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“Did he now?” I reply.
Cynthia sighs into the phone, making the line crackle. “He bought the magazine.”
A sardonic laugh escapes my lips. “You don’t say.”
“And since word of my retirement is already out…Cat, he gets to pick the new editor in chief. You’re going to have to play nice.”
This time my laugh is more of a bark. I spin so I’m facing the window and not Jay’s smug face. As quietly as I can, I snap, “I’d rather quit.”
“Don’t say that, Kitten,” Jay says, suddenly appearing in front of me. “Here, I brought you a coffee. I know you need caffeine before the day starts.”
I glare at him. He knows nothing about me. He assumes I’m the same person as I was thirteen years ago. Damn, is he in for a surprise.
“Cat, just give it a few days. I’ll make sure all the editors will back my recommendation of you,” she says, unaware that I’m staring at the man who holds all the cards. It’d be humorous if life wasn’t so cruel. Once again, the man is controlling my future.
Fuck. That. Shit.
“I’ve got it covered, Cyn.” Without waiting for a response, I pull the phone from my ear and hit End.
Jay smiles that rage-inducing smile at me, as if he’s won this round. “Your coffee,” he says, holding it out.
Because I could use a moment to think, I take it and bring it to my lips. Of course, I underestimate just how well Jay used to know me. When the hazelnut hits my tongue, I moan involuntarily. His crystal blue eyes flare. It’s like I’ve waved the red flag in front of the bull. Game on.
“Cat,” Sophie says from behind me.
I spin away from Jay and look at her.
“I have to go. You going to be okay?” She looks back and forth between us.
I wave my hand like it’s no big deal. “I’ll be fine.”
“Lunch?”
“Can’t.” I shake my head. “I have lunch with Cash and then a doctor’s appointment.”
Sophie nods. “Right. I forgot. Keep me posted, okay?” She holds up her hand to her ear in the universalcall mesignal.
“Of course.” I smile at her and take another sip of my coffee, avoiding the person hovering to my right.
“Doctor’s appointment?” Jay asks, as if he’s entitled to an answer.
“I’ve got work to do.” Without looking at him, I point to the door, making it clear it’s time for him to go.
Instead, he leans against the window, studying me while I focus on my computer screen and prepare to get my day started. Eventually, the hole he’s boring into the side of my face begins to burn, forcing me to turn to him.
“Why are you here, Jay?” I finally ask, curiosity getting the best of me.
Jay smiles. “You look good, Kitten.”
I huff out an annoyed breath. “Stop with the Kittens, the compliments, the comments, the stares…just stop.”
He smirks. “Am I allowed to breathe the same air as you?”
“I’d prefer you not.”
He laughs. “Right. I guess that’s enough for day one.” He pushes off the window and stands tall.
“Day one?” I ask before I can stop myself.
