Page 11 of Reconciling With the Rival

She keeps glaring at me, clearly blindsided, and Imogen speaks up. “Oh, do you two know each other? That’s perfect!”

“We went to university together! Isn't that right, Williams?” I turn and throw a smile at her.

“It’s college,” she grits through her teeth.

I smile at her. “I’m from England.”

“Yes, but we’re in America.”She’s so easy to piss off.Fuck, I’m going to love every second of this.

“What a small world! Well, I guess we can skip the formalities. Ella, Leo is your trainee for thirty days. Go easy on him so he understands the basics, and don't be afraid to let him try some things on his own. He starts tomorrow, so I’ll have Brody show him the ropes for then, but on Tuesday, he’s all yours.”

“Wonderful. I can't wait.” Ella’s tone indicates otherwise, but Imogen doesn't seem to catch on. “I’ll see you then. If you’ll excuse me, I have a party to get to.”

“See you on Tuesday. Thank you for your help today! I can't wait to see what you guys have done with the campaign.” Imogen smiles as Ella leaves, and after giving me a folder filled with entrance documents, I shuffle out of her office as well. As I look around, not seeing a trace of the woman who makes my blood boil, I head for the lift, stopping it before it shuts.

My lips curve into a smirk as I see Ella in it already. The tension is thick as I step in and press the button for the parking garage.

“I already pressed it.” I don't even have to look to know she’s rolling her eyes at me.Just like old times.

“Forgive me if I don't trust you not to crash this thing now that I’m in here.”

“Oh please. Don't give me any great ideas, asshole.” As I’m about to speak, she beats me to it. “What the fuck are you doing here?”

“Heading to my car. What does it look like I’m doing?”

She sighs heavily. “What are you doing at my job, Zimmerman? Is this some sort of sick joke?”

“I got a job here, Williams. It looks like we’ll be working together. Remember how much fun last time was? It’s like college all over again.” Ella surprises me by stopping the lift as soon as I say that. The lights go dark, and she comes face to face with me; well, more like face to chest, but I think she’s about to stab my eyes out with those sharp nails of hers.

“Stop being a smug prick. College was horrid, and having to spend time with your condescending ass back then was bad enough. I love this place, and now you’ve tainted it with your fucking presence. Don't talk about our past, and don't fucking test me. I have seniority, and Imogen will listen to me no matter how much charm you apparently have. This isn't our internship office filled with testosterone anymore.”

“Darling, I have no problem keeping things professional. It’s you we have to worry about.” Ella is a firecracker, and for as long as I’ve known her, we’ve hated each other. I don't quite know why she dislikes me, but she has always been a lot. Every time I tried to talk to her in college ended with her yelling at me or threatening me, and I got tired of it. Her attitude is awful, and I think the two of us are destined to never get along.

“What the fuck does that mean?”

I step closer to her, and she doesn't move. “Well, considering you're the one yelling at me in a stopped lift, that should give you your answer. Now, can we get this over with? I have somewhere to be.”

Ella scoffs, keeping eye contact. “Oh, I’m sorry, am I keeping you from a hot date? Maybe I’ll lock us both in here and save the poor woman some mediocre sex and your fuck boy personality.”

I lean down, getting in her face because I know how much she hates it, especially when it’s me crowding her. “Let’s not lie, Williams. You of all people know sex with me is anything but mediocre. After all, you were the one who listened like such a good girl when I bossed you around that night.” I reach behind her and start the lift again, suddenly wanting to get the fuck out of here so I can get home and call my parents. Ella turns around and faces the front as we move. I know I got under her skin because she’s gone quiet—that’s about the only time she shuts up and stops making judgements about me. To secure my win in today’s squabble, I add something else that will piss her off. “I have to say, I forgot how much I prefer you with your mouth full.”

The doors open, and she doesn't say a word as she heads to her car. I smile, knowing she’s going to come at me full force on Tuesday. I’m capable of being a normal human being, but Ella having the power to tell me what to do is a dynamic we’ve never experienced together.

Bring it on, Williams.

4

Tequila, I'm Guessing?

Fuck my motherfucking life.

As I drive toward Paige and Oliver’s place, I look around and try to discern if I entered an alternate reality in the past hour.

Leo fucking Zimmerman.The person I hate most in the world is going to be working with me. He’s going to be in the office right across from mine, and I have to look at his stupid fucking face every day, starting Tuesday.

What the hell am I going to do? I could barely stand being around his annoying ass during our internship senior year, and now, I have toworkwith him.

I need alcohol. Lots of alcohol.

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