Page 32 of Yours to Conquer

“Hello, this is Katarina,” she answers in a sweet voice.

“Hey, Kat. It’s Em. Can you come and see me?”

“Sure, I’ll be right down.”

Her office is at the opposite end of the corridor. I imagine our men planned it that way so we would get some work done. I hear her heels clicking along the tile floor. It doesn’t take her long to make her way down to my space.

“What’s up?” She bounces into my room and plants herself in the chair in front of my desk. She always seems to be happy these days, and her smile is contagious.

“I wanted to let you know I rented your room to the girl from Trax. You still have some things in the closet. Do you want me to box them up for you?” I raise my eyes in question. Does she even remember the box?

“There shouldn’t be much. Just a few sweaters, and I thinkthere’s a box of college books in the corner.” She thinks the box in the corner is filled with college books. That’s funny.

“Funny you should mention the box. I picked it up, and its contents spilled all over the floor. Imagine my surprise when three dildos, two vibrators, a set of handcuffs, and a flogger came falling out.” I stare at her and wait for her reply.

Her cheerful face goes from smiling to jaw-dropping dismay. I watch as the blood rushes from her lower extremities directly to her face. She opens and closes her mouth several times before she talks. “Holy smokes. That was our book club box. I thought I grabbed it when I packed my stuff. I honestly thought the box in the closet was filled with textbooks. How embarrassing. Damon had bought props just in case we wanted to try some things in the book. Oh, shit,” she gasps. I watch as the realization of what I’m telling her finally sets in.

“No big deal. I just wanted you to know that Roxy would only take the room if it included the toys.” I try to give her a straight-faced look, but I can’t help the laugh that bursts from my lips. “Just kidding. I mean, the stuff fell out, and she mentioned keeping it, but she wanted the room, regardless. You’d like her.”

“I’m mortified. What did you do with the stuff? I hope you tossed it.”

“Never! How could I throw all that inspiration away? It’s in my trunk. I was going to bring it in and display them in a tidy row on your desk.” It gives me great pleasure to make Kat squirm.

“Thank God you’re feeling generous today. Things must be going better with Anthony.” She tries to dodge the subject by redirecting everything to me.

“We’re working through it. He’s in Dallas, so we’re communicating through phone calls. He needs to get his jealous streak under control, and I need to stop reverting to that twelve-year-old girl.”

“Have you ever asked him about his past relationships? Maybe he has some skeletons in his closet, too.” Kat looks around the room. “I’d love to stay here and discuss sex toys and boyfriends, but I havestuff to do, girlfriend.” She lifts herself to a standing position, turns, and walks out my door.

I never really considered he might have some old wounds that haven’t healed. It’s worth asking him.

I spendthe rest of the morning organizing the prom and looking through the guest list. We are going to need a lot of spiked punch.

At eleven forty-five, I walk to the front entrance of Ahz to meet with Mr. Wakefield. I lean against the wall and shoot Anthony a text message.

I am waiting for the reporter to arrive. What are you up to?

Meetings. Good luck today.

Thanks. Is everything okay?

Yes. Just working, I’ll talk to you later. I love you!

Okay, I love you too.

“Are you Emma?” the blond-haired man asks. “I recognize you from your photos.”

My photos?That can’t be a good thing. My picture has been taken many times, but the most recent was at the food and wine festival. This has to be the reporter. “Are you the reporter from theTimes?” I ask.

“I’m sorry, I should have introduced myself. I’m Tom.” He offers me his hand. I give him a gentle shake before I open the door to Anthony Haywood’s restaurant.

“I’m Emma. Welcome to Ahz. I thought we would have some lunch, and then we can take a tour. How does that sound?” I look over my shoulder as I lead him to our reserved table. He smiles brightly as he takes in the restaurant.

“Absolutely perfect.”

“Have you ever dined here?” I’m pretty sure he hasn’t, but it’s always good not to assume anything.

“No, this will be the first time.” His eyes take in the warm atmosphere. The restaurant is not busy, so that he can see it clearly without the distraction of a crowd.

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