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“Let me guess, you’re not coming back tomorrow,” Kevin answers with a drawl that sounds nothing like his intended accent.
“They still need me here.”
“Really?” he pauses. “From what I was reading, other than Stefan, nothing insane has happened.”
“It’s still touch and go with Teagan and Brad. The moment I leave, all hell will break loose, and I’ll have to rush back here.” I groan. “It’s best I stick it out and ensure this gets wrapped up.”
He’s quiet for several moments, and I wonder what he’s thinking. I don’t have to wait long.
“Is this about Mallory Reynolds?”
My head jerks back even though he can’t see it. That’s the last thing I expected him to say. How the hell would he come to that conclusion?
“What?” I sit down on a nearby chair, needing to collect myself. “Why would you even ask that?”
“That’s not a no, Paxton.” He laughs.
“Jesus, Kevin. Do you think me incapable of making decisions without my dick getting involved?”
“We both know that appendage leads the show.”
I scoff. That’s not true at all. Do I like to entertain women? Sure.
At least I did. After having Mallory, that life no longer appeals to me.
“I’m turning over a new leaf,” I say, trying for semi-serious.
He’s quiet for a moment, and I wonder if the call dropped or if my phone finally died. Then I hear him sigh.
“How far back do you want me to push your meetings? Who do you want everyone speaking to if they need something?”
“Send them to Andrew. Actually, Chris or Beth would probably be a better fit for everyone.” That makes him laugh again. “It’s just for a few more days. I’ll be back soon.”
“I’ll make sure things don’t fall apart around here. But you might need to spring to cater some lunches. These hangry bitches are overworked and starved, and I’m getting the brunt of it.”
I laugh. “Done. You’ve got my card info. Make it happen.”
“On it, boss. Good luck with the new leaf.”
There’s something like a challenge in his voice, but he doesn’t say anything, and the line goes dead.
Despite my assurances otherwise, Kevin is right. This is about Mallory.
She needs me here, and I need to be here for her.
I stand, looking at the path ahead of me, and with a deep breath, begin the walk back toward today’s location. For the entire trek, all I can think about is what I want to do to her tonight, and I do realize my train of thought isn’t where it needs to be.
As soon as I spot Mallory, I can tell she’s uneasy. She’s no longer talking to Jeffery, who is currently striding away in the direction of Michael. Now, Bill is beside her, and by the way Mallory’s body tenses and her eyes dart around, it seems she’s looking for an escape route from him. Her shoulders are hunched, and her lips form a thin line. She’s obviously done with the conversation, and it makes my blood boil. My fists ball up instinctively as I stalk toward them.
“Mallory,” I say in an effort to sound cool and collected, even though fury pulses through my veins. “Can I speak to you?” I do my best to make it sound like I have an issue that needs to be resolved.
We take a step away from Bill, and I ask, “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine,” she responds, her voice surprisingly steady. Bill turns to me with a sneer on his face. It’s clear he was eavesdropping because he has the balls to say, “This is between Mallory and me. Beat it.”
I ignore him, instead focusing my attention on Mallory. She meets my gaze and gives me a slight nod, as if encouraging me to do something.
“Bill.” The anger in my voice is unmistakable now, and Bill takes a step back as if sensing how volatile I am.
“What do you want?” he grunts, too close to her for my liking.
“For you to leave Mallory alone.”
He cocks his head arrogantly. “Now, why would I do that?”
“Because I’m telling you to.” My voice is low and angry but surprisingly calm, considering how furious I am at this guy.
Bill laughs a dismissive sound that sets my teeth on edge. “Just having a little fun. What’s gotten into you?” His voice has the sharpness of broken glass. He leans in closer, and I can smell the musk of his cologne mixed with sweat.
I take a step closer, but Bill doesn’t back down. Instead, he moves in, ready to throw down. My fists clench at my side, and as I’m about to speak, Mallory steps up beside me and places a hand on my shoulder. “Leave, Bill. Now.” Her voice is loud and confident.
She stands tall, her back ramrod straight and her eyes blazing. She may be small in stature, but at this moment, she looks like a giant ready to do battle.
