Page 7 of Cocky Prince
I drop my pen. “How can he hire people without going through us?” As the head of HR, I’m aware this isn’t protocol. I just want to hear it said, because it’s bullshit.
Mira shrugs. “Blackwell’s orders.”
I sweep my long, thick bangs to the side and huff out a breath. “Fine. It’s fine. Let Adam hire whomever he wants. It’s on his shoulders if he doesn’t do the proper security checks, and ends up hiring a serial killer.” I glance at Mira. “You sure Tyler won’t return as a Blue security guard? We could use him to protect us from Adam’s new hires.”
Mira glances up as though considering my absurd suggestion. “Pretty sure. His book is in its third printing, and the community college just made him tenure track.”
“Fine.” I roll my eyes dramatically. “I guess the world needs a brilliant biologist more than Blue needs a bodyguard with morals. Though it’s debatable.”
I rest my head on my hand, my elbow propped on my desk. Mira’s smile fades as she takes in my face. “How much sleep did you get last night?”
I stretch my neck, not bothering to lift it off my hand. Too much effort. “An hour. Maybe two. I couldn’t sleep. Too disturbed after my meeting with Blackwell.”
Nessa takes in a sharp breath. “Asshole.” Mira and I both look at her. “What? He is.”
Nessa is the sweet one in our group, but I’m not surprised at her outburst. These girls are loyal, and Blackwell’s on our shit list.
“Come be with us tonight. How many times have Zach and I invited you over? Five, six? You always have work. Forget about this place for one night and have margaritas with us.”
“Seriously, Hayden,” Mira urges. “Knock off early. Put on some comfortable clothes, and bring an empty stomach. Zach and Nessa will take care of you.”
Zach is a dealer at Blue, but he’s also Nessa’s live-in boyfriend, and from what I hear, an excellent cook. He hosts a taco dinner every week for their friends.
The deep rumble of a familiar voice has me grimacing. I glance over the girls’ heads and catch Eve passing my office nearly attached to Adam’s side. They’re speaking in low tones, as though they don’t want anyone to hear.
I grind my heels deeper into the carpet. “You know what? I will go. I could use a margarita.”
Mira grins. “Tyler and I will pick you up. That way you can drink without worrying about moderation.”
“Sounds perfect. I’m tired of moderation.”
* * *
As much asI love my high-fashion heels, sometimes a girl wants to dress down. I do as Mira suggests and slip on white sneakers with jeans rolled at the bottom and pair them with a simple blouse. The early summer weather has been unseasonably warm, so I don’t bother with a jacket. I comb my shoulder-length dirty-blond hair and sweep my bangs behind my ear, feeling ready for a night of unwinding with friends and comfort food. But just as I’m getting used to the idea of a night off, I realize that relaxing might not be in the cards.
Mira, Tyler, and I arrive at Zach and Nessa’s house, and I see a ghost from my past standing on the other side of the room. I stare at the tall, handsome guy, his hair darker and shorter than the last time I saw him—when he showed up on my doorstep to apologize. He’s changed since then, but I recognize him. He’s someone I wouldn’t easily forget.
“Jaeger?” My voice comes out sounding choked.
Jaeger glances up and cuts off a gulp of beer.“Beth?”
He sets his beer on the counter, and a pretty girl with golden-red hair walks over and touches his arm. Jaeger tucks her close to his side and says something in her ear. She gives him a sad smile.
Mira lowers her voice. “Why did Jaeger call you Beth?”
Before I can answer, Jaeger walks over with the pretty girl I’m assuming is his girlfriend. “Cali, this is Beth—”
“Hayden,” I say. “I go by Hayden now. Elizabeth is my middle name.”
“Hayden,” Jaeger corrects, sounding somewhat surprised. “This is my girlfriend, Cali.” He peers at the others in the room, who all seem to be paying attention. “Hayden and I went to high school together.”
I say hello and shake his girlfriend’s hand, then glance at Mira and Nessa. “This is the Cali you’ve been talking about?” They both nod. “Wow.” I smile and shake my head. “I figured I might run into Jaeger when I returned to Lake Tahoe, but I never thought I’d be hanging out with his friends.”
Mira and Nessa have talked about Cali and her boyfriend, but they never mentioned his name.
Jaeger glances at Mira and Nessa’s questioning expressions. Even Zach and Tyler, whom I’ve known through their girlfriends and the casino, are staring. “Hayden and I dated for a short time,” he explains. “I was a dick to her.”
Cali squeezes Jaeger’s waist and he hugs her back. At least he’s with a nice girl now.
