Page 52 of Thorn Evermore
I have to tell Kyson everything—what I am, what I do, and what we are to each other.
By the time I slip inside my apartment, the sun is just starting to push away the darkness. I hang my jacket and kick off my boots, quietly walking to my room, but when I open the door, the room has an unexpected chill to it, and the bed is empty.
Kyson is gone.
Chapter 15
KYSON
Back at home in my own crummy bed, I toss and turn, thinking about how I ruined everything with Thorn by being needy and gross. As per usual. Why can’t I just keep my thoughts in my head for once? No. I had to go spilling gushy crap, and he took off. He left his own damn home. I guess I should be thankful he didn’t kick me out, but somehow that doesn’t provide much solace. I had a chance with a man way out of my league and I blew it.
I grab my pillow and pull it over my head, wishing for morning so I can go to work and distract myself from ruining this. I let my guard down and fell for the love bombing. That’s how Neal got me. Three months of wooing me, only to treat me like a discarded toy once he got me.
At least Thorn didn’t wait that long. Or maybe it was me who ended my torture early. He probably left to avoid facing me. I huff, pushing the pillow away. Why is dating so hard? Why can’t people just be honest with each other and drop all the games? How do I get over wanting love in my life and just accept that it’s not in the cards for me?
After two more hours of tossing and turning, I pull myselfout of bed and head to the shower. At least I can go to work and feel confident about that.
By the time I enter Onyx Treasures, I’m feeling better. My resolve is intact. Just like Neal before him, I’ll resist Thorn’s advances until the glow of newness wears off. That’s assuming he even tries to see me again. It’s gonna be a good day though. I insist. Besides, it’s Neal’s day off, so I can work in peace.
Hours pass before the store opens to customers. I’ve been unpacking new boxes in the warehouse, listening to arias and happily in my own little world. Moments later, my peace is shattered when Neal’s shrill voice echoes through the backroom. I sigh. Why is he here?
“Make sure everyone is busy,” Neal says, his voice getting closer.
I peek around the stack of boxes I’m working on to see Neal walking with Douglas, one of the floor managers. Douglas is taking notes and nodding.
“I’m not sure why they’re coming,” Neal continues. “It’s a surprise visit.” He pauses, glancing around the space. “Kyson?”
“I’m here.” I step out into the walkway. “What’s going on?”
“Not sure, but the district manager is dropping in. I got called in on my day off.”
“Huh. Okay.”
“I’m hoping it’s to promote me, finally.” Neal gets that pompous smirk on his face that I hate with a passion. “I’m so ready to get out of here.”
“Same.”
“What?”
“Nothing. Hopefully it’s good news.”
“Yeah, anyway, tidy up back here. It’s a mess.”
“I’m unpacking a shipment. It looks like this until I’m done.”
“I said tidy it up.” He narrows his eyes. “The store needs to be perfect.”
“I would think it should be business as usual.”
Neal huffs, narrowing his eyes at me. “Why do you have to be so argumentative? Douglas didn’t argue.”
“Douglas has a customer-facing role, and I don’t.”
Douglas, for his part, looks away nervously. Everyone knows about the tension between me and Neal. It’s no secret he dumped me, but when it comes to my job, I’m gonna stand my ground.
“If I hear even one negative comment from District because of this, heads are gonna roll, Kyson. Yours specifically. Got it?”
“Oh threats. That’s cool. Very professional.”