Page 59 of Rival Desires

I let out a sigh, my voice low. “You’re my assistant, Mallory, but right now, I really need a friend.”

She dropped into the chair opposite me, setting aside her ever-present tablet. A warm smile spread across her face. “You’re an amazing boss, but I’ve gotta say, I like being your friend even more.” Crossing her legs, she flashed me a look that said she was all ears. “Alright, lay it on me. What’s the scoop?”

I swallowed hard, a rush of gratitude. Not everyone from my old firm had been a total sleaze, but I’d never called any of them friends. The few who saw me as a colleague were tolerable, but there wasn’t much common ground for friendship, no shared love of tacos or bad reality TV. The rest either brushed me off or saw me as nothing more than a set of boobs with a half-baked brain on the side.

“My dad popped by my place on Saturday morning.”

I breathed and recounted the whole messy saga with my dad and his unexpected cameo at my place. Then, I dove into the epic disaster that was the “ceremony” at Nadine’s mansion and how I’d gone full drama queen showdown on Cory in his office. As I shared my story, it was as if a weight was slowly lifting off my shoulders. I was still upset, but it no longer felt like it was suffocating me. By the time I wrapped up my tale, it felt like I’d scrubbed away some sort of gunk clogging up my soul.

Breathing easier than I had in days, I leaned back in my chair and braced myself for Mallory’s take on the whole soap opera.

“Uh, no offense or anything, but your dad’s kind of a jerk.” Mallory scrunched up her face. “I mean, come on! You’re incredible. Smart, dedicated, and genuinely caring. You’ve built this whole firm from the ground up and even managed to snatch clients from established firms. Heck, you’ve given ‘em a run for their money!”

Mallory’s words were like a fierce, protective mama bear defending her cub. They soothed the sting I’d carried around all weekend like a balm for my battered ego.

“And let’s not forget about Nadine Seaworth.” Mallory’s scowl deepened, and she shook her head. “She’s the one missing out here. Sergio crossed a line, sure, but that’s not on you. Not only did you not ask him to do it, but you also gave him the boot for his actions. If Nadine can’t see past that, then she doesn’t deserve what you bring to the table.”

“You’re buttering me up now, aren’t you?” I teased, nudging her gently. “Aren’t you even a tiny bit curious if Cory’s presentation outshone mine?”

Mallory just shook her head, a smirk playing on her lips. “Nah, not really. I mean, Gracen and McCrae are no slouches, and I’m sure it was a nail-biter. But you, my friend, put in some serious elbow grease on that project. There’d be no way Cory’s PowerPoint slideshows could compete with your masterpiece.”

Even though our friendship was still in its early stages, it was already crystal clear that Mallory was a straight shooter, never one to beat around the bush.

“And let me tell you,” Mallory continued, her dark eyes sparkling with determination. “If Nadine or her son ever show their facesaround here again, I’ll make sure they know exactly what a colossal mistake they made by not choosing you.”

“I appreciate that,” I replied, my voice barely above a whisper, but the sincerity was palpable.

“I’ll tell Cory McCrae, your dad, or anyone else who’ll listen the same thing.” Mallory leaned in closer, her gaze intense. “Don’t you dare let what happened last week make you doubt yourself or think you’re not at the top of your game. You deserve everything you’ve worked your butt off for.”

“Thanks,” I managed a hoarse whisper, my eyes welling up.

“You know what really grinds my gears? Cory’s role in this whole deal,” she grumbled, shaking her head. “He ought to be backing you up just like he did when he strutted into the club the other night, playing Uber driver for the three of us.” She briefly paused before throwing a curveball my way, “Oh, and now is the time to spill all. Did anything go down between you and Cory after he gave all of us a lift home?”

I shook my head, “Cory’s not the type to take advantage. He’s too much of a stand-up guy.” I blushed, remembering how I’d basically thrown myself at him. Mallory might be onto something about work, but she didn’t know the half of it when it came to Cory. She had no clue how much of a gentleman he’d been, especially when I’d been a total jerk, accusing him of being shady when all he’d done was being straight with me.

And there I was, going off on him today, even though I knew he was a stand-up guy. I accused him of things when I knew full well how decent he’d been with me. He could’ve taken me up on my not-so-subtle offers, and I wouldn’t have batted an eye. Iwanted him then, and if I let myself think about it, I’d have to admit I still wanted him.

Self-loathing flooded me, pushing away all the good feelings Mallory’s support had brought.

“Don’t do it,” she said, her tone sharp.

“Don’t do what?”

She looked at me. “Don’t start beating yourself up again over whatever you were thinking about just now.”

I wanted to ask her what to do if I messed up and hurt someone who didn’t deserve it. But her next words reminded me of what my priorities should be.

“You’re a strong person, Rylee. Show everyone just how strong you are. Show them what they’re missing, how wrong they are.”

I nodded, pushing other thoughts aside and focusing on work.

“You’re right,” I said. “Thank you.”

She stood and picked up her tablet. “You’re welcome. Now, I’m going to get back to work. Shout if you need me.”

“I will,” I said. “And I think I’ll be working late, so let me know before you leave.”

“Will do, boss,” she said with a grin.

---