The Way You Tempt Me, page 4
“Will you let me explain?” he shouted.
“Explain what? How you took my idea and passed it off as your own? What about how you’re a selfish, kiss-ass, pansy-ass, stupid-ass, entitled asshole?” Thank you for the lesson, Alma. “Better yet, how about this? I don’t care about your explanation, because I don’t care about you. You and Jeffrey Huntington can go to hell.”
“You don’t mean that. You can’t quit your job.”
“I said what I said.” Once the last file downloaded, she pulled her thumb drive from the laptop and wiped it clean. She picked up her briefcase and her purse and stalked toward the door, stopping only because he blocked her way. “Move.”
Larry lifted his hands in the air and stepped aside. “Zara.”
She closed her eyes, halting in the doorway. “Larry, stop. Stop trying to explain, stop acting like you care. There really is no need to pretend anymore. I’m out.”
Deciding to quit her job on the fly had zapped all of her energy, but she’d done it. And she couldn’t say that she regretted the choice to leave Huntington Sports behind. Yet, with all that bravado she’d displayed in front of Jeffrey and Larry, she felt a well of panic creep in once she’d stepped outside the office. She made it to her car just in time for the first tear to fall. Then the dam broke.
* * *
“Thanks, Christian.” Zara kicked off her shoes. “I knew I could count on you. Call you tomorrow.”
She ended the call, tossed her phone on the sofa, and plopped down on the plush cushions. That was the last call she’d make today. Her agenda for the evening consisted of wine, pajamas, more wine, and her DVR. Twenty episodes of Say Yes to the Dress lay in wait for her.
Over the last few hours, she’d contacted all of her clients to let them know she’d be moving to Pure Talent. Out of her twenty-eight active clients, twenty-four had agreed to move with her, including the new NBA-bound client she’d just signed. Most had commented on how excited they were for her, and several mentioned that there was no way they’d stay with Huntington if she left. In the end, everyone who’d decided to follow her had remarked that her drive and dedication to them made the move a no-brainer.
Growing up the daughter of Alexander Reid had given her name recognition when she broke into the field. Her first client? Her college boyfriend, who went on to become one of the highest-paid rookies in the league. Although that relationship crashed and burned after he entered the NBA, the connection had helped Zara amass several new clients. So, when her younger brother, Zeke, signed with the Kings, she was well-versed in contract language and... I can’t think about him right now, because I’m already on an emotional trip.
Basketball was her thing, though. Zara knew how to handle a ball, had spent years practicing, playing in youth leagues, and attending top basketball camps. An injury in high school had effectively ruined her plans to play college ball and eventually go on to play for the WNBA. But she still loved the game, loved the sound of shoes squeaking on the court and balls swishing through the hoops. She enjoyed the crowd, the stadium food, and the smell of popcorn and peanuts floating through the air. Most of all, she thrived on the fast-paced, unpredictable rush of her job.
Although she didn’t need a law degree to do her job, she’d decided to follow her initial plan and get her Juris Doctor. Once she obtained her license to represent players in the league, she created her own company and worked for herself, until she joined the Huntington team. Becoming part of an agency had made sense to her, because of the support the established company could provide.
It was during her time there that she decided to become a certified MLB agent and snagged baseball’s Christian Knight. The genuine good guy had become more than a client. She considered him one of her best friends, which is why she’d saved his call for last. And true to form, he’d offered his unwavering support and planned to visit soon.
Zara picked up her phone and ordered dinner via DoorDash—orange chicken, with shrimp fried rice and extra egg rolls, from her favorite Chinese restaurant. She quickly changed into her pj’s, grabbed the bottle of red from her wine rack and a glass, and settled in on the couch.
Her doorbell rang right before the first bride said “yes” to a ten-thousand-dollar gown. She pushed the pause button and hurried to the door. Peering out of the glass, she grumbled a curse. “Go away,” she shouted.
“If you don’t open this door, I’ll just use my key. I was just trying to respect the boundaries by ringing the bell.”
