Page 85 of How to Get Even

‘When?’ she demanded, outraged and he didn’t know what was funnier. Her outrage that she’d cursed and wasn’t aware of it, or the twists and turns in this conversation.

‘“Damn near squeaky-clean”,’ he quoted for her.

She thinned her lips and, clearly, chose to ignore him. ‘Tej has already paid for them,’ she said instead.

Chase’s head snapped up. ‘What?’ he asked, not because he hadn’t heard, but because he needed to clarify it before he got on the phone and tore his friend a new one. Because Tej knew how much he hated even the idea of a gala, let alone going to one.

‘Because he knows that these are the things that you have to do as a gallery director, Chase.’

Your role. Your responsibility. Things you need to do.

She was backing him into a corner and he didn’t like it one bit.

‘I was nice to you,’ he pointed out, reminding her of the weekend.

‘I know. And whether you believe me or not, this is me being nice to you,’ she said, more gently this time.

‘Christ, I’d hate to see you when you’re being mean.’

Something flashed past her eyes, but was gone before he could really register it, because he suddenly realised what hewasregistering. Rich grey eyes, staring up at him, the smooth creamy skin, glowing with just a touch of a flush, and her lips slightly parted as if in expectation or want.

He turned on his heel and left before he did something stupid, like try to kiss her.

* * *

Bella’s heart was thundering in her chest as she watched him leave the kitchenette. She’d expected an argument, had been ready for it. She’d prepared all her responses to every conceivable objection he might have… she just hadn’t been ready forher. For howshe’dfeel when she went head to head with him and it had been…

Exhilarating.

Exhilarating and fascinating, because she usually got things done by smoothing waters, making it easier for everyone, slowly moving the pieces on a chess board so that it happened organically. Doing it this way – confronting Chase – was like smashing up against a wall and seeing who would cave first. And it had been him!

He had done what she’d wanted him to do, not by being quiet, but by being determined and loud and unapologetic and…demanding. And it was so intoxicating that she felt light-headed.

Astrid

How did it go?

Bella

I did it! He agreed!

Astrid

Whoop whoop! I had absolutely no doubt whatsoever.

Does he know about the prize?

Bella

…not yet.

Astrid

Ah, he’ll be fine.

Bella

He’ll have to be.

---