Page 11 of Pride & Precedents

"I've got to use the facilities, but my little sister, Rory," I point to her as she makes her way through the crowd, "is on her way over. Please wait until I'm back to tell any embarrassing stories about my boss."

"Flashy Suit Henry" chuckles.

"You got it."

Chapter eight

Camila

On my way down the hall from the restroom, I brace myself for an uncomfortable night of forced laughs and awkward small talk with the gorgeous man who holds my future in his hands, and his equally hot twin. Henry gets 8am to 7pm most days and now he wants my first night out in months too?

I scan the bar, hoping for a possible escape route. Rory won't have any trouble keeping them entertained. Anyway, it's not like she hasn't ditchedmeat a club before, usually to hook up with a hot bartender or bouncer. The tipsy hipsters are chugging Pabst Blue Ribbon at the bar, and the women from the bachelorette party settled in the booth Rory and I were in. They seem to be trying to drown out the rest of the room with their shrieks and laughter; I can only imagine the headache I'd get if I sat anywhere near them.

I finally risk a glance at the booth with my boss, and see Rory with her head tilted back in a full-on laugh. She's almost tearing up!What the hell?I push my way to the table and her eyes widen when she sees me.

"Mila! Oh my God! How come you never told me your boss is so funny?"

Maybe because five minutes ago, I wouldn't have thought Mr. Uptight even knew what a jokewas?Instead of answering her, I do my best impression of a fish gasping for air.

"Uh…"

Henry gives me a sardonic grin.

"Unfortunately, she wouldn't know. There's hardly an opportunity for jokes when we're validating allegations of infidelity and negotiating alimony payments large enough to buy a condo in Greenwich, is there, Mila?"

I slide into the booth next to Rory, still gaping at "Bizarro Henry" and trying to ignore the tingle I got when he called me Mila.

"Um, yeah…Definitely."

I choose to ignore Henry's raised eyebrow at my lack of eloquence and extend my hand to "Flashy Suit Henry" instead. I give him my most charming smile. Henry's jaw clenches.

"I'm Camila Sanchez. It's great to meet you."

"Oh, how rude of me!" he says, pumping my outstretched hand enthusiastically. "I'm Noah, Henry's more stylish, more handsome, and definitely more fun, younger brother."

Henry rolls his eyes and elbows Noah in the ribcage.

"You're only younger by six minutes."

"It still counts, bro," Noah replies, rubbing the pain out of his side.

I laugh lightly at the brotherly teasing, even though I still can't get over that I'm now seeingtwojacked Keanus, and the one I've been secretly fantasizing about for years has suddenly grown a sense of humor.I will not fuck my boss. I will not fuck my boss.The veins in his hands as he fingers the rim of his whiskey glass catch my eye and I gulp.Imightfuck my boss. Or at least try.

I clear my throat, supercharged images now swirling around in my head.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Noah."

I take a sip of my refilled piña colada (Thanks, Rory!) and feel my composure returning.

"So, what brings you both to Brooklyn? I know Henry lives in Westchester, so…"

"Like I said earlier, I'm here to celebrate. My company was just chosen to handle the US representation for Song Kang. He's—"

"From 'Forecasting Love and Weather'?!," I practically screech. Rory winces and Henry and Noah exchange shocked glances.

"You know that show?" asks Noah.

"No. I don'tknowthat show. Ilovethat show! Song Kang is super hot." My cheeks redden and Noah doesn't try to hide his grin.

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