The tears start as soon as I sit in the cab and are full sobs by the time we turn the corner. It’s so stupid of me, but Everett was my dream man, he was the one I thought about constantly. Standing outside the bathroom door and hearing him beat Preston was so satisfying, but Dad’s voice on the phone sobered me. I don’t have the luxury of messing around with Everett. I have to do what’s best for the company, and it’s not like he loved me anyway. The time we spent at his house couldn’t be real life. I fell in love the second I saw him, but it was all a pipe dream. We both had responsibilities that didn’t involve each other. So, I wasted three weeks falling in love for nothing.

I pay the driver outside McPherson towers and look around before making my way in the glass doors and to the elevator. Dad is one of those men with a complex, so he put his office on the top floor. I press the twenty and fix my clothes and makeup in the glass doors. I pull a tie from my purse and twist my hair up into a tight knot, preparing to apologize to my father and move on with my career. I’d never marry Preston, but anything else Dad asked for I’d have to do. It’s my job, for the good of my company.

I push the thoughts of my crazy time with Everett out of my mind. I’d stop going to the site and just let it run itself. Everett and I could work together via email. I hear my father in my head, insisting I come straight to his office to deal with the missing money. He didn’t sound like Preston had spoken to him, but it’s only a matter of time. Then Everett would be in jail for assaulting Preston and I’d have to deal with the repercussions of losing focus for a little while.

The bell dings, and I step off face to face with a uniformed officer. “Morgan McPherson? You’re under arrest for embezzlement and grand larceny.” Before I can react, I’m turned and cuffed, face against the wall. What have I done?

“Dad!” I yell, barely able to see him standing silently behind the officers. “What is happening?” One officer is reading me my rights, but I completely ignore it. “Dad!”

Once they spin me around, the reality sets in, Preston called Dad and they are pinning it all on me as payback. The satisfied smile on my father’s face is completely cold. I give up, not trying to fight the cuffs, and let them lead me into the elevator. There is no way to prove I didn’t do it, so I just keep my mouth shut. Before the elevator door closes, Dad sticks his hand in and stops it, smiling. If I know my Dad, and I do, I won’t even have the money for an attorney. At least Everett and I will be in jail together.

“This is what happens, Morgan, when you cross men like me. I hope you learn your lesson.” The door closes, and Dad shakes his head, pretending to look disappointed. I’m not afraid of going to jail or losing my money. All I feel is the guilt of leaving Everett standing on the sidewalk after saying horrible things to him. I choke back a sob as the realization sets in. I fell in love with Everett Jennings months ago, and he is far more important than the company. But it’s too late. I screwed up, and there is not a damn thing I can do about it. Everett will hate me forever for what I’ve done.

Outside, I get shoved into the back of a cruiser and the door slams behind me, making me flinch. The next few hours are just a blur. I get fingerprinted, my statement is taken, and I’m offered a phone call that I decline. I have no one to call anyway. Instead, I sit in a cell with another woman, handcuffed to a bench with my head leaned back against the cinder-block wall with the promise of a court-appointed attorney. It doesn’t matter if I’m innocent. The clock ticks, people come in and pass me. A few men who pass in handcuffs make cat calls, but I just ignore them. I’m going to prison for white-collar crimes that I didn’t commit and the man I love thinks I hate him. I don’t even bother trying to make bail, because I’d rather sleep in a jail cell than be free knowing Everett hates me.

I must doze off, because the sound of a metal door slamming wakes me up with a jerk. “McPherson?” The officer comes to unhook me when I look at him. “Come with me.” I do as I’m told and follow him silently, ready to meet my fate. I’m led to a desk and handed my purse and phone. I stare at my belongings and look up at the officer. “You’re free to go.” He nods at the door where Everett is standing, giant arms crossed over his chest.

I don’t even think, I just run and let him catch me when I throw myself in his arms. “Am I always going to have to get you out of trouble, Boss?”

I nod into the bend of his neck and my feet come off the ground, tears in my eyes. “Probably. What are you doing here? How did you know?”

“I told you I found out what your dad and Preston were up to. My attorney is on it. I posted your bail, but I doubt we will even go to court after the evidence we found.”

I grab his face in my hands and kiss him. “I’m sorry. I don’t know what I was thinking. That call, he set me up, and I got scared. And I’m so sorry—” Everett cuts me off with a kiss.

“It’s okay. Let’s get home and get you to bed. I’m sure my little jail bird is ready for a warm bed and a foot rub.” I can’t respond, so I just kiss him again. “I love you, Morgan, but if you run from me again, I will redden that ass. You know damn well this is not a game to me.”

I squirm enough for him to put me down and stare up at those sexy hazel eyes. “You love me?”

“Yes, Boss. Now let’s go home.”