Page 117 of Down & Dirty

Leaning against one of the stone columns a little while later, I was watching the local weather report when I heard someone clear their throat beside me.

A tall, skinny woman dressed in a very well-tailored suit held out her hand. “I’m sorry, we’ve never met, but I know who you are.” When I hesitated, she said in a rush, “I’m Cass. I’m friends with Cory.”

The name registered and I snapped my hand out to take hers. “Of course. He’s mentioned you.”

She laughed. “I can only imagine in what context my name came up.”

Suddenly a little more self-conscious, I shook my head. “No, no. It was good. I know about the other women.” I dropped my voice on the last part and her eyes narrowed conspiratorially even as she smirked.

“Wow. So he wasn’t kidding.” She looked me up and down and I pulled my shoulders back. “You two are the real deal.”

My hackles went up slightly. “I like to think so.”

As if she realized how her comment sounded, she put her hand out. “Oh my gosh, I didn’t mean anything by that. I’m sorry. It’s just still so strange to think of Cory being with someone. For real. He’s been solo for, what, like ten years. But this is good. I’m happy for him.” Her smile brightened. “I’m happy for both of you.”

Despite what she’d said, she seemed genuine enough that I let some of the tension drop. “I appreciate that.”

“You’ve really changed him. For the better.”

“He’s changed me too,” I admitted, wanting to give Cory credit for everything he’d done for me, everything he’d brought into my life. “We’ve been good for each other.”

Cass’s eyes were sparkling, pure warmth in them. “Yes. You definitely have.” Her gaze drifted to my other side and I turned to find one of the executives from OTM settling in beside me.

“Don’t let me interrupt you two powerful ladies,” he said awkwardly, laughing at himself.

“Never, Stewart,” Cass said cordially. She was good at this.

Stewart stepped in, closing our little circle, and my pulse sped up.

“Pretty great start to the season.” He nodded, looking between both of us for agreement.

“Plenty of room for improvement, but a good sign for where things are headed,” I said, feeling both of their gazes land on me, scrutinizing, dissecting. I wasn’t even sure which rider they were talking to me about? My brother or my husband?

“I love your fire, Skylar,” Stewart said, his smile widening. “Top fifteen finishes for our whole team, and you still want more.” He bit his lip as he nodded, eyeing me creepily, and I fought the urge to explain that wasn’t exactly what I meant.

Cass leaned a little closer to me. “I don’t know, I think you shouldget Skylar on one of your bikes. She’s an accomplished rider herself.”

My smile was more a grimace, even if I appreciated what she was trying to do.

Stewart’s enthusiasm only grew. “That’s right. But you know what might be even better? I think you and Cass should work together. I see much bigger things for you, Skylar. You’ve managed Ronnie with such skill and strategy. I see you flourishing this season and really finding your own niche.”

If it hadn’t been for the sincere look in Cass’s eye as she nodded in agreement, I might have just laughed them both off and walked away. I had no idea what he was talking about.

“I guess we’ll see,” I deflected. These people were strangers who hardly knew me.

Cass bumped her shoulder into mine. “I think Stewart is on to something. We should talk. If you’re looking to branch out, I know plenty of people who could use someone with your skills.”

It dawned on me she likely didn’t even know what my skills were, but I thanked her anyway, and took her card when she slipped it into my hand.

Stewart offered us a pair of quick goodbyes before slipping out the door with the head of finance for Hardspun Apparel, the sight of him reminding me of OTM’s warning to Ronnie before the holiday.

“For real, though,” Cass said when he was gone. “You ever want to talk career options, let me know. I worked in recruiting for years before I got into casting and shit. I can hook you up.”

Part of me wondered if Cory had ever mentioned to her that I wasn’t always happy being Ronnie’s handler. I doubted it by the look on her face. And it wouldn’t be like him to talk about me behind my back.

“I just might,” I told her, pocketing her card. It was unlikely I’d take her up on her offer, but it was nice she’d made it.

“Okay, I have to run.” She waved at someone across the lobby. “But tell Cory I said hi.” Looking back over her shoulder as she walked away, she gave me another warm smile. “Call me.”

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