Page 50 of Tame Me

“That’s exactly the point. You’re late nearly every single day.”

“Oh, and I suppose you told him that too.” His voice boomed about the marble expanse.

I stepped toward him and pointed my finger at him. “As a matter of fact, I did. Right after you told them, I was a prostitute named Memphis.”

His eyes bulged. His lips drew to a thin line. “I never?—”

“Don’t lie.” The anger in my voice surprised me, but the irony was I’d lied about Memphis, too. I clenched my jaw, and before either of us said another word, I spun on my heel, strode toward the sliding glass doors, and stepped outside.

The morning sun was no longer lovely. Its intensity burned my flesh, matching the inferno of anger blazing through my insides. I strode to Blue Haven Café, a woman on a mission. When I’d initially decided to come here for breakfast, I’d had visions of devouring a plate of savory mince on toast, but after that encounter, I needed a sweet fix instead.

I went to the cake counter and scanned every possibility before I made my decision. The New York baked cheesecake would both fill me up and satisfy my sugar craving. I ordered a double-shot skinny cappuccino to go with it and then strolled to my favorite table out the front.

As I watched the world go by, I replayed the conversation with Needledick through my head, and I knew there was no recovering from it now. Both of us had implicated each other to the executive board. Which one they believed was impossible to interpret. Although . . . this morning’s situation had supported my accusations.

My cake arrived, and I wasted no time in forking it into my mouth. It was thick, creamy, and sweet. Exactly what I needed.

My phone rang, and as I attempted to swallow the enormous mouthful I’d shoveled in, I fished it from my handbag. I frowned at the screen; the number was not one I recognized. My heart leaped to my throat as a horrifying thought flashed through my mind.

Is this Richard from the executive board. . . about to fire me?

My heart galloped as the phone rang over and over. I sucked in a deep breath, attempting to calm my racing nerves, and jabbed the green button.

“Hello.”

“Oh, hi, Memphis. It’s Hunter.”

I just about wept at the sound of his voice. “Hunter, oh my god. It’s so good to hear from you.”

“Really? Um okay.”

Oh, jeez, I must sound like a total desperado.

“Sorry, I thought it was going to be my boss.”

“Oh, is everything okay?” His concern was as soothing as a hug.

“Yeah, yeah, it’s nothing.”

“That’s good then. How have you been?”

“Much better now that I’m talking to you.” It was true; Hunter had me smiling again.

“Excellent. I’m heading up to the Gold Coast this weekend, and I was just wondering if you’d be there too?”

“Are you asking me on a date?” I reiterated his question from a couple of weeks ago.

“Touché.” He laughed, and I laughed along with him. “Yes, that’s exactly what I’m doing.”

“In that case, I’d love to.”

“Perfect. I’m competing in an open-water swim at Mermaid Beach.”

“Wow, that’s exciting.”

“I hope so. I plan to win this one.”

“What time’s your race? Maybe I’ll come watch.”

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