Fuck. She has me there.
Me: You’re not wrong. If you were really a caring person, you would have given me another one for the flight home.
Cheri: Have you met them yet?
Me: No, I’m in a car on the way. The driver said it would take about an hour. We landed at a small airport in North Carolina. What I could see before it got dark was beautiful.
Cheri: I keep forgetting you’ve never been out of California. There are lots of beautiful places to visit. We’ll have to take trips together when you have vacation time earned at your job.
Me: If I have a job to earn vacation. I don’t have a clue what Andrew Gallant wants me here for, and that is reason enough to make me want to barf.
Sighing, I drop my hands into my lap as worry twists my stomach. Even though I’m scared about what is coming, I know I did the right thing. I’ve reviewed hundreds of contracts since I began working at JNG, none of them had the addendum. What other option did I have except to send the email? It’s not what they stand for, at least I don’t think it is, and is mostly the reason I wanted to work at JNG. I respect their mission statement and what they stand for. They don’t believe in destroying the world, just in making it better.
The phone buzzes with a reply from Cheri. It’s the third one since I’ve been stewing.
Cheri: Don’t jump to conclusions. You always think the worst.
Cheri: I mean it. Maybe he wants to commend you on your excellent catch and give you a raise.
Cheri: Are you still there? Did I lose you?
Me: I’m here. Sorry. I hope you’re right because I don’t want to think about the alternative.
Cheri: You shouldn’t. Keep your head up and stay positive. You’re brilliant. If they can’t realize that, they don’t deserve you.
Her words make me grin. And God knows, it wouldn’t be the first time I’ve overreacted to a situation. I just need to stay calm.
Me: You’re right.
Cheri: Of course, I am.
For the first time since Mr. Ryder spoke to me this morning, I feel like giggling. That’s a monumental accomplishment on her part. But I’m not telling her that; her head is already big enough. Instead, I decide to change the subject. Maybe it’ll keep me from freaking out.
Me: How’s the book coming?
Cheri: I know what you’re doing? But fine. It’s great. OMG. Seth is so hot and Gabi, she’s the perfect baby girl for him. Of course, he’s a growly Daddy, and she’s stubborn as all hell. I am loving these two.
Me: Is this the new series you were talking about?
Cheri: Yeah. Snowdrop Falls. I think my readers are going to love it. I already love it.
Me: Snowdrop Falls? It sounds perfect.
Cheri: It is—it will be!
Then my phone rings, and I’m not surprised to see it’s her.
“It’s too much to type. Besides, telling you is more fun.”
“Go for it,” I say as I lean back in the seat.
She rambles on about the book. Darkness falls as I listen to the plot of her newest book. I never knew Daddy kink existed until she shared her first book with me. Now I’m just as invested in the stories she writes as all her other fans. A Daddy, at least the way she writes them, would be like a dream come true. Not that they exist in real life. I mean, they can’t, right? Most of the men I’ve met have been total slime buckets.
“Ms. Tanner, we’ll be at the house momentarily,” the driver announces, meeting my gaze in the rearview mirror. I’ve managed to block him out for most of the drive. He’s probably a nice guy, but he’s been quiet for the entire drive. It’s like being driven by a robot, except for the way he keeps checking me out in the rearview mirror. Ick. It really creeps me out.
“Okay, thank you. Hey, I’ve got to go. I’m here. Wish me luck.”
Cheri snorts into the phone. “You don’t need luck—you’re amazing. Show them who you are. Don’t forget to call me later.”
