Page 4 of Sliding into Love
You’re setting yourself up for failure.
Murder isn’t an option.
Being petty isn’t the answer.
The last thought is questionable. Personally, I think being petty does solve a lot of problems. I’m not sure if I have it in me to be that way with this man, unfortunately. He irks me in a way that leaves me frozen rather than ready to use my claws.
Finn whispers words I can’t hear. Bell replies with, “I don’t know if that’s a good idea, little one.”
“Don’t know if what’s a good idea?” Normally I’m not so curious about their private conversations. It’s just, well, I feel like this one is about me. Or about the man I’m going to be forced to work with for the sake of this acquisition. Either way, I feel I need to know.
“He was just asking if maybe one of us should go with you that first day. Finn offered himself up, though I’m keen on going as well. Maybe Jake will want to come too. You know he loves being nosy.”
I choke on a laugh as I turn into the factory parking lot. “We don’t need to roll in twenty people deep, Bell. It’s already going to be hard learning all the ins and outs before the final handoff.”
It’s a shitty position, but one that’s necessary. While I know more than my fair share of football thanks to Bellamy’s lifelong love of the sport, I know nothing about baseball other than their wardrobe is delightful.Those pants.I fight back a groan at some of the images I’ve seen during my short bouts of research.
So much ass. Such restrictive fabric.
“Ok, then. But only if you’re sure. I can’t imagine this is easy for you. I’m sorry, Royce. You still have time to back out.”
Taking a deep breath, I console him the only way I know how—by diversion.
“I meant to ask something, Bell. Is there a dress code for this gig? Because I’m not going to go buy some vintage sports jacket and a baseball cap anytime soon.”
He roars with laughter. “No, bud. No dress code for you. As part owner and team manager, you get to set the expectation. Besides, you have some amazing fashion sense. If they don’t like it, they can get the fuck out of Bellport. Tell them that comes directly from your big bro’s mouth. It’s law, ok?”
Warmth moves through me at his protectiveness. I’ve never truly asked him to fight for me, yet he always has. Even when I didn’t know it, Bell was there to threaten the bullies and standup for me. He told everyone else to get over themselves when I started showing up in dresses and painted nails. Our elitist social group didn’t like it much, though they learned it was either learn to deal or be ostracized.
All but a couple of people did, anyway.
Somehow, Kenneth Meyer, and his best friend Clark Greer, managed to annoy the hell out of me day in and day out. They tormented me via the weirdest fucking pranks and Kenneth’s frustrated stare. Those brown eyes of his were like lasers on me. Watching and waiting for my downfall.
Too bad for him it never came.
And don’t get me started on Clark. His choice of torment was much worse. I shudder at the memories attempting to overwhelm me.
If anything, I’ve worked harder to be successful. I’ve been smart with every decision. I’ve come out on top in everything I’ve touched.
Now, after all this time, Kenneth and I get to reunite. He’ll see that all his dislike was for nothing. In the end, I’ve won.
I got the job. I’ve got the looks. I’ve got his team.
There’s nothing left for him.
Which is really why I agreed to this at all. Not because of Finn or Bellamy. Not even because of their LGBTQ+ agenda, although I am happy to see such growth.
I accepted the position because for all the talk and all the success I’ve had, I still sometimes feel like a teenager when it comes to Kenneth Meyer and his taunts. Sometimes, when I’m alone, I still see his derisive stare and wonder if I’ve truly become successful.
So when the chance came to beat him at his own game, I couldn’t resist. I may hate every minute of this. I may find that Kenneth is as much of a jerk now as he was back then.
No matter what, I’ll prove to him and everyone else that they were wrong about me. Royce Bellport is forever and will forever be better than those who have hated them.
My revenge era is here. I can’t wait to reap what they’ve all sown.
CHAPTER TWO
KENNETH
