Page 84 of Game Change

“Thank you,” I whisper once we get into bed. His sheets feel good against my naked skin, and the pain in my ankle is practically non-existent.

“For what, Honeybee?”

“For taking care of me today.” He wraps his arm around me and squeezes. “Even though I can take care of myself and have been doing it for years.”

“I love you. Deal with it.”

Chapter 43

Colin

“No one wants to be my friend anymore,” Heath whispers, even though we’re the only two people in my office. “Not even Janet, the cat lady, will say more than two words to me.” He sighs. “When did the rich dudes become the outcasts? Back in the day, everyone wanted to be my friend.”

I roll my eyes. He’s been around only rich kids all his life. How would he know how non-rich people act?

“I don’t get how your sex scandal is not as problematic as me being a Kincaid. It’s so unfair. I will have to do something drastic because I don’t like being iced out like this. Can I get everyone a gift and charge it to your credit card? You can afford it.”

“No. Be yourself and do your job. You’re not here to make friends.” I almost want to bite my tongue. That’s the same crap my father said to me those few times he paid attention to me.

“That sounds like boomer talk. Don’t worry. I’ll get them to like me again.” I wasn’t worried about it at all. “I’m never going to call Ice Princess auntie.” He stands and stretches. He’s in dress pants, a white t-shirt, and a khaki sweater vest. He even has a tie wrapped around his neck.

There were looks and whispers when Brynne and I came in this morning. We held hands walking across the street, through the lobby, and up the elevator. The moment the doors parted, she pulled her hand from mine. I didn’t like it, but I get it. We have to act like professionals.

Brynne is not as nervous about us being together as I thought she would be. I expected all the arguments about how she would not be taken seriously because she’s in a relationship with her boss, especially as a Black woman. The arguments are valid, but I was prepared to fight for us. I had my counterarguments ready. I was prepared to make the point that we can’t let others impact how we live our lives and love each other. Things will also blow over, and I’m willing to fire anyone with an issue about us, but I didn’t have to. At least not yet.

“I have work to do, so I’ll see you later, Uncle Paddy.” He stretches again. “Thank goodness I don’t have to hide our connection. That really took a lot out of me.” He yawns. “Oh! I totally forgot why I came in here.” He walks back to me and whispers, “Guess who is in the small conference room entertaining a gentleman caller?” I just sit there and wait for him to tell me so I can get on with my day. “Your little girlfriend.”

Chapter 44

Brynne

I’m not going to care. I’m not going to talk about it. It’s nobody’s business, but I wish we didn’t work together. Even more so, I wish he wasn’t my boss, but the situation is what it is, and there is no point in wishful thinking.

I don’t know how he did it, but six pairs of flat shoes were waiting for me when I woke up this morning. There were also three pairs of Crocs, and I told him it would be a cold day in hell before I put those things on my feet. I was reluctant to wear the flats, but I slid one on, and they were comfortable and cute. Not to mention so thoughtful.

When we crossed the street this morning, he had his arm wrapped around mine. He only did that after I told him in no uncertain terms would he carry me to work.

When the elevator doors opened, all eyes were on us, and we walked in together. He refused to let go of my arm and escorted me to my office. After helping me with my coat and pulling my chair out, he left and returned with coffee and my favorite muffin.

I haven’t left my office in hours, and Ernestine won’t be here until after lunch. I’d stay in here all day if my bladder wasn’t full. I rotate my ankle and only feel minimum pain. I hobble to the door, and when I open it and stick my head out, I don’t see or hear anyone. I manage to get to the bathroom without incident. There’s not a soul in there, so I do my business and wash my hands. The place is still quiet until I collide with Clover, the receptionist.

“Oh, Brynne,” she says. “I was just looking for you. Your brother is here.” Her voice goes up when she says brother, and so do her eyebrows. “I never knew you had a brother.”

“I don’t. Where is he?” I ask.

“In the small conference room.”

I nod at her and head in that direction. My ankle is sore, so I’m slow. There are heavy footsteps behind me until the person passes me, turns, and blocks my path.

“What, Heath?” I ask.

He’s looking down at me with his arms crossed. “Does my uncle know there’s a man here looking for you?” he whispers.

“Excuse me?” I wonder how hard it would be to wrap my hands around his neck and squeeze it. Annoying little twerp. “Can you get out of my way?” I try to go around him, but he blocks me again.

“You’re not about to hurt my uncle. Not on my watch.”

“You have two seconds to get the hell out of my way before I kick you in your bony little shins.” And I mean it, too. I stand straighter, daring him to say another word.

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