Page 152 of Cougar

I raise my brows. “Hmm. I hadn’t thought of that.”

“Dad trusted Miles. He’s on our side. Alex’s article isn’t supposed to come out until next month. There’s still time. Let Miles help.”

“I’ll do that. Good thinking, Jayla. We’ll be going over some last-minute details for the tour, so please answer your phone when I call.”

“I will. I love you very much, Mom. Even though you baby me too much and piss me off, I know you only do it because you love me and want to protect me.”

“You’ll understand one day. I love you, baby. I’ll call you when I get to LA. And promise me that you’ll give Alex a chance.”

“I promise.”

* * *

“Where are you?” Cam asks.

“I’m in California tying up a few loose ends for the tour. I’ll be back tomorrow.”

“All right.” He sighs. “Emerson, no more keeping secrets. You got it?”

I grin.I like bossy Cam.“Got it.”

“All right. I miss you. I love you.”

“I love you, too. Good luck at the game.”

“Thanks, babe. Bye.”

“Bye.” I smile as I hang up.

“Do you know what you’re gonna say to this woman?” Bass asks.

“No clue.” I waltz up to the reception desk, my attention falling to the plaque that states her name is Faith. “I’d like to speak with Ms. Cuntinger.”

Bass chuckles under his breath. The receptionist looks up and her mouth falls open. “Uh….” Her eyes flick between Bass and me.

I raise my brows. “Today would be great,” I add. “I’m on a tight schedule.”

She blinks. “Oh, yes.” She reaches for her phone and presses a button. “Ms. Cunt”—she clears her throat “—Cunninger, Mrs. King is here to see you.” She dips her head, cups her hand over the receiver and whispers, “No ma’am. I’m not shitting you. She’s standing right here, and there’s a very big, angry-looking man with her. Please hurry.”

The receptionist returns the phone to the cradle and clears her throat again before plastering a shaky smile on her face. “She’ll be right out.”

Less than a minute later, the little orange bane of my existence strolls out of her office with a faux confidence I could spot a mile away. “Mrs. King. What a surprise,” she greets me, extending her hand. I don’t take it. Instead, Bass grunts and takes a step forward. I have to bite the inside of my cheek to keep from laughing.

“Ms. Cuntinger, I’d like a word in private.”

“It’s Cunninger.”

I give a careless shrug. “A word?”

She crosses her arms over her chest. “Actually, I’m very busy at the moment. If you’d like to make an appointment”—she gestures to her receptionist—“Faith would be happy to make one for you. I’m sure you know the way out.” She spins on her heel and starts back toward her office.

“You know,” I call to her retreating back, “I was just thinking about your little blog.” She stops and turns back to face me. “What it’s called, B?” I ask, tilting my head in his direction, my eyes never leaving hers.

“Operation Bird Watch.”

I snap my fingers and point to the air. “That’s it.” I nod. “I was thinking that, since you targeted my bird, I’m going to target yours.” My head swivels to the nervous girl behind the reception desk and I grin. “She looks like she could be a canary.” I turn to Bass. “What do you think, B?”

He nods slowly, going along with my crazy talk. “I like where you’re going with this.”

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