Page 52 of Cold Carnage

Chapter 15

Paige

The second Ryker left the office, I plopped down in my seat, needing to catch my breath. His gaze on my lips left a lingering heat that should have scared me… but it didn't. It excited me. I swallowed hard and turned to my computer, trying to focus on the task at hand. But my heart pounded in my chest, making concentration impossible.

Ryker. He haunted my thoughts like a specter refusing to fade. The truth gnawed at me—he remembered every detail of our encounter together. I knew it deep down, despite his cold exterior and harsh words. He'd pointed out viciously that it meant nothing to him, just one night lost in a sea of forgettable moments.

And yet...

I couldn't stop thinking about him.

His eyes, the way they bore into mine with a mix of anger and something deeper, something raw. His voice, low and commanding, that made my pulse quicken against my will. The memory of his touch sent shivers down my spine, stirring emotions I tried so hard to suppress.

I typed a few lines on the screen, barely registering the words. My fingers trembled on the keys, betraying the turmoil inside me. It was infuriating how much space he occupied in my mind. No matter how hard I tried to dismiss him as a mere distraction, he was more than that—he was a challenge I couldn't ignore.

My eyes darted to the door he'd just exited through, half-expecting him to storm back in with another cutting remark or intense stare. But the room remained empty, leaving me alone with my chaotic thoughts.

What did he want from me? Why did he act like he despised me one moment and then show flashes of protectiveness the next? His contradictions made it impossible to get a read on him, and it drove me crazy.

I sighed deeply, rubbing my temples in frustration. This wasn't like me—to be so consumed by someone else's actions and words. I prided myself on being composed and focused, especially in stressful situations. Yet here I was, unraveling over a man who seemed hell-bent on keeping me at arm's length while simultaneously drawing me closer.

No matter what happened between us, I had a job to do—a PR crisis to manage and a team to support. I couldn't afford distractions or personal entanglements right now.

I forced myself to take another steadying breath and resumed typing. Work would have to be my sanctuary from these tangled emotions. But even as I tried to immerse myself in the task at hand, Ryker's presence loomed large in my mind.

And no matter how much I denied it, part of me didn't want that presence to fade away completely.

I shook off the lingering thoughts of Ryker and turned my attention back to my laptop. The school district email had to go out tonight. It was critical to nail down the logistics for Ryker'sback-to-school event, even if my mind was still swimming with questions about him.

My fingers flew over the keyboard, outlining the main points: proposed dates, estimated attendance, and possible guest speakers. I emphasized our desire to partner with local businesses and community leaders to make the event impactful for the students.

Once satisfied, I hit send and leaned back in my chair, allowing myself a momentary sense of accomplishment before diving into potential locations for the event. A sports store seemed like a no-brainer—somewhere vibrant and engaging that would resonate with kids and parents alike.

But what about clothes? Maybe a department store, if there were any still thriving in this digital age. It was worth exploring, given the need for school uniforms and supplies.

My heart skipped a beat at the thought of a bookstore. There was something magical about a place filled with stories waiting to be discovered. It could add an educational angle to the event, encouraging kids to pick up a book along with their new sports gear.

I jotted down these ideas in my notes app, feeling a mix of excitement and determination. This event had the potential to be something special, something that would resonate beyond just a PR stunt.

A couple more emails popped up in my inbox—follow-up questions from vendors I'd contacted earlier that day. My excitement waned slightly as I clicked on each one. The queries ranged from mundane logistical details to overly cautious inquiries about budget constraints.

Annoyance bubbled up inside me as I responded to each email, answering questions I'd already addressed in previous communications. It felt like running in circles, but I couldn't afford any missteps at this stage.

Yes, we can accommodate additional signage, I typed out to one vendor, my fingers tapping harder than necessary on the keys.Please refer to the attached document for detailed layout plans.

Another email asked about insurance coverage for the event—a topic we'd already covered twice.

As mentioned earlier, I wrote, struggling to keep my tone professional,our insurance policy includes comprehensive coverage for all event activities. Please review the attached certificate for confirmation.

With each reply sent off into cyberspace, my irritation ebbed away bit by bit until only a sense of weariness remained.

I glanced at the clock—another late night ahead. But if it meant pulling off an event that would make a difference, then it was worth it.

Taking a deep breath, I focused back on my list of potential locations, ready to continue piecing together what could be Ryker's most successful community outreach yet.

I leaned back in my chair, feeling a momentary sense of accomplishment after sending off the last of the emails. The room was quiet, save for the hum of the air conditioner and the distant sounds of office cleaners going about their duties. I stretched my arms above my head, ready to call it a night.

My laptop pinged with a new email notification. I glanced at the sender—an unknown law firm. Curiosity piqued, I clicked on it and began to scan the contents.

---