Page 72 of Hot Stuff
If I thought my jaw was clenched before, I was an idiot. I’m clamping down so hard I swear I hear bones cracking.
“He said this thing between you and Oakley is a smoke screen to hide the deal.”
“Huh.” As theories go it’s not a bad one. It’s way off but it’s not unbelievable.
“So is it a smoke screen?”
I laugh. “Did you not see me give you the look when you spoke about Oakley in a tone I didn’t find acceptable?”
Drake puts his hands up. “Got it. Not a smoke screen.”
Moving around him I get three mugs out of the cupboard. “I’m in love with her.” I don’t know why I feel the need to explain myself or give him the depth of our relationship but I do.
Hell, I want everyone in the world to know I’m in love with Oakley James.
“And she’s…”
I give him another narrow-eyed look.
“Right. She’s with you.”
There’s an awkward silence between us for a few moments and I don’t feel the need to soothe it with words. I want him to feel uncomfortable about this discussion.
“Okay, so what do we do about your retirement announcement?”
“Nothing right this minute. We’ll wait for Oakley to join us and I’ll give Rafe a call?—”
“Why are you calling Rafe?” Drake asks as he picks up the first mug to fill with coffee now the pot is full.
“Um…” I glance around, for who I haven’t a clue because the only other person in the apartment is Oakley and she knows what I’m about to reveal. “This doesn’t leave this apartment.”
If Drake is taken aback by my tone, he doesn’t show it. He pushes a mug across the counter toward me. “If this has to do with Jerry Cantrell getting a kick in the nuts, I’ll keep my lips sealed, grab popcorn and a drink so I can sit back and watch the show.”
“Good. He doesn’t actually own the Knights.”
“What? Who the hell does?”
“Laken Cantrell.”
Drake’s still for half a second then he cracks up laughing so hard he doubles over. He tries to speak but nothing forms that I can understand.
I get why he thinks it’s hilarious. Before Gerald Senior died, his son was known as Gerald Junior. After Senior died, Junior made it clear he was no longer the junior in his family and everyone should call him Jerry.
“Oh fuck.” Drake straightens and wipes at his eyes. “Please tell me I need that drink and popcorn.”
“You will. I don’t know the timeline, but I know Laken is making moves in the next week or so.”
“Good time for you to cut ties with the Knights. Let’s get that announcement out sooner than later,” Drake says.
“Let me call Rafe real quick, then see what Oakley has to say.”
“Why do we need Ms. James’s input on this?”
“Because our relationship has been splashed all over the place this morning?” I don’t mean for it to be a question but it comes out that way.
“And the rumor…” Drake raises an eyebrow. “You haven’t confirmed or denied that.”
“It’s not Walker’s job to confirm or deny.” Oakley comes into the kitchen, her stride smooth, confident. “Care to tell me the details of the rumor?”
