Page 23 of Diverge

“Something like that can take a while to produce. It’s not a one-woman job.” I declare.

He nods. “I realise that, which is why I have put together a team at the firm to assist you with whatever you might need.”

Then it dawns on me. “Will you and I be working together?”

His eyes square with mine. “Yes.”

My breath shakes. This is not what I expected at all. I fully expected Finn to start apologizing and explain why things went so wrong between us, but he wants to talk about work. Work that would mean us being around each other over an extended period.

“I don’t know,” I confess.

Sighing, he reaches over for my hands again, and this time I don’t pull back, my hands fitting in his perfectly, just the way I remember.

“I know we have our issues, B, but I promise to make this a professional thing. I won’t bother you anytime outside of work. You have my word.” He shifts in his seat. “You will also be handsomely compensated for your time, given that you already have a full-time job, and this would be something on top of your current workload.”

The way he worded that last sentence has something inside me sink. He sounds so professional, like nothing ever happened, like we weren’t best friends since childhood, and it fucking hurts, but this is what I wanted, right?

Right?

I know I will have to give this some thought, but how can I say no? It’s Mr. Mackenzie that’s asking. Practically my second father, who raised Riley and I when our father passed away.

Sighing, I nod. “Okay, I will help. On the condition that the only communication that happens between us is strictly professional.”

He gleams with appreciation as he nods.

“Cross my soul.” He shoots me a look, raising his eyebrows because he knows what that means to me.

To us.

*****

Iquickly stop by myplace to change into gym clothing. I am not about to rip a perfectly good pencil skirt for the sake of learning MMA. When I get to the gym, there’s hardly anyone here. I look around and spot Riley’s coach.

“Hey, Tyson.” I greet him as I walk over.

He turns, and his face instantly lightens. “B!” I’m engulfed into his big bear arms as I feel his beard scratch my head. Tyson is older than the boys by about twenty years, I think, but wow, he looks phenomenal for his age. His bare skin glistens under the lights, showcasing his chiselled chest. “It’s been too long since you came down here. To what do we owe the pleasure?”

I look over to Nate who is in the weight section, on the bench-press machine. “Nate promised to teach me self-defence. So, here I am for my first ever lesson.” I smile politely.

“Ah, I see. Why have you never asked Riley?” Valid question, Coach.

“You know how Riley gets; I didn’t want him to chat my ear off about the entire history of the sport. I just want to learn how to kick someone where it hurts.” Truth is, I’m just going by what Nate said. I have no idea if it is true or not, but my suspicions are confirmed when Tyson’s laugh bellows through the entire gym, getting Nate’s attention.

“Well, you’re in good hands, B. Nate is one of our best.” And with that, he pops on a singlet, grabs his stuff, and heads for the door. “It’s good to see you, Billie.” He says as he walks out the door. Nate wipes his forehead with his towel as he walks over to greet me.

“Hey.” His aura is a little different since the last time we saw each other, slightly more... distant.

“Hi.” I give him a small smile. I know I have some explaining to do, but thankfully, Nate asks me to warm up. I jump on the treadmill and put it on an incline, but within four minutes of walking, I am puffed. I stop to take a sip of water, watching Nate squat with a bar and what looks like heavy ass weights. I don’t know what I like better, his careless ripped denim looks or this sweaty, raw, extremely masculine look. He catches me staring and smiles. Instantly looking away, I resume walking. I am so unfit. I really need to start exercising more. After what feels like an eternity passes, Nate waves me over to the mats. It’s a section of the gym which is entirely covered in mats, even up the entire wall.

“Okay, so I’m thinking we will learn the basics today.” He begins to form his fighting stance.

“Oh, what a shame, I was ready to kick your ass in a good sparring session.”

He chuckles.

Good, so he doesn’t completely hate me.

“We’ll get to that. Eventually.” He smirks.

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