that.”

“Yea, I guessed it didn’t really mean much that the attack was directed at me. But thanks either way.” He headed to the door but I blocked him from leaving. I’m not letting this jerk get the best of me. “Dani, please move.”

“No. Not until we talk this out.”

He sighed and scratched the back of his head. “I’m really not feeling well. Can we do this another time?”

“Liar. You were fine during the meeting. You might have been sick a few days ago, but you’re fine now. I’ve been a teacher long enough to know when someone is using the sick excuse to get out of something.”

He snatched the mask off his face. His brows were furrowed, and he looked slightly irritated. “Fine, but if you get sick, that’s on you. You’re really confusing, you know that?”

“I’m confusing?” I laughed.

“Yes, you are. You’re the one that told me that we only needed to talk about the project. I’m respecting your wishes and all of a sudden, you’re friggin pissed at me!”

“Because you’re ignoring me!”

“So what?”

“So…ugh! When someone tries to talk to you, it’s courteous to at least tell them you don’t want to talk to them.”

“You told me not to talk to you! We’re not friends, remember?”

Having the words thrown back at me hurt more than I thought they would. My body went cold and it felt like a ton of bricks had been tossed onto my chest. Is this how he felt when I said those words to him? I couldn’t help it. My bottom lip started to quiver, and tears welled up in my eyes. Was I this mean to him? No wonder he hates me.

“God damn it,” he cursed as he let out a sigh. “D-don’t cry. Please. I’m sorry.” He pulled a handkerchief out of his pocket and started wiping the tears from my eyes. “Hey, come on. It’s not a big deal. I’m sorry ok? I-I won’t ignore your texts anymore.”

“Yes, you will,” I cried more. “I’m an asshole and you want nothing to do with me anymore.”

“I never said that! I was just trying to give you space.”

“I didn’t ask for space! I wouldn’t have been texting you if I did. Who’s supposed to help me with the project now? We’re going to fail because I’m not good enough.”

“No we won’t. We did most of the hard stuff already. You don’t even need me. Jeff can…”

“I don’t want Jeff’s help! I want…” I covered my mouth to stop myself from finishing my sentence. What was I about to say?

Johnny must have caught on as well because his expression softened. “Dani,” he said softly as he reached out to me, “I…”

“There you are, Jonathan!” Pacey called excitedly as she walked into the room. I turned away so she couldn’t see that I was crying. “You did such a great job today!”

“O-oh, thank you,” Johnny said as he forced a smile and nodded.

“We’re all heading out for lunch. You’re coming, right? Do you think I could ride you? Oops I mean ride with you to the restaurant.”

Is she serious? That’s such a tacky “slip up”. She couldn’t be more obvious…or desperate.

“Uh, yea, I’m not going so you’ll have to find another ride. I also think I’ve mentioned that comments like that make me uncomfortable. I’d appreciate if you refrained from those types of jokes. Especially when we’re in a school with young, impressionable children.”

“It was a slip up. You’ll forgive me, right?” She practically shoved me out of the way to touch his arm and glide her fingertips un and down his arm.

His body and jaw stiffened. He really didn’t seem to like her touching him, but she pretended not to notice until he yanked his arm back.

“Ms. Henley, please, I’ve asked you not to do things like that several times already. Like I said, it makes me uncomfortable. I’ve also told you numerous times that I’m not interested. Please stop this and try to be more professional.”

I can’t say I’m surprised that women hit on him constantly. He’s a really good looking man, but to be turned down numerous times and still keep at it? That’s something else. Whether that something is stupid, crazy or obsessive, I’m not sure. But it’s not good.

“You know, the way you continuously turn down women can start rumors. Especially since you only hang out with the Ramos brothers,” Pacey huffed.

Woooooooooooow. She’s trying to strong arm him into dating her now? And to threaten to spread rumors about his sexuality at that? What the hell kind of company is Henley Construction? Johnny laughed to himself as he shoved his hands in his pockets, smiled and took a step closer to Pacey.

“Ms. Henley,” he said in a low tone.

“Yes, Mr. Park?” she responded with a grin. She must really think she is about to get her way.

“Threaten me again and I’ll sue you for slander.” He took a step back and glared at the other woman. “Besides, I already have plans got the afternoon.”

“What plans?” Pacey asked irritably.

I suddenly felt a tug at my arm. I was spun around and there was something heavy around my shoulders. My eyes widened as I stared at a very pissed-looking Pacey Henley.

“Ms. Loughty and I have plans.”

That’s all it took for Pacey to get the hint. She stomped her foot and turned heel, stomping off down the hall. Once she was gone, I shoved Johnny off me as he started to laugh hysterically.

“Oh, that was worth it,” he laughed as he wiped an imaginary tear from his eye.

“There’s something wrong with you in the head, you know that?” I groaned.

“Come on. It was a joke. I really do have something to ask you though.”

I rolled my eyes and sighed. “What?”

“How are the teachers here? They nice? Kindergarten specifically.”

Why is he asking that? “Yea…”

“Good to know.”

“Are you planning on hitting on my coworkers or something?”

“What? No.”

“Then why ask that? It’s like you’re vetting a school to enroll your kid into unless you’re just a weirdo.”

“And if I am?” He asked. “Vetting a school for my kid that is.”

What?