I Don't Count

×KENZIE×

I texted Axel to let him know that I wasn't able to go away for the weekend because Wyatt needed me for work.

I was curled up on the sofa with my cat and a bowl of buttery popcorn in my lap watching a TV show.

As soon as I sent the text, my phone began to ring, but I didn't answer.

I was feeling upset about the way Wyatt was treating me, and I simply didn't feel up to talking to Axel about it.

There was a sudden knock at the door and I groaned in frustration but went over to open it.

"Paul? What are you doing here?"

Paul grinned, "Well, you looked a bit down when you left the office, so I thought I'd come over and see how you are. I brought take-out."

I stepped aside to let him in, "Thank you, that's very kind of you, but you didn't need to do that."

He placed the bags on the counter and turned to me, "You were always there for me, I just want to repay the favor. So, are you okay?"

I sighed, "I guess. Wyatt is just driving me crazy. I wanted to go away with someone this weekend but he's demanded that I go with him to some stupid event."

Paul looked down uncomfortably, "I know it might not be my place, but he cares about you."

"Who? Wyatt?"

Paul nodded, "Yes. The whole reason he gave me a job is because he knew you worried about me. If it wasn't for you, I would still be out on the streets, Kenzie."

I sat down at the counter leaning on it with my arms, "Wyatt is... complicated. He's not a bad person all the time, but he is a bit childish in some things."

"I get that. But don't be too hard on him, I get the feeling that he's trying, he just doesn't know how."

I frowned, "Paul, it sounds like you have the wrong idea. He's my boss, and before that, he was the father of a guy I used to date. There isn't anything more to it."

He surprised me by reaching over for my hands, "Kenzie, I don't want to meddle. But when he came to look for me and offered me the job... He told me that he had some requirements. Those were that I turn my life around and not disappoint you. I don't know what is going on, but trust me when I tell you that he cares for you. Maybe he knows something about this guy you wanted to go away with?"

I was thoughtful for a moment, pondering over what he said.

Could he know something about Axel? Wyatt had always been protective over me, maybe that had not changed.

"I'll keep that in mind."

Paul stayed for a while, watching some of the show with me before leaving.

It was nice, it was like spending time with a father I never had.

When I woke the next morning I got ready and left for work.

But when I arrived, I was surprised to find Axel in Wyatt's office.

Both men looked a little heated.

"What is going on?" I asked while glancing between the two.

Wyatt was absolutely fuming, "Your boyfriend over here thought it would be appropriate to barge in here and demand that I allow you the weekend off."

I gasped, "Axel, a word please?"

He glared at Wyatt before following me out.

"Axel, you can't do this. You could get me fired!"

Axel shrugged, "Let him fire you. You can work in my company rather."

I couldn't believe my ears, "Axel, no. People will think I got the job because of my relationship with you. Look, I know that this seems unfair, but please let me handle it."

Axel's jaw was clenched as he looked down at me, "I don't like this. He's behaving like a dictator."

"I know, but that's just how he is. I promise you I will make time for us, but please don't do this again."

He sighed, "Okay, I'm sorry," he kissed me, "Will I see you tonight? I thought maybe I could come over?"

"Uh," I hesitated, I didn't want to rush things with him, "Maybe we could go out instead?"

I could see the disappointment on his face, "Okay, I'll get you after work."

I nodded with a smile before walking back into the office.

"Wyatt, I'm so sorry about that. I made sure he understands that it can't happen again."

"Good because that is extremely unprofessional. I would hate to have to give you a warning because your boyfriend can't control himself."

"I get it, Wyatt. I said I'm sorry."

But Wyatt wasn't ready to let it go yet. He took a seat at his desk, "What would that have looked like if I was in a meeting with clients?"

I nodded, "I agree, that's why I told him he can't do this."

"Yes, well, it doesn't help to tell him not to after the fact, now does it?"

My eyes widened, "Wyatt, you're being unreasonable now. How was I to know that he would barge in here? I'm not a mind reader."

"Perhaps, you should pick better men to get involved with. First a cheater and now this aggressive brute. Do you not see any red flags, or do you prefer to go for those? Because from where I'm sitting it looks like you are only attracted to the red flags."

My mouth dropped, "I suppose you're right. Just look at you." It was a low blow, but I didn't care. His words cut me deep and left me feeling hurt and vulnerable.

Wyatt paused, "Well, I don't really count now do I? I was just a quick fuck to get back at Caleb."

I was speechless at his words. Like the wind had been knocked straight out of my lungs.

He looked down at his desk, "Get to work, Kenzie."

I nodded, still in somewhat of a daze from what he had said to me.