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“She does now.”
“I’m here.” Brandi pushes me out of the way and sits in the seat next to Beckett. She rolls the chair closer to him until they’re practically touching.
I study the interaction for a moment until I realize what’s happening. Beckett has replaced me with Brandi. Not on a professional level, of course. The woman is a horrible PA. She’d make an even worse engineer.
No, Beckett’s moved on. I should have known. His obsession with me was fulfilled when we had sexual intercourse. I guess the chemistry I continue to feel is now one-sided. My stomach drops in disappointment.
I clench my teeth to stop myself from speaking as Brandi flips her hair and flutters her eyelashes at Beckett. Is she flirting with him? With a start, I realize I’m jealous. I don’t want any other woman spending her time with him. And I definitely don’t want anyone else to have sexual relations with him.
My mouth drops open as I realize I’m in love with Beckett. It’s the only explanation that makes sense when I add up all the factors. I want to be the only woman in his life. I don’t want him spending time with any other woman. I had sex with him without regard to using proper protection. I still feel this raw sexual chemistry with him. And, finally, I’m unable to control my emotional response when he’s near.
I haven’t experienced any of those emotions with another man. Only with Beckett. This is a most unexpected turn of events.
Jack snaps his fingers in front of my face. “Earth to Lilac. Earth to Lilac.”
“Lilac’s in her own world.”
“I bet everything is black and white there.”
I ignore the taunting. I’ve been dealing with bullies since I was twelve and attended math and science classes with high school seniors. Although Lyric tried to shield me from their teasing, he couldn’t be around me all the time.
I thought the taunting would end when I was an adult working in a professional environment, but apparently, some people never grow out of the need to belittle others. According to my Sociology 101 class, bullying is a way for someone who feels inferior to feel superior.
Aspen can make fun of me all she wants for enrolling in those sociology classes. They’ve been eye-opening for me.
“Shall we begin,” Beckett says, and I move to an open space on wooden legs and sit down. “Where are we at with Arkville?”
I open my file and outline the steps performed thus far.
“Arkville hasn’t signed a contract with us yet?” Beckett asks once I’ve finished.
I frown. I just explained how the legal department is reviewing a few questions the city of Arkville has.
“As I said—”
Beckett cuts me off. “Brandi, make a note for me to contact the mayor.”
I inhale a deep breath and let oxygen fill my lungs before blowing it out. I will not lose my temper with my boss at a meeting in front of the entire staff of engineers.
“I have a call with the mayor scheduled with the legal department today,” I repeat information I already told him in my review.
Beckett waves my comment away. “Next up, Jack.”
Did he dismiss me as if I don’t matter? I understand he has no personal interest in me any longer – my stomach clenches at the thought – but dismissing me on a professional level is not okay.
I know he thinks I’m incompetent in my work – a matter I find puzzling since I’m the lead engineer – but outright dismissing me is just plain rude. Or so my sisters claim every time I supposedly ‘dismiss’ one of their inane arguments.
“Ahem,” I clear my throat loudly before Jack, who’s still digging around in his documents, can speak.
“I said I already have a call scheduled with the mayor of Arkville today. I don’t think it’s necessary for you to speak with him as well.”
Beckett doesn’t bother glancing up for his notepad where he’s scribbling away. “I disagree.”
“Oooh, burn.” Jack does that juvenile thing where he licks his finger and then pretends it sizzles.
I slam my portfolio closed and stand. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to…”
I let my words trail off as I march out of the room.
