Page 5 of The Sweetmate
Kourt’s arm begins to rise, but I’m not about to have any more opportunities taken from me, especially by this jerk. Before I can overthink the situation, I jump to my feet. All eyes are on me, and Mr. Brunner’s burning stare leaves me slightly mortified. Could’ve just raised my hand. I didn’t have to go full body into it.But there’s no backing out now.
Keeping my voice firm and steady, and in my most professional-sounding tone, I make direct eye contact and say, “I’d love the opportunity, sir.”
I started this morning wanting a promotion, and here it is. This is my moment. Whatever the task is, I can do it and do it well. I don’t know who Casey is, but I feel confident in my abilities. I’m not a fan of sharing my space, but I can manage having a temporary roommate. Plus, Cakes with Casey sounds super cute. I bet she’s bubbly and fun.
Mr. Brunner smiles warmly at me and slowly nods. “You’ve been doing great work, Miss Vinton. You’ve certainly earned the chance to prove yourself. You sure you’re ready to manage your own client?”
“Yes, sir.”
He studies me for a moment. “And being available twenty-four seven which means you’ll be always on duty. This is a serious commitment for the next two weeks. Sharing a space and constant attention devoted to the client.”
“Whatever the job requires, sir.”
My heart feels as though it’s about to come through my chest. In fact, I think my rib cage is cracking from the pressure. I refuse to look, but I can feel Kourt’s snide smile on me.
What’s wrong with me? I never jump into things for this exact reason. I force myself not to cower as I’m having an internal panic attack. Underneath the table sounds like a fabulous place to be right now. Maybe even curled up in a ball. Did I seriously just humiliate myself in front of everyone? Oh, screw it. This is my last shot, and then I’m quitting anyway. Besides if I turn it down now it’ll look like I’m not ready for my own client and maybe never was. It’ll be like proving them right. I’m here to prove them wrong.
“I think you’re exactly who Casey Riis needs.”
Pardon me?Did I hear him correctly? Did he say I’m who our big client needs? Of course I am! I want to fist pump the air, but instead I maintain my composure.
“Thank you, sir.” My chest feels ready to explode. Maybe all this work hasn’t been for nothing.
“You leave tonight.”
Pardon the fuck out of me?“Tonight?”
“Yes. I’ll let Casey know you’ll meet him at the airport at nine tonight. Go home an d pack.”
Wait—him?
Chapter 2
Casey
Therapy is not going to be enough after this tour. I’m going to need a full baptism, maybe a double dunk, and possibly with a side of an exorcism. I wonder if they offer that as a package…
Going through security always brings out the ugliest version of me. It’s what I loathe most about travel. Even more than adjusting to time zones and jet lag. I don’t even know who I am right now. Somebody not capable of standing here with his shoes off as a guy argues about his giant bottle of cologne in his carry-on after walking past the three signs that read no liquids over so many ounces will be permitted. I can’t do this. I’m typically the nicest guy in the room, but as soon as I get in an airport security line, I turn into an asshole. In my defense, it’s the same routine repeatedly in every airport. One person has a problem, and now it’s everyone’s problem because they’re going to argue and we’re all going to be delayed. Possibly miss a flight. Right now, they’re cutting into my getting a coffee time. Notice how I didn’t purchase my coffeebeforegoing through security. No liquids. I’ll wait and purchase it on the other side.
“Excuse me, sir.” I chime in. “One time I purchase a snow globe before going through security – ”
“What the hell does your snow globe have to do with this.” He interrupts.
“Well jackass, if you would’ve allowed me to finish, I was going to offer advice from my experience of ignoring all the signs. You can mail your bottle that exceeds the permitted amount of liquid to yourself. There’s a post office over there. They’ll package it and you’ll get it in a couple of days.”
He ignores me and glares back at the TSA agent. “Why do you have the stores if I can’t carry it through security?”
The agent sighs as this is clearly not the first, or even the fiftieth time, he’s had to explain this. “There are people coming in the other direction, sir. Just like there are stores on the other end of the airport.”
“Dumbass.” I mumble.
Jensen, my bodyguard for the time being, is on the phone with my uncle confirming the rest of my schedule and reservations. He mutes his call and narrows his eyes at me. “You’re going to get yourself blasted on social media again, sir. Let it go.”
I huff and get out of my spot in line to walk over to the guy. “Here allow me to reimburse you for your cologne. You can buy some on the other side so we can all move along.”
“Mind your fucking business! I don’t want your money. It’s the principle.”
“Can’t you deal with this after you’ve gotten out of everyone else’s way? These people are trying to do their job by following protocol.”