Zara swung the door open. “I canceled dinner because I didn’t want to be bothered.”
“I’m not doing this with you.” Her sister pushed past her and walked into the house. “You can’t call me in the middle of my workday, tell me you quit your job and are moving to Atlanta, without expecting me to come here and talk you out of it. Besides, I’m the oldest.”
“By eleven months, Rissa. That’s not enough time for you to be so damn bossy all the time.”
“Whatever. It still counts.” Larissa dropped her purse on the floor next to the couch. “I figured you ordered Chinese, so I added my order to yours.” She strolled into the kitchen, like she belonged there and grabbed another wineglass. “We’re spending time together tonight. Whether you want to or not.”
“You’re ridiculous. There is such a thing as wanting to be alone.”
“Why? So you can wallow?” She filled her glass with the red wine that Zara wanted to drink by herself. “Not going to happen, sista.”
“Okay, we’re not friends. So, why are you here?”
Larissa laughed. “I don’t have to be your friend. I’m your big sister.”
Frustrated, Zara crawled back onto the couch and buried her head in one of the throw pillows. “Go away.”
“Never.”
“Ugh, you get on my nerves.”
And it had been that way since they were kids. Why her parents decided it would be great to have children one year apart was beyond her? Three children back-to-back: Larissa, Zara, and Ezekiel. The thought of her brother, Zeke, once again caused a familiar pang in her gut, one that hadn’t gone away in the four years since he’d died.
“Zara, look at me.”
She met her sister’s concerned eyes.
“I’m worried about you. Not because you quit your job, not because you’re moving, but because you cried.”
It was true. She’d phoned her sister to tell her the news earlier and could barely get it out through the uncontrollable sobs and hiccups. Which was so unlike her. “Don’t remind me.” Zara closed her eyes and prayed that she wouldn’t cry another tear over this situation.
“Seriously.” Larissa scooted closer to her. “I think you’re reacting to the stress of losing the promotion, and Larry, and... not having sex for so long.”
Zara’s eyes popped open. “What?”
“It’s been a long time. Did you know that sex has many health benefits?”
“Oh, my God. Shut up, Rissa!”
“It counts as exercise and it lowers your blood pressure. It’s a natural stress reliever.”
“What does my sex life have to do with losing my job?”
Larissa placed a hand on Zara’s knee and squeezed. “You’re so tense. I wonder if you would have chosen to walk away if you were getting busy with someone.”
“I’m not having this conversation. Again, why are you here? Because you’re certainly not helping me feel better.”
“Okay, fine. I’ll just sit here and watch this crappy show with you and eat. But if you need any assistance in the orgasm area, I can hook you up.”
Zara threw her pillow at her sister. “You’re not pimping me out to one of your little friends.”
“No, I wouldn’t do that,” she said with a giggle. “I was talking sex toy.”
Shaking her head, Zara sat up and poured a healthy glass of wine. “And I’m not calling Paityn.” Especially since she’d already purchased a few products from their childhood friend, who’d recently launched a very popular sex product business.
“You’re so stubborn.”
“Rissa, can you just be a sister and hug me?” she said with a grunt and a pout. “That’s what I really need right now.”
Strong arms wrapped around her in an instant, pulling her close. And Zara let her sister hold her. “I’m sorry, sissy. I know you had your heart set on making partner. But there is a bright side.”
“What’s that?”
“You have a chance to step up your game and work under your mentor to expand his company. Talk about résumé builder. You’re only making yourself more marketable.” Larissa worked in human resources for a Fortune 500 company in the area. “That’s something in itself.”
“I don’t want to move.”
“I know. Trust me, the thought of you not being ten minutes away is stressing me the hell out. But you will take your ass to Atlanta and you’ll rock this job like you’ve done everything else in your life. Of that, I’m sure.”
Zara pulled back and gave her sister a wobbly smile. “I guess you are my friend.”
Larissa giggled, then wiped a tear from her cheek. “I guess I am. Love you.”
