Page 52 of Reclaim

“It’s uncomfortable for Sasha and Hendrix, and they’ve already spent hours together today. You three go out and I’ll wait for you at your place, or I can go home.”

“No, you won’t go home.”

“Oh really?”

“Stop teasing me, woman. I had a great day with my family, and is it too much to ask that I want it to end with you?”

“I’ll be there.” I give him a quick peck on the side of his mouth. “I might even wait in bed for you.”

“Naked?”

“If you’re lucky. Now go, celebrate your daughter’s amazing day.”

“I-” He stops himself, the unsaid words louder than anything I’ve ever heard.

“Nothing changes,” I assure him. The words not necessary now or ever. “I’ll see you at home.”

18

Emerson

“What are you doing tomorrow night?” I ask Taylah over lunch.

“I’m sure you’re about to tell me.”

“The youth club where Hendrix works is hosting a charity league game, the kids versus the youth workers, and they asked Jagger to play.” Spending more time there, Jagger has been working with some of the tougher kids on a volunteer basis and enjoying it. He always comes back exhilarated. The possibility of his mistakes preventing somebody else’s gives him the biggest sense of achievement.

“Really? League?” She looks at me with such disgust. You would think I’d asked her if she wanted to be infected by the plague.

“Hendrix will probably take his top off at some point,” I say, going in for the kill.

“Well, that’s what you should’ve started the conversation with. I guess I can forget about my hate for the sport if it means I get to see sexy twin number two.”

“Atta girl. We’ll leave work early and drive there together?” There’s no point taking two cars. Everyone will want an early night with work on the next day.

“Sounds like a plan.”

“Now that’s sorted, we have a bigger issue on hand.” I grab the pamphlet out of my bag and hand it to her. “The whole office is on rotation for this new legislation training, and Joe and I are up next week. Together. For Five. Whole. Days.

“Why are you fretting? Just get sex on legs to throw you over his shoulder in front of Joe.”

“That’s your great idea?”

“Yes.” She flicks the paper back at me, hitting me in my face. ”Joe is interested in you, he is also a fuckwit, and he needs to know you’re no longer on the market.”

“I don’t think Joe and Jagger breathing the same air is a good idea.”

“Well, in that case, get ready for next week.” She stands and hangs her bag off her shoulder. “You could ask Human Resources to switch you with someone else.”

“Ha.” I clap excitedly. “You’re not just a pretty face. That’s a great idea.”

“They might not go for it, but it’s worth a try. But for now, I have to make my way to Family Court and deal with another petty divorce.”

“Ughh, I hate those. Any kids?” I query.

“No. Thank God.”

“Well, I wish you luck. I’m going to go upstairs to talk to HR.”

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