Read Online Back on Blossom Street by Debbie Macomber - Free Book Online Page B

his child. The sooner they said their good-byes, the better.
    “No, there’s more,” he countered sharply. He hesitated, as though he wasn’t sure how to formulate the next question. After a brief pause, he blurted out, “I’d like you to return to Dempsey Imports.”
    His request shocked her, and Colette automatically shook her head. “I can’t.”
    When the light changed, they crossed the street and continued walking, no real destination in mind.
    Christian waited until they were on the other side. “Is it because of what happened?”
    “Christian,” she murmured and instantly knew he hadn’t found out about the letter. “It wouldn’t work. It’s unfortunate and I feel bad, but that night will always stand between us.”
    “And day.”
    He seemed to be trying to add to her embarrassment.
    “Fine, and that day,” she admitted. “It doesn’t matter. Working together is no longer an option.”
    “All right,” he said regretfully. “I realize I made a mistake after the holidays. The relationship changed and I had no idea how to deal with it.”
    That wasn’t the only thing that had changed, she thought sarcastically.
    “I pretended nothing was different between us,” he went on. “But it was…is. You’ve made your point. We need to discuss this like two mature adults and reach an understanding.”
    “I don’t want to discuss it. And there’s nothing to understand. We made a regrettable mistake. Blame it on too much champagne, too much Christmas spirit.”
    He raised his brows.
    Colette stared down at the sidewalk. “I’m sorry,” she whispered. “Everything’s changed, Christian. I can’t go back to being your assistant.”
    “Why can’t we both consider what happened at the Christmas party a slip in judgment and let it go at that? You’re a valuable employee. The company needs you.”
    “The company?” she asked.
    He exhaled slowly. “I need you,” he murmured. “I want you to come back.”
    Colette supposed she should be flattered, since Christian Dempsey rarely admitted to needing anyone or anything. “It isn’t possible,” she said and she meant it. “We can’t undo what’s already been done. Don’t you see that?” He couldn’t honestly expect her to resume managing his schedule, his travel arrangements and his dates. As soon as he learned she’d contacted the authorities, he’d fire her anyway.
    He didn’t answer.
    “How did you find me?” she asked.
    “Why? Were you hiding?”
    “No…”
    “It wasn’t that difficult. I had Accounting contact your bank and get the new address—to mail your severance documents.”
    She shrugged, feeling a bit foolish. But she couldn’t resist another question. “Did you hire a new assistant yet?” She could have asked any of the friends she’d made through the years. But the company must be rife with gossip and rumors as to why she’d quit so abruptly, and for that reason, Colette hadn’t called anyone at Dempsey Imports. Getting in touch with them to ask for information like that was a last resort.
    “Lloyd York,” Christian said.
    “Lloyd,” she repeated. She tried unsuccessfully to remember a face to go with the name. “I don’t know him.” As much as possible, Christian made it a practice to promote and hire within the company.
    “He’s a temp.”
    Colette felt her eyes widen. Christian disliked using personnel from a temporary agency and until now he’d avoided it. The fact that he’d looked outside the company only underlined his guilt. What she didn’t understand was his reason for wanting her back. Surely he knew she’d uncover his activities sooner or later.
    “I hoped you’d come to your senses and return voluntarily. When I didn’t hear from you, I had no choice but to contact you myself.”
    “Christian, I’m sorry, sorrier than you know. But I’m not going to change my mind.”
    “You’re sure you won’t reconsider?”
    “No.” She closed her eyes. Despite everything, she missed him,