Page 40 of In The Game

“That’s true.” I introduce myself, “I’m Raleigh Dunham.” As if I haven’t had his dick inside me. “This is Rob Waters, he’s the Chief of Operations. And you’ve already met Kurt, our sales executive.”

“Nice to see you again, Raleigh…Rob.” Barrett’s eyes haven’t left my face once. He holds his hand out for me to shake, but I shrug and hold up my things.

“I’d shake your hand, but I have my hands full.” I give a fake smile.

“You must, especially having a four-year old and all.”

I want to throw this coffee in his face. How dare he make comments like that. This is such a bullshit meeting. I’ve left him alone like he asked, so why’s he so hellbent on trying to talk to me again? If he’s trying to come back into our lives to get close to my son, he better be prepared for all twelve rounds.

Rob thrusts his hand out to take Barrett’s hanging one. “Hell of a game the other day. Our team loved the box and swag, that was a nice touch. Though, I think your overtime goal was the highlight of the night for them.” I try to take a deep breath, but it doesn’t take long before I’m back in his eyeline.

“Wish I could say the same.” His gaze could be felt from a mile away. It still affects me,but what’s that thing they say about love and hate?

When we’re done with the stupid, needless introductions, I lead the way to the conference room. “Can I get coffee for anyone?”

“No, we’re good, Raleigh. Thanks,” Sullivan answers. I wonder how much he knows about Barrett and me.

“Great.”

I let Rob do all the schmoozing on the way to the room. When we get there, I use my back to hold the door open, then nod to the long table in the room. “Choose a seat wherever you’re comfortable.” I hope the smile on my face doesn’t appear as stiff as it feels.

When Barrett ducks under the frame, he holds the door open over my head. “Go sit down, Raleigh.”

I walk to a chair without acknowledging his courtesy.

Rob sits at the head of the table, facing the projector screen. I sit on the side a couple seats down. Sullivan sits across from me with Carol, Peter, and Carlos. I expect Barrett to follow, but no, he sits on my side of the table. Twelve other chairs to pick from and he chooses the one right next to mine.

His cologne brings me right back to that night, feeling dejected and heartsick. My throat aches as my emotions spiral. Despite having an incredible night together, it led to one of the darkest years of my life. It shouldn’t bother me anymore, it was so long ago. I’ve left it all behind me and I’m no longer a naive twenty-two-year-old. I swallow, and open my laptop.

“I emailed you multiple times, though only one read receipt,” he whispers.

“Interesting. Maybe they went into my spam folder,” I mumble.

I open my Notes app and begin taking minutes. As long as I keep typing, nobody will see how much my hands are shaking.

They actually have a legit presentation. This ought to be entertaining. It’s a relief I don’t need to chime in much. I do everything I can to ignore the man next to me, but every single time he moves or speaks, it derails my thoughts. Typing up his dictated words is painful, and it’s impossible to retain anything he’s saying.

I hate hearing him speak. I hate his ideas. I hate his voice. He seems unaffected. It wasn’t his world that got flipped upside down. It was mine.

After what feels like forever, the meeting wraps up and I hustle to gather my things.

“Oh, I wanted to ask, would you mind if Sully and I got a tour of the campus? It’s quite impressive,” Barrett asks.

“Why, thank you.” Rob checks his watch and looks at me.

I shake my head. “We’ve got meetings all afternoon, unfortunately. Maybe another time.”

“Raleigh could give the tour,” Kurt suggests.Goddamn it, Kurt. Read the room.

I look at Rob, hoping he’ll save me. He’s hesitant but then says. “I can have Sondra cover your updates. Why don’t you give the tour and then we can head out for lunch together.”

“Oh, um, I really don’t—”

“She’d be happy to!” Kurt says, giving me a stare. Fucking Sales, they’ll kiss anyone’s ass.Heshould be the one giving the tour, not me.

“Of course I would.” I glower at him, pissed that I’m being voluntoldto do something I don’t want to. “Let me drop off my things at my desk and I can meet you back here in five.”

I can’t believe this is happening. I hurry back to my desk and set down my laptop and toss my coffee in the trash. Coffee is the last thing I need. I’ve already got the shakes from nerves and anger and probably some weird post-traumatic stress response.

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