“Love you, too.”
Chapter 4
The Pure Talent offices were as beautiful as any Zara had ever seen—floor-to-ceiling windows, open meeting spaces, state-of-the-art equipment, and a gym. And that was just on the first floor. Jax and Ana Starks valued work-life balance and had created a workplace that people wanted to go to in the mornings. Generally, employees could work from anywhere in the building, and there were several shared spaces and plenty private “cubbies” to accommodate them. Every floor had a patio, where staff could relax, and on the fifth floor, there was a “cloud” room, where people could nap. There was a café on the lobby floor and a heavenly coffee kiosk that served the best coffee smoothie she’d ever tasted. People greeted her with smiles, welcoming her to the fold with offers to show her around or help in any way they could.
The hiring process had been smooth and hassle-free. Jax and his team provided a list of condos and apartments in the area the day after she accepted the offer. It had taken three weeks for Zara to find a rental, located within walking distance of the Peachtree offices, near Midtown. Her only requirements were lots of windows, outdoor space, and a private entrance. She didn’t want it to feel like a stuffy high-rise condo, but more like a home.
It had taken five days for her to drive to Atlanta from California, because she wanted to take her time. She’d shipped most of her things ahead, and just wanted time to unwind before she had to move in and unpack. Larissa had insisted on riding with her, so she wouldn’t be on the road alone. Initially, Zara had balked at the idea, because... hello, alone time! But she’d enjoyed the time with her sister. No telling when they’d be able to see each other again. Zara’s schedule always remained jam-packed with meetings, games, phone calls; she didn’t expect it would be much different at Pure Talent. The job was the same.
“Hey, Z-Ra!”
Zara smiled at Skye. Her best friend was the only one in the world that called her by that name, and it was only because Zara had insisted she would be the next She-Ra, Princess of Power. “Hey, boo.”
Skye hugged her. “I’ve been waiting on you to finish that tour, so I can show you to your office.” She pulled back. “Let me look at you. You look fine and fabulous, as usual.”
“Girl, it was a struggle. But speaking of fine and fabulous, you are wearing that dress.”
Skye had always marched to the beat of her drum as far as fashion. The black tie-neck shift dress fit her slender body like she’d had it custom made. A pair of black pumps showed off her long legs. Zara had always considered her best friend one of the most beautiful people she’d ever met, with her smooth mocha skin and dark brown hair. Her mother was Marisol P, top Filipina fashion designer. And Marisol had definitely influenced Skye’s distinct sense of style. Even when her friend went simple, she looked glamorous.
“I’m glad you didn’t go with blue,” Skye told her.
“Really?” Zara smoothed her hair back. Navy blue was her go-to color, other than black. But she’d decided to shake things up. After trying on a dozen outfits set out by Larissa, she’d chosen a burgundy pencil skirt paired with a beige loose-fitting cowl neck sweater and beige pumps. “I was thinking I should have worn a coat.” Although it wasn’t cold in Atlanta, it wasn’t the sixty-nine-degree weather she’d left behind in Los Angeles.
Her friend waved a dismissive hand at her. “You’ll be fine. Fifty-eight degrees isn’t freezing cold. We’re not in Michigan.”
“You’re right.” She fiddled with her watch. “I haven’t been nervous to start a job ever. Not sure why this is different.”
Skye motioned for her to follow her. A plethora of paintings lined the walls leading to the bay of elevators. Zara couldn’t help but stop and admire a few of the pieces along the way.
“What time is your meeting with Uncle Jax?” Skye asked, typing something on her phone. “I wanted to take you to lunch.”
“He mentioned he would be in touch, once I settled into my office.”
“I made sure IT hooked you up with three monitors and a new laptop. We’re phasing out Dell and moving to HP. Oh, your assistant will start tomorrow. I was hoping Bethany would come with you. But I get it. It’s a big move. Anyway, you’ll love Patrice. She’s one of the best.”
