Page 41 of Changing Lanes

“Looks great, thank you,” I impart. Brannon draws my attention as he gazes at me.

“We’ve discussed adding Brannon on my payroll for billing purposes. He’s agreed, though I must say he brought up a valid point.” One regards me. Brannon’s nose is back in his phone.

“Which is?” I snap, and Brannon looks up.

“How would I list this on my resume, I would have no proof I did it?” Brannon questions me as he narrows his eyes.

“It’s not my problem, nor is it my company’s issue.” I assert.

“You’re right, it’s not your problem,” Brannon replies.

“No, it’s not. We’ll handle it, Torrie.” One is as pleasing as ever. Brannon’s nose is in his phone again.

“Do you think you could give your full attention here, this is important.” Rolling my eyes at his obvious attempt at making me jealous.

“No, I can’t. This,” he nods to his phone, “is more important. If you’ll excuse me.” He pushes away from the table, exiting the room.

Standing, I follow him out of the room. “Excuse me?” I demand his attention.

He glares at me, lifting a finger to finish his call. When he’s done, he looks at me once again. “What can I do for you?”

“Let’s take this outside,” I say as I walk toward the door. He follows me out, and I turn on him immediately. “You’re an asshole.”

“Is that all?” Brannon questions as he crosses his arms in defense.

“No, it’s not. Do you think you could limit your phone conversations while we’re working? I don’t want to witness your Friday night hook-ups.” I point at him with a fist on my side, heat crawls up my face.

“Torrie, damn it, you’re getting this all wrong.” He holds up his hands in defense, then something changes when his phone buzzes again. “I’ve gotta go. I know my role, so whatever you want is fine by me.”

“Since when do you give a fuck about what I want?” What in the name of all that’s holy is wrong with my mouth? Shit, I’ve lost my mind.

My words stop him cold, and he looks over his shoulder when he delivers his blow to my ego. Or to my libido, I’m not sure which. “I’ve always given you what you want.”

His eyes burn, making my core ignite. I pretend to purse my lips, but I bite my cheek instead. He leaves without another word. As he walks across the parking lot, a raven-haired woman pulls up in an old red car. She points at him, then to the building.

Brannon stands listening to her, shaking his head from time to time. Maybe it’s me but it looks as though she’s gesturing to my SUV, why in the hell would she be doing that? Does she think he’s here to see me?

I bet he was on the phone with her the entire time. She was mad because he was here and not with her. As good as he looks, he probably has women all over town. Especially with the money he has, they more than likely line up at his door.

“Are we going to be able to make this work?” One asks from the door.

I turn to look at him, my back to Brannon now. “Yes. We’ll be fine.” Turning back to Brannon, I watch what he’s doing with this woman. “Or we’ll kill each other,” I say as I step back inside.

“Maybe you should take the time to sit down and talk to him.” One glances over at me as I watch Brannon from the window.

“No. All I have right now is anger. All this time and I’m still angry. What does that mean?” Shaking my head, I continue to survey Brannon’s situation.

One sways back on his heels. “Torrie, you’re an intelligent woman, what do you think it means?”

Hanging my head, I realize my hand is over my heart. I must think I can protect it, but I never got it back, so how can I protect it? “I know. It’s killing me being this close to him.”

“You should talk. Maybe when you’re not wanting to kill him, though.” One chuckles making me laugh with him.

“Yeah, I think it would be better.” I can’t help but watch as the red car drives away and Brannon leaves in his truck. “Is he in a relationship?” I ask, not even considering whom I’m asking.

“Just go to him, talk. Try to clear the air, or at least, come to an understanding.” One cuts me off before I can ask anything else.

It’s true, I do need to have a conversation with him where I won’t kill him for his answers. “Yeah, soon. I’ll see you tomorrow.”