LOGINTara’s POV He was still standing there, and my heart was hammering against my ribs so hard I thought he might be able to hear it."I want to pay you back for this," I said, gesturing to the bag of sweets.He chuckled, a low, warm sound. "Will you actually be able to afford it?"There was definitely flirtation in that question. I stammered, heat flooding my face. "I… well, I mean-"He leaned closer, and I held my breath. "It's a gift, Tara. Just accept it."He smiled and then he walked away, leaving me standing there with my legs feeling like they might give out at any moment.I spent the rest of the day avoiding him, gravitating toward Daniel and the other guys and keeping myself surrounded by people. I texted Tracy intermittently, confirming times and what I should bring because I needed the distraction.When we finally closed up for the day, Daniel asked if anyone wanted to grab drinks. Joshua eagerly agreed, but Eren said he was crashing early, and I declined as well."Boo!" Danie
Tara’s POV I stared at my laptop screen without really seeing it, my head pounding with a dull ache that no amount of water seemed to help. Jason hadn't reached out to me since he rushed out of my apartment. He sent a single text this morning.‘Don't forget about Saturday by 6pm. Also, wear something nice.’There was no apology or explanation for why work had been more important than keeping his promise. Just a reminder about the family dinner I was absolutely dreading."You okay?"Jeremiah's voice pulled me from my thoughts. I snapped to attention, realizing I had been staring blankly at my screen for who knows how long."What? Yes. Sorry." I tried to smile, but it felt forced.He studied me with that intense gaze that always made me feel exposed. "You don't have to stay if you're not feeling well. Go home, rest.""I'm fine," I said automatically, then immediately regretted it because he raised an eyebrow, clearly not believing me.I chewed on my lower lip, warring with myself abou
Tara’s POV I was laughing so hard I could barely breathe, the cold water from the hose mixing with my sweat as I spun through the spray. For the first time in what felt like forever, I felt completely present in the moment. There was no anxiety about my father or overthinking. Gerald suddenly stopped spraying us, and everyone's attention shifted to something behind me.“What’s wrong?” I asked, panting gently but they still had the same surprised looks on their faces.I turned around, still dripping wet and breathless from laughter, to find Jason standing there. There was a bouquet of flowers laying at his feet, abandoned on the grass."What are you doing here?" I asked, surprise making my voice high."Why is he here?" Chuck asked loudly, earning himself a sharp look from Sandy."Go," Sandy told me with a knowing wink. "Go say hello to your boyfriend."I laughed and rushed toward Jason, still asking "What are you doing here?" but before I could get another word out, he pulled me cl
Jason’s POV I cradled the phone between my ear and shoulder while juggling a bouquet of roses with one hand.My assistant Naomi was fluttering around trying to help with the other."Stop fussing, Naomi, I've got it," I said, even as a stem pricked my thumb.Her eyebrows were puckered above her glasses. "But you're going to drop them-""I won't.” I interrupted gently, flashing her a smile. “Just relax.""Tara?" I spoke into the phone, finally getting it settled against my ear properly. "Hey, beautiful. Listen, I'm heading out now and I want to spend the rest of the day with you.""Jason, you really don't have to come here." She was trying to convince me otherwise but her voice was uncertain.My lips curled even higher. I liked how coy she acted, it was almost cute. "Too late. I already closed up shop and even arranged takeout at that Italian place you mentioned.” I arranged my bag and bouquet properly. “Just get ready for me, okay, sweetheart?"There was a loud noise in the backgroun
Tara’s POV The hospital discharged me by late afternoon with strict instructions to rest and see a therapist. The doctors gave me more recommendations I nodded along with while having absolutely no intention of following through on the therapy part.Jeremiah drove me home himself, and the moment we pulled up to the boarding house, it became clear that word had spread.Susie was on the porch before we even came to a complete stop, her face creased with worry. "Oh, Tara! Thank God you're okay! Thank you so much for bringing her home, Jeremiah.”"I just took her to the hospital," he said with a bright grin, but Susie was already ushering me inside like I was made of glass.Tracy appeared from nowhere, immediately taking my arm. "Come on, let's get you upstairs. You need to rest."Chuck bounded down the stairs, practically vibrating with energy. "Tara! I heard you collapsed! Are you okay? Do you remember anything? What did it feel like?""Chuck," Tracy said, stifling a laugh. "Let her
Jeremiah's POV The hospital lights were too bright and the smell of antiseptic made my stomach churn in distaste. But I didn't care. I rushed through the automatic doors, Tara's limp body cradled against my chest like she weighed nothing at all."I need help! Someone help me!" I was yelling, my voice cracking in a way I haf never heard before. "She suddenly stopped breathing and collasped. Her pulse is barely-”About four nurses swarmed me immediately, asking different questions and I rushed out the answers, trying not to focus on how pale she. They took her from my arms and placed her on a stroller, but it felt like they were tearing away a part of me. I watched as they rushed her toward the back."Sir, we need you to fill this," one of them called, but I could barely hear over the roaring in my ears.I hastily told her that I was Tara's boss and explained exactly what happened, making sure not to leave out any detail. “Thank you,” she said with a smile. “You can go to the waiti
JEREMIAH’S POVDaniel appeared in the doorway, his eyes darting between us with open curiosity. "Good morning, boss."I kept my gaze on Tara, watching the blush creep up her neck and flood her cheeks. Without looking away, I said, "Rally everyone outside. I'll dress up and meet you there."I walked
The arcade light faded behind us Chuck and I stepped back onto the sidewalk, his pockets jingling with tickets he'd won. His entire face was glowing with a happiness that made the past hour completely worth it. "Can we come back next week?" He asked, practically bouncing with each step. "I'm so c
Sleep has been impossible. Every time I closed my eyes, I was back in his arms and the warmth of his chest against my cheek.I slapped both hands over my face and screamed into my palms, kicking my legs in the air like a child. The shame burned through my face. He was my boss, for crying out loud
JEREMIAH'S POVTara. My eyes widened in recognition. She looked just as shocked, stumbling on her feet like she might collapse. I stopped her before she could fall, and for a moment, time seemed to stop. She looked breathtaking in the moonlight, even with tears clouding her eyes. My heart actual







