Page 98 of His Rules

“Maybe he wanted to get away from the press. You know he’s being hounded as well.”

“Good point, but he’s been sitting there for over two hours.”

“Maybe he’s avoiding running into Sebastian. Speaking of which. Have you talked with him?”

I cringed just a little more inside. I’d found it so hard to keep my mind off him, but I couldn’t erase what had been said. Not now. Not ever. “No, he tried to call a couple of times.”

“You do realize with romance novels, readers loathe it when the plot is stupid enough they had to point out if the two main characters had just communicated, maybe they wouldn’t have that third act breakup?”

“The last I checked, I’m not living in a romance novel. I am real.”

“Yeah, really stupid. What you two shared was hot romance. Don’t you try and tell me otherwise, missy.”

Rolling my eyes, I grabbed my phone from the seat, slinging my purse over my shoulder. “Until he fucked it up.” I started to open the car door.

“You don’t know that. Where are you going?”

“I’m going inside. He’s not going to recognize me with this wig on. Maybe I can pick up on something.”

“Yeah, and maybe you’ll get caught.”

“So what?”

“Elizabeth Kacey Taylor. Do not go in there.”

I stuck my head back inside. “Don’t call me that. That’s what my dad calls me.”

“You need to call him too.”

“Yeah. Yeah. I’ll be back.” I moved around the back of her car, looking both ways. My God. I was wearing hot pink tights and a long purple sweater dress with boots that were killing my feet. The black wig did nothing for my complexion either, but at least the outfit gave me a totally different vibe.

I tried to calm down as I walked inside, thankful there was a takeout counter, so I didn’t look as if I was loitering for a reason.

“Regular coffee with cream.” I handed over the money, waiting as the guy brought my change.

As the girl moved toward the huge coffee machine, I turned around casually as if studying the eclectic interior of the building.

I saw him immediately. He’d moved from the table at the front window to one close to a long hallway. Fortunately, there was a pastry counter close. I slid down that way, trying not to stare at the man. Whoever he was speaking to was pissing him off.

“I’m telling you that we need to move forward quickly.”

I couldn’t help myself, turning my head slightly so I could catch a glimpse of his face.

‘Why the fuck didn’t you show up? I’ve been sitting here wasting my time.” He laughed, but I could tell he was angry. “I don’t give a shit about your needs right now. You wanted me involved, but you’re not holding up your end of the bargain.”

Bingo. I knew what that was about.

“Yes, I know we had a plan, but things need to change.” He shook his head. “Fine. I’ll swing by in the morning and we’ll talk about it then. The board meeting is tomorrow and I want all my ducks in a row.” He ended the call and smashed his fist into the table.

“Miss. Your coffee.”

Hearing the guy’s voice made me jump. “Thank you.” I didn’t bother looking in Drake’s direction again, taking the coffee and heading toward the door. I only prayed he didn’t recognize my voice.

I tried not to race across the street and almost dropped my coffee as I was forced to rush between oncoming vehicles.

“You didn’t get me one?” Stephanie snorted.

“You can have this one.”

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