Page 40 of Magnetic God

It’s a normal question that I’d ask any client but kills me because of my history with Brooks.

Brooks snorts, and Jacqueline shoots daggers at him.

She says, “It’s my birthday.”

“Oh, that is an important date, then!” I smile. “I’ll reach out to both venues today.”

Thank god money talks because that’s what it’s going to take to get a specific date in June at either venue.

Jacqueline is happy with this and says, “Excellent. Now, I have a list of ideas. Would you like to see them now, or should I email them to you?”

“First, we need to sign the contract. It’s standard procedure, you see.” My face hurts from smiling. “After that, you can send me all of your ideas and we can get to work.”

“Oh, of course. That makes perfect sense.” She turns to Brooks. “Are you ready to sign right now, darling?”

Darling? My chest is so tight that it hurts. I have to let this go.

He’s not mine.

He never was.

Renee enters, carrying a silver tray with two crystal flutes and a bottle of champagne. Thank god for her perfect timing. She sets it on the table in front of them and opens the bottle of champagne before pouring some into each flute.

“Excellent timing Renee. Ms. Minty-Smith and Mr. Henderson are ready to sign the contract.”

Renee smiles. “Wonderful. I’ll get everything ready.”

I stand. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to check on another client. I’ll have the contract when I return.”

Jacqueline is too busy guzzling down her drink to answer. Brooks, on the other hand, watches me with a look I know all too well.

Oh my god.

He’s going to come after me.

I keep my composure until I get to the hallway, where I all but run to the bathroom at the end of the hall. I’m almost to the door when I feel his presence behind me.

Spinning, I come face to face with him.

“Really?”

“Is. Lee. Your. Married. Name?” Each word brings him closer until our chests touch.

“Your fiancée is in the other room. Does it matter what my last name is?”

“It fucking matters, Angel.”

Hearing him call me ‘Angel’ feels like a punch to my gut. I back away from him, shaking my head.

“Go away, Brooks. I need a moment to gather my composure and then I’ll be back in there.”

Without waiting, I enter the bathroom and head toward the last stall. Tears threaten to fall, but I’ll be damned if I shed one more tear over that man. The door opens and loud footsteps follow me. Glancing over my shoulder, I find Brooks prowling toward me.

“What are you doing in here?”

“Getting some fucking answers.”

I back up into the stall. He follows, crowding me. God, I forgot how big he was up close. His familiar scent floats my way and I shake my head.

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