#Chapter 68-Bouquets of Lies

Bea’s party ends up being a nice time. I chat with multiple other adults at the event, mostly the coworkers, and meet the kids running around. The kids sing Happy Birthday to Bea, and she blows out the candles to her pink cake. The presents are also super cute, ranging from stuffed animals to children’s makeup to books. “Yet no one got her a necklace,” I whisper tease to Derek while she’s thanking her friends and giving out hugs. “How rude of these guests, they should be ashamed,” Derek whispers back at me, nudging my arm with his own. The butterflies in my stomach keep fluttering in every which way. How have I continued to push away the man when it’s undeniable the attraction we’ve been feeling? I thought maybe it was a misguided crush he may have. The truth is, I’m falling for him, even though we just went through the internal investigation. I don’t know how that’ll work at the moment. However, sitting with him at a picnic table while