Page 138 of Dirty Rival

“What about this Japan deal? I assume as CEO, you, and your firm, receive a percentage of this sale. How badly does leaving cut you out of your profits?”

“I’m operating as an extension of the firm, but I’m on the front line and a managing partner. I’ll get a nice payday as will Gabe. He’s a co-managing partner. I have plenty of money, Carrie. You can feel secure with me. I know how much you need to feel that stability.”

I swallow hard, shocked at how well he really does get me, but I don’t want him to feel that motivates me in negative ways. “I feel secure because of you and what we’re becoming, not because of your money.”

“I want you to feel secure and comfortable with me and my money.” He kisses me. “But we have plenty of time to talk about that. I need to run to the office and meet with Gabe. Call me when you know anything about Japan.”

“Yes. Of course, I will.”

He caresses my cheek. “See you soon.”

He walks toward the door and my cellphone rings at my desk. “Leave it open, please,” I call after him as I race to answer my phone.

Once I’m behind my desk, I snatch my cell from my purse to find the number labeled “Cat” that Reid input for me. “Hey, Cat,” I say. “Thank you so much for last night.”

“You sound good considering everything.”

“This huge deal Reid and I have been working on is about to close. It’s exciting and, well, Reid and I are good. I’m going to live with him without hesitation.”

“That’s wonderful. I wasn’t so sure last night that was going to work for you.”

“We talked for a long time. Cat, do you know he and Gabe might pull out of the firm?”

“Yes,” she says. “Gabe told me and honestly, if they make that decision, they’ll make it work. They’re incredible together and all around incredible at their jobs.”

“I noticed,” I say. “It seems to run in your family. And on that note, I’d love to take you to lunch soon and fan girl over your column.”

She laughs. “You’re too kind I’d love to have lunch, but Reese has a huge trial going on that I’m covering. Well, you know that. You read my column. It would need to be next weekend.”

“That works. I’ll call you later in the week.”

“Perfect, and Carrie, you’re good for him. My mom would approve.” She hangs up and Sallie appears in my doorway. “What do I need to do?” she asks.

I motion her forward and she claims the visitor’s chair in front of my desk. “I need to have you fight my insurance company to get me paid. I need to focus on Japan.”

“Of course. Do you need them to advance you for clothes and a place to stay?”

“Get them to pay for all you can, please,” I add.

“Do you need a hotel or a short-term rental?”

“No, but brace yourself,” I warn. “I’m staying with Reid.”

She blinks. “What? You hate each other.”

“No. No, we really don’t. We’re together.”

“Wow. That was fast. So very fast. Carrie, are you sure?”

“Very, and yes, it’s fast but I’ve never felt this way before. He’s not an asshole—well, okay he can be, but I’m working on that.”

She studies me a moment. “He makes you happy?”

“How do I seem today after my apartment burned down?”

“Happy,” she says, surprise in her voice.

“Yes. Happy. I’m alive and so is this company. And Reid—he matters to me.”

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