Page 18 of Is It Casual Now?

“Seriously?” Siena’s snarl came through as clearly as though she had pressed her forehead against Jamie’s.

Damn it, it was still morning, and Jamie already wondered if her clothes showed just how much she had been sweating through this conversation. She hadn’t been prepared for this. But she wasn’t about to let anyone else know that.

“If you don’t want to, I can always request the interview with one of the many other managers who have been in contact since my article was published. Ingrid Bauer for example.”

Siena snorted again. “Good luck with that. And it was hardly an article.”

“Oh.” Jamie wished it didn’t delight her to know that, yes, Siena had read the piece herself. “So you have read it?”

“Yes. I’ve read it.” Siena’s voice was tight, and she spoke with barely contained anger or frustration.

“Would you like to be the one to set the record straight then?” Jamie chuckled, seemingly unable to antagonize the woman. “So to speak, at least.”

“Fine!” Siena snapped. “Hold the line, and I’ll transfer you back through to reception, and they’ll arrange a time.”

“Oh.” But the hold music had already returned, and soon, too soon, Jamie had an interview organized, and she sat staring at the phone that was now back in the cradle on her desk.

“What the hell are you staring at, Kettlehouse?” The boss’s voice so close behind her made her jump and turn in her chair.

“I have an interview with Siena Frazee.”

“No shit?” The boss’s eyebrows disappeared beneath his shaggy fringe.

“No shit.” Jamie knew she wore herthis is insanegrin, but soon it was wiped from her face as the boss did nothing morethan humph at the confirmation and tell her to get her ass onto the work he actually paid her for.

She did, though her mind was never entirely forgetful of the fact that in two days, she would see Siena Frazee again.

And of course, she didn’t at all wonder if she would finally get to see the delicious skin that hid behind the power suit Siena would undoubtedly show up in.

Nope.

That didn’t cross her mind for a single moment as she worked well into the evening.

seven

Siena eased into one of the last empty parking spots at the school. She’d made it and found a parking spot before the bell to end the day had rung.

With a relieved sigh, she quickly checked herself in the rearview mirror and stepped out of the car.

She finally had a chance to meet Harley’s new teacher for the first time and apologize for having missed last week’s open house—thank God Paula had been able to arrange the meeting while she’d been tied up with the Jamie drama. The guilt still wormed away in her chest, and the desire to overcompensate by spoiling Harley itched closer to the surface.

Tori had already warned her not to, knowing how Siena thought after all these years. And still, she ached to show Harley just how much she regretted not being there. But Tori was right. As she far too often was, having explained how the more Siena made a big deal out of it, the more it would be imprinted on Harley. It had made absolute sense the moment Tori had said the words.

Smiling, Siena stepped away from her now locked car andtoward the school building. It was nice to have something other than Jamie Kettlehouse to think about.

Her mind still reeled over this morning’s conversation. What on earth had inspired her to give in? And to give in so easily? She knew it’d be a disaster, but maybe it’d help rid her of the Jamie Kettlehouse effect—the one that had kept her mind returning to those eyes and tits.

She shook her head as though that could rid her of the memory. She knew it was useless, but at least she could force it to hide at the back of her mind for now.

Now was all about Harley. She loved her weeks with Harley. They were always a little more busy, unexpected, and hectic, and she wouldn’t change that for the world.

Tori’s directions led her perfectly through the maze of the school. Stepping through the door, the first thing Siena heard was the sweet sound of her Harley’s voice. The room was filled with color and a buzz of children and adults talking as parents came to pick up their kids from school.

But all Siena cared about was the wild child running full steam toward her.

Crouching down, Siena scooped Harley into her arms and squeezed her.

“Mommy!” Harley squealed a little too loud in Siena’s ear as she wrapped her arms around Siena’s neck and legs around Siena’s waist.

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