Page 39 of In The Game

Arthur.

Hmm… What does the woman obsessed with names choose for her own child?

I type ‘Arthur name meaning’ in the search bar and click enter.

The hair on the back of my neck stands on end. I push off my desk and chuck the plastic bottle across the room as hard as I can.

“Fuck!”

EIGHTEEN

“Raleigh, what conference room are we in?” Rob asks.

I double-check my calendar. “Minnetonka.”

“Great. Wanna walk?”

“Sure, just need to get this file saved and… done! Ready?”

“Yup. Can I buy you a coffee on the way down?”

Gathering my laptop and phone, I raise the to-go paper cup in my other hand. “All set.”

“You never let me spoil you.”

“You pay me enough to buy my own coffee.” I smile. I’m compensated well for my work, my salary is twice what most executive assistants make. I also don’t want to give Rob the wrong impression. He already toes the line as it is.

“I want to make sure you’re comfortable here.”

I laugh. “I’ve been here for over five years. I’d say I’m comfortable.”

We walk to the elevators, and he presses the down button while we wait. “So, what’s today’s meeting about?” he asks.

“Lakes Hockey wants to discuss partnering on one of their player charities. Carlos, who helped with the banquet, will be there, he said he’s got a few guests. Kurt from Sales is already meeting them at the entrance, I said we could swing by and escort them to the conference room.”

When the doors to the elevator open, we step inside and Rob presses the lobby button. “We want to secure this deal with them, so clearly, rubbing shoulders the other night worked in our favor. What’s the charity?” he asks.

Or they’re trying to let us down easy by giving us a pity project.

“They didn’t say. This is simply an introductory meeting for us to get more information. I’m told they have a presentation.” I pull out my phone. “Do you know what you want for lunch today? That food truck you like, Hotbox, is a couple blocks over this week. I can run down and grab something.”

“You sure know what I like. Hotbox sounds great. I might join you.”

“Oh, I don’t mind picking it up so you can get some work done.”

“Raleigh, I want to,” he says, like he’s doing me a favor by tagging along. “Besides, the weather is finally getting nice.”

We step off the elevator and head across the campus, past the coffee kiosk, and stop at the reception area to pick up Carlos and whatever Lakes staff are joining him. I freeze when the automatic doors split and Sully and Barrett are sitting on one of the sofas. He’s hunched over, arms braced on his knees, looking at the floor. Lee Sullivan nudges his forearm, and his head snaps up.

Son of a bitch. I should’ve known.

It’s fine.This is fine.I can remain professional.

“Good morning!” I say with a big smile only aimed at Carlos. “What a nice surprise. I thought it was just going to be you and Lakes staff.”

“WeareLakes staff,” Barrett interjects.

My eyes dart to him for a split second and I nod. I want to ignore him but with his size, it’s impossible. No wonder Arthur’s always been in the ninety-nine percentile for height. His size isn’t the only thing making it hard to look away. Because Barrett in a blue suit? My God. It’s not fair that he’s still so handsome. He got hotter. Meanwhile, I’m rocking my fluffy summer body.

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