Page 55 of The Fun Part
I clench my jaw.
“Probably take a long time,” he adds.
I speak through my teeth. “I’m thinking now. Now is when we get it out of our systems.”
He props up on his elbows. “Now?”
“You should go. This was a mistake.”
He looks at me for a long moment. “Okay.”
I watch as he dresses, and then I watch him walk out the door, anger and tears battling it out inside me.
Tears win.
13
I drag myself to our weekly meeting on Monday. Saturday night with Cal was a huge mistake. I should’ve listened to my instincts. I set a clear boundary for the whole fake-dating thing—no sex. And then I totally initiated just because he said I was the best person he ever met. I exhale sharply, more mad at myself than him. I knew better. I knew I was playing with fire, and this is what happens, I got burned.
I need time away from him, and then he’ll be out ofmysystem. Hmph. I still can’t believe he said that. There I was feeling so close to him when he was thinking of the end. It’s fine. He works on a street that I can easily avoid, and there’s absolutely no reason for me to make the three-block walk to his apartment. I’ll stick to my usual places, and eventually this will all get easier.
I open the back door that leads to our office. At least at work, I’ve got Nathan and Owen to keep me on my toes.
Climbing the stairs to our rented space above Something’s Brewing Café, I mentally review today’s agenda. I breeze through the kitchen into the main room we use as a meeting space and come to a screeching halt.No!
Cal’s here in all his tall, broad-shouldered athlete physique glory. Those big competent hands. The sexy memories are too fresh. What is he doing here? I need time and lots of space away from him.
I look away, willing myself to stop flushing hot. He’s talking to Nathan like they’re best pals. When did that happen?
I set my satchel on the table, ignoring the pounding of my heart. “Morning. Where’s Owen?”
Nathan scratches his dark stubbled jaw. “Doctor appointment. He’ll be back soon. You remember Cal the lawyer?”
Cal inclines his head, looking more handsome than any man has a right to be in a crisp white dress shirt.Dammit! He’s not supposed to be here!
Cal turns to Nathan. “Usually people say Cal the baseball player, so lawyer’s nice to hear.”
Nathan says, “Ball player usually has better status, except with the odd ones like Mackenzie here. Not a fan of America’s pastime. Unless you buy her a hot dog and a beer.”
“Only in it for the snacks,” Cal says, which he already knows from our movie marathon. “Fair enough. I’m the same way with romantic comedies. Need a popcorn and Milk Duds to sit through one of those.”
I take a seat and boot up my laptop. I work to keep a neutral professional voice. “Why do we need a lawyer?”
“Don’t knock those movies,” Nathan says to Cal. “Best way to a woman’s heart. Besides chocolate, that is.”
They share a chuckle, and now I want to punch someone. We’re not here to talk about women or hearts. This is so stupid.
I try another tactic. “We don’t need a lawyer.”
Nathan pulls out a seat and gestures for Cal to do the same. “I’d like some legal advice for that conflict of interest.”
I thought our meeting today was to decide which client was more important to keep. We couldn’t find a workaround. I guess that’s where Cal comes in. I have to rise above the personal and consider what’s best for our business. Even when every cell in my body is telling me to run.
Or shove Cal out the door. I’m surprisingly strong for my size.
Nathan studies me. “You’re okay with Cal, right? There’s no kind of conflict of interest between you two.”
“Of course not!” I say hotly and immediately want to sink into the floor and keep going into the magma of the Earth’s core.
