Page 64 of Heated
Grimacing, I take the freshly brewed cup and pour it down the sink. Such a waste.
Inhaling, I quickly rinse the cup out, place it on the draining mat, and trace Deanna’s path out the door. No use stalling. Striding down the hall toward the lobby, I fix a smile on my face ... and pray. Although, I doubt God is itching to cut out time for liars and wannabe fornicators.
My only saving grace is that I didn’t take Saturday night any further—even though,good God, I so wanted to. Cyrus Hart is carnallygifted with his mouth and fingers. And that mouth.Holy hell.I came so close to slapping my hand over his lips to prevent him from talking me right into another orgasm with that whiskey-and-sin voice and sinful words. But it felt ... dirty, as if I was once again stealing Cyrus’s choice when I’m lying to him about who I am, how we met. I couldn’t do it.
It’s one thing if this happens to blow up in my face now when I’ve been deceiving him. But for him to discover my deception after I’ve had sex with him? That’s theft on a whole different level, a betrayal that I can’t come back from—thatwecan’t come back from. Come the end of the year, my hope is that we can walk away from each other as friends. But if the depth of my lies is exposed, I would lose even that part of him. I would lose him to his hatred of me.
As soon as I reach the mouth of the corridor, I spot Val sitting on the same couch in the same spot she did when we first met. It’s a case of déjà vu. Except then, she was just a new client. And now ... well now, she’s not.
“Hello, Ms.Summers.” I extend my hand toward her, not sure what to expect as she stands and turns her unblinking, steady blue gaze on me. And yet when she slides her palm against mine and shakes it, it isn’t relief that flows through me. It’s more tension. “Though it’s a surprise to see you today, it’s a pleasure.”
I haven’t seen the other woman since that initial meeting in my office, and she’s still as beautiful and perfectly poised. Today, she’s exquisitely stylish in a winter-white, midlength sheath dress with a draped waist and front slit. Her long blonde hair falls in a shining sheet over her shoulders, and honestly, does she wake up like this?
“Yes, I’m sorry. It must’ve been my oversight if I neglected to schedule an appointment with your secretary. I thought I did.”
A cough behind me portends Val’s imminent demise if I don’t move her into my office. And blood is hell getting out of the carpet ... and explaining to future clients.
“Well, ouroffice manageris very organized, so she was a little confused, but she also adapts quickly. So no harm done. If you’ll follow me. Would you like coffee or tea?”
“No, thank you.”
Smart woman. After that secretary crack, I can’t protect her from Deanna’s wrath. Not that there’s anything wrong with secretaries—nothing at all. But Deanna runs this place like a drill sergeant and has earned her title.
Moments later, we enter my office, and I close the door behind her.
“Please, have a seat.” I wave a hand toward the visitor chair in front of my desk and round the furniture to take my seat behind it. Somehow, I’m retaining my calm demeanor, but inside, I’m a shaking mass of nerves. “What can I do for you today, Ms.Summers? It must be important to bring you all the way over here.”
I hold my breath, and the knocking of my heart against my ribs reverberates like a drum kit.
“Yes, it is.” She pauses, and though only seconds pass as she sinks into the chair, slides the thin chain of her purse from her shoulder, and tucks the accessory beside her thigh, it stretches by like an eternity. And it’s torture. Pure torture. “The first time I was here, do you remember I mentioned finding someone else who gave me the attention I needed that my ex wasn’t providing?”
“Yes, I recall that.”
Vividly.
“Well, as soon as my relationship with Cyrus ended, I pursued my own happiness. And it was wonderful. Just what I imagined and deserved. But lately ...” She tilts her head, the sheet of hair falling behind her. “Lately, he hasn’t been the same. Not answering his phone when I call. Preferring to party with his friends instead of spend time with me. Disappearing without an excuse. I don’t need it spelled out for me. There’s another woman, and I don’t play second to anyone.”
Relief, astonishment, and a healthy dose of WTF sweep through me like a summer tornado. Thank God I’m sitting because light-headedness is a real possibility.
Relief for obvious reasons. She isn’t here to call me out on buddying up with her ex-boyfriend behind her back—and kissing him—and threaten my family’s business in the process.
Astonishment because she’s here in my office admitting to me that she hooked up with the sidepiece and now it’s gone to hell. I usually don’t receive updates after the breakups.
And the WTF ... because this isnotheaded where I think this is headed. It can’t be.
“I came here to hire you again to break up with my new boyfriend.”
It’s headedexactlythere.
“Ms.Summers, while I appreciate repeat business like the next company, are you certain this is what you want to do? It’s only been a few weeks. Of course I want to help you, but I also want to ensure you’re not moving too hastily.”
“If they’ll do it with you, they’ll do it to you.”
Mom, please,I silently plead with my mother’s voice in my head.
Now is so not the time for her know-it-all advice.
Especially when I’m attempting to convince an ex-client to not become a current client. Not only would it be messy as hell for me to work for Val while I’m ... whatever the hell I am with Cyrus, but I also promised him I would cut off all ties with her.
