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Had anybody else made the statement, I would’ve said it was bold. But knowing what I know of him, I’m sure Damon has it all figured out with a contingency for every potential eventuality.
“It’s afternoon somewhere in the world, so why don’t we go grab a drink and I can clear up any issues you might have. I know Miss Monroe has a meeting after this, but I’ve had my schedule cleared for the rest of the day.”
Son of a bitch!
Robert looks to me in question like he’s asking my approval on what to respond.
“I’m sorry I can’t join you today. But I promise to catch up with you first thing tomorrow.” And with a scowl at Damon, I stand at the same time as Robert. With slow intent, I step closer to him, and holding his shoulders, I press a kiss to his cheek. “Call me whenever,” I murmur. “I’m always here to help you,” I add, lingering in Damon’s blind spot.
“Shall we go discuss the contract?” Damon grits out with enough saccharine in his voice to make it sound pleasant.
When we walk out of the meeting room, he hands Francesca the papers he brought down with him, swapping them for a copy of the contract. His hands linger a little too long over hers as they exchange a silent conversation that ends with them both snickering.
Without my consent, jealousy sets in, burning through my veins like poison. There’s no sense to it, but I can’t help it. I can’t help wanting Damon as much as I hate him. That one night that has led to this refuses to fade away from my memory. With one fleeting thought, it ignites fantasies I’ve never had.
Trying to hold my composure, I bite down on my lip as we get in the elevator. During the short ride to my floor, all I can do is watch the way Damon and Francesca look standing beside each other. Francesca’s so delicate and pretty next to his tall, broad body and his dark features. A perfect contrast.
“Talk soon?” Robert nudges me as the doors ping open for me.
“Anytime you need me.” With a squeeze of his arm I leave them, rushing to my office in search of refuge, but the dang glass offers me no shelter to fall apart and piece myself back together.
* * *
“Hey stranger!” Owen pops his head into my office in the devious way he has almost every day since I started working here. “You look like you need a taco and margarita stat.”
I do, but I can’t. For one my head isn’t in the right place for alcohol, and I want to finish the manuscripts I inherited from my predecessor so I can focus on Robert and the other three projects I brought to CPM with me.
“If you rain check on me again, I’m likely to bitch out. The testosterone on this floor is too much for me. Ellis and Morgan are pushing my limits with their two-horse race shit.”
“I need to finish up with Marcella’s load. The publicist team is hounding me for live dates.” Pulling my glasses off, I throw them onto the stack of paper in front of me tagged with Post-it notes for rewrites.
“Looks like you’re about to go cross-eyed. Come on, Avie…” He whines the ridiculous nickname he’s given me as he settles himself into the armchair of the small sitting area in the corner. “I can order in if you prefer and we can sit right here where you can death stare at work.”
“Owen…”
“Please,” he drawls. “Just have lunch with me. I need girl time.”
“Fine, but you call me Avie again and my taco will go so far up your ass you’ll have a whole new meaning to ring sting.” Dragging my heels across the concrete floor, I check my phone for a reply from Lacie about dinner tonight.
BBF
Charlie Hunnam and a dirty burger is exactly what I need. XoX
I’m not sure about the dirty burger after tacos. I don’t think I can take it.
“Food is on its way!” Owen croons, kicking off his shoes before resting his feet on the arm of the small sofa beside his seat. “Heard you landed Robert Rhodes.”
What? “How…?”
“My dear, news travels faster than you know in this place. Besides, I already told you transparency is a thing here.”
“Who else knows?”
“Who doesn’t?” he counters, picking up the crystal ball décor from the coffee table and rolling it around in his hands. “Gotta be honest, didn’t think you had it in you, Ava girl.”
“Robert hasn’t signed yet,” I tell him, trying to keep my voice level. “And fuck you for thinking anything at all!”
A perfectly plucked brow cocks high as he pins me with his narrowed stare. “Hasn’t he?”