Zara nodded. Before she left L.A., she’d made it a point to send her assistant and Alma thank-you gifts for being so supportive. She’d offered Bethany a job with her, but the twenty-four-year-old recent graduate didn’t want to leave her boyfriend behind.
“I trust your judgment,” Zara said.
Inside the elevator, Skye glanced at Zara. “It’s going to be okay. I promise.”
“I know.” Zara offered her friend a smile, which she knew wouldn’t pass for genuine. “It’s just a lot. A month and a half ago, I had a job, a home I loved, and family nearby.”
Her mother had cried a river of tears when she’d broken the news of her impending departure. The next day, the same crybaby who’d begged her not to move, announced she was moving to Paris in the fall.
“I still can’t believe Ms. Regine,” Skye said with wide eyes. “Moving to Paris? That’s crazy.”
“I know. Shocked the hell out of us.”
The elevator opened and Zara followed Skye down the hall. “Maybe Rissa will decide to leave the West Coast behind and give the South a try.”
Zara giggled. “Yeah, no. She’s not leaving Rick.” Her sister had been in a relationship with Urick Roberts for years, and had no intention of moving anywhere without him. And since he was recently elected to the City Council, there was no chance of him relocating. “Besides, she’s taken fifty million selfies of her surprised look in anticipation of a proposal.”
Skye waved at several people gathered near the patio door. “I can’t believe they’re still together.”
“I can. He’s good people, though. Definitely good for her.”
“Well...” Skye stopped in front of room 150-C and slid the glass door open. “Here we are.”
Stepping into the bright office, Zara gasped. “Oh, my,” she breathed. The space was huge, bigger than any office she’d ever had. “How?”
“Uncle Jax thought you needed space. So I worked it out.”
Zara pointed out the large floor-to-ceiling windows, where she had a view of Downtown Atlanta. “I’m... I... I don’t know what to say.”
She twirled around, trying to take in everything from the desk situated to her right, to the large flat-screen television mounted on the wall to her left, to the brown couch and glass table.
“Sit down, and tell me if you like that chair,” Skye said. “If you don’t, I’ll get you another.”
For the first time since the New Year, Zara smiled. Then she hurried to the chair and plopped down on it, swinging it in full circles, until she felt like she would fall off. Zara next spent a moment opening and closing drawers, testing out the lever that transformed her desk to a standing position. She stood, walked over to the window and peered out. “This is perfect.”
“Glad you love it. There’s a conference room next door. You can use it anytime. Just add your name to the shared calendar. Melvin from IT will walk you through your initial log-in. I have him scheduled to come at three. It shouldn’t take more than half an hour. I’ve also taken the liberty of programming a few important numbers into your phone—mine, Uncle Jax, and X.”
Zara gave her friend a sidelong glance. “How is he?” They hadn’t talked since that nice-turned-awkward moment in December. “I’ve been meaning to call and check on him, but...”
“Oh, girl. You know X. He’ll be fine. He’s just laying low, staying out of the press.”
“The blogs have been brutal.” Zara had been watching the melee online for weeks. She couldn’t help but feel bad for X because he wasn’t that guy anymore. Sure, he’d spent years rebelling against his parents and the public’s perception of the squeaky-clean preppy boy he played on television. The Xavier of today had carved out his own slice of the field, helped many young stars achieve success. He didn’t deserve the negative attention.
“Where is he?” Zara asked, her voice almost a whisper. “I mean does he know I’m here?”
“I...” Skye tilted her head and scrunched up her nose. “Jax wanted to tell him. I’m not sure he has yet, because X didn’t mention it to me.”
“That’s weird.”
“I know, but I just work here.” She winked. “Did they show you the cloud room?”
“Yes. I’m not sure I’ll use it, but it’s a good idea.”
“It is. There are more private spaces to relax. I’ll give you the secret hiding-spots tour tomorrow. Also, if you need any supplies, put together a list and I’ll make sure you’ll get it.”
“You’re not my assistant. You get paid to fix shit, not order staplers.”
“Hey, you’re my girl. I’m here for you.”
