Page 155 of Prickly Romance

“Beverly, the reporter you punched in the face?”

When the heck did I punch anyone in the face?

“She had nothing but good things to say about The Sazuki Foundation. She even made sure to clarify that the post she made was just a misunderstanding. I wonder how much they had to pay to shut her up.”

“You don’t know what you’re talking about.” I try to step past her.

Sheila follows me. “Obviously, Sazuki is trying to protect you. I wonder why.”

“The video editing company asked for the parent release forms.” I fold my arms over my chest and face her. “If you have nothing to do, you can photocopy the documents and send it over.”

Her top lip curls up in a sneer. “Do it yourself.” She stalks past me, making sure to knock into my shoulder as she goes. Her purple hair swishes back and forth like a My Little Pony tail. Should I just grab on and yank?

No more fighting, Deej. You barely got out of the last one with your job intact.

Gritting my teeth, I head upstairs to the admin team. They all stare at me like I’m a pariah. The PR crisis has been averted, but it will take a while for me to earn back their respect after Beverly’s allegations. Everyone thinks I’m an impulsive, hot-headed idiot who nearly shut the foundation down.

“I’ll, uh, I’ll photocopy the forms myself,” I say awkwardly when no one gets up to help me with the task.

My heart pinches, but I force myself not to look as defeated as I feel. Sazuki knows the truth about what happened in that bathroom.

I do too.

It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks of me.

After finishing with the photocopy machine, I scan the release forms for the PR company. Just after pressing ‘send’, I hear the elevator doors and the steady thud of footsteps.

My heart knows even before he turns the bend.

Sazuki.

The sight of him, in a simple white button down and pinstripe trousers, takes my breath away. He looks fit enough to be a medieval pirate. But instead of pillaging the sea for gold, he goes around stealing hearts.

I watch him as he draws closer.

His eyes are distant.

Although he’s looking forward, he’s not really seeing me or the office or anything else. I can tell that there’s something weighing on his mind.

I drop my gaze to the computer when he notices me. Pulling up a file, I scroll through it and make a point not to look at him even though my heart is pumping fast.

Sazuki makes a beeline for my desk, his steps strong and sure. His scent wafts over me, making my heart waver.

His voice is a deep, secret thrum when he says, “Miss Williams.”

“Mr. Sazuki,” I return coldly.

“Can I see you in my office?”

I stop abruptly. Lips pursed, I look up. “Is this regarding work matters?”

An eyebrow hikes in surprise.

“If not then,” I scowl at my watch, “I have to double-check the edited footage of the kids’ performance this morning. Nova asked me to handle it personally and I can’t let her down.”

He steps back when I gather my binders and stalk away from the desk. I can feel his gaze burning into me.

My chest contracts on a sigh.

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