Making It Personal Wells, C. (red queen free ebook TXT) 📖

Blake straightened. “What do you want?” Will was proud of him.

“Nothing much.” Somehow Will doubted that. “I’ve had enough of being the latest in a long line of unsuccessful girlfriends, that’s all.”

“So?” Blake’s forehead creased. Will was as confused by the statement as he was.

“So, I want to be Mrs. Blake Davis.” Melissa smiled.

Will’s heart sank. She had to be fucking kidding. He glanced across at Blake to gauge his reaction. Blake stared at her.

“What on earth makes you think I’d marry you?” he retorted, clearly no longer bothering to mask his emotions. “And why would you want to marry someone who’s gay?”

Melissa stared at him, eyes glacial. “Because if you don’t, I’ll make sure Daddy dearest finds out exactly what his son gets up to with his handsome PA.” There were those perfect teeth again. “And you can kiss goodbye to running this company. I can’t see Justin Davis letting a fag have control of his precious Trinity Publishing. Can you?” She eyed Blake appreciatively. “And as for why I’d marry you, I read the papers. I know Trinity is going places. If this company keeps growing the way it has been doing, you’re going to be a very successful, wealthy man. And I want to be right by your side all the way. I quite fancy being the wife of a rich publishing magnate.”

Blake looked as though he’d been punched in the gut. Will’s heart went out to him. He tightened his grip around Blake’s hand, only to have Blake wrench it free. Melissa saw the movement and smiled cruelly. “Clever boy. Now you’re thinking sensibly.”

Will’s heart sank. Oh God, please tell me he’s not even considering it…

“How long do I have to make a decision?” Blake’s voice sounded strangled.

Melissa pretended to consider the question carefully. “Well, it’s Christmas in about three weeks’ time. And New Year a week later. I always think New Year is such a romantic time to announce an engagement, don’t you?” Her eyes glittered. “Well, I’m sure you boys have a lot to discuss, so I’ll leave you to it.” She beamed, as if all the evil she’d just spewed out was the most natural thing in the world. She walked to the door and turned back to face them. Her face hardened. “Make sure you come to the right decision, Blake.” Her eyes met Will’s. “Nothing personal, sweet cheeks. Just so long as you know that when I become Mrs. Blake Davis, you’ll never get your hands on his dick again. I’m not about to be embarrassed in the media by pictures of you two caught unawares.” She tilted her head. “In fact, if I were you? I’d start looking for another job right now. Because once we’re married, you’re out of here.” And with that, she exited the room, leaving Will with the overpowering scent of her perfume and an extremely sour taste in his mouth.

The silence in the room was stifling. Blake stared at the floor, his face ashen. Will ached to comfort him. He waited for Blake to tell him that everything would be all right. When it became clear that no such words would be forthcoming, Will had to say something.

“Blake, if there’s anything—”

“I think you’d better go back to your office.”

Will stared in dismay. Blake’s words were uttered in a monotone, his eyes dull. It was as if a door had closed, hiding the Blake he’d come to care for.

“What?”

“You heard me.” Blake’s jaw was clenched. Will heard it. He just couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “I’m going to spend the rest of the day reading submissions. I don’t want to be disturbed.” He stared levelly at Will. “Was there anything else?”

Will stiffened. He’d apparently been dismissed. He got to his feet, doing his best to keep his voice even. “No, nothing else.” He walked quickly to the adjoining door, not turning once to look back at his boss. There was no way he wanted Blake to see the tears that were welling in his eyes right now. He entered his office and closed the door behind him, leaning back against it. Sorrow filled him.

I feel like I’ve just lost my best friend. Even as the thought flashed across his mind, Will knew he was lying to himself. Don’t you mean, the man you’re falling for?

Fuck.

Chapter Eight

“Want to talk about it?”

Lizzie’s melodic voice broke through his thoughts. Will looked up from the computer screen he’d been staring at, unseeing, for the last ten minutes to see her standing in his doorway, an expression of concern etched across her face. He gave her a brief smile.

“Not really.” Her question didn’t surprise him. She was the third person that week to ask him if he wanted to share anything. Rick had been first, of course. Will hadn’t felt like sharing a joke with him—well, with anyone—since that hateful day a week ago. And of course they noticed. There were looks, especially during the morning staff meetings. Anyone with half a brain could spot that something was wrong. And if they were worried about Will, heaven knows what must have been going through their minds about Blake…

“Sorry, but I had to ask.” Lizzie gave a half smile. “We’re all going crazy trying to work out what on earth has happened. Blake is so….” Her words trailed off.

“Blake has a few things on his mind right now,” Will said. “I’m sure it’ll sort itself out. Try not to worry.” He did his best to make his expression reassuring. Lizzie didn’t look entirely convinced, but she shrugged her shoulders and flashed that warm smile once more before leaving him alone.

Will went back to staring at his screen. This week had been awful. Truly awful. Every time he’d been alone with Blake, it had been the same. That sick feeling in the pit of his stomach. Dry mouth. Difficulty swallowing. Oh, they were talking, but only about work-related issues. No personal