Other opportunities.
But there is no other Tenielle.
Chapter Twenty Seven
Tenielle
I don’t know why Taryn has the smuggest face I’ve ever seen when I walk into work, but a bad feeling creeps up my spine. I ignore her and walk straight to my office, my heels clicking against the marble floor with each step. My boss walks in and we chat briefly about the case I need to research for today, then he leaves and I pull out some candy from my drawer and munch on it. Today is Layla’s birthday, and I just dropped off the little husky puppy to her on the way to work. I was kind of reluctant because over the last two days I’d actually grown attached to the little monster. She named him Kovu and fell in love at first sight, and I’m happy she was happy.
A knock on my door makes me scowl in its direction.
“Come in,” I call out.
Taryn walks in. “Just thought you might want to see this.”
Her sparkling eyes let me know whatever it is isn’t good. She puts a magazine down on the table, opened to the page. My eyes skim the headline, and then see the picture of Saxton with this stupid bitch in his arms.
I remember the woman, of course.
I look back at the picture. She’s standing in front of the bus, and her arms are wrapped around his neck. I can’t see his face—or hers for that matter because her hair is covering it like a curtain.
What the f**k.
I’d say I couldn’t believe this except for the picture staring right at me.
Taryn mock sighs. “Such a shame for you.”
I snap my head to her. “Get the f**k out of my office if you want to keep your job.”
She sneers, “You don’t have that power.”
I smirk at her, trying to contain my fury, hurt, and pain. “If I let everyone know you’re f**king Fred then yes, I do have that power.”
Her face pales, and then she leaves quietly.
Wow.
I’d only guessed she was sleeping with my co-worker.
At the click of my door, I cover my face with my hands. Then, because I like to torture myself, I read the entire article. From start to finish. I know most of it is bullshit, but that f**king picture…
What if Saxon was lonely one night and caved for some easy pu**y?
The thought makes my throat burn.
Then I feel pissed right off.
And worst of all—I had to hear it from that smug bitch Taryn.
I search through my handbag for my phone and check over my missed calls and messages.
Twelve from Saxon.
Two from Ryder.
Three from Lexi.
One from Jet.
Five from Kidd.
I lean back in my chair, my mind racing.
I don’t know what to think right now. I don’t want to throw his past in his face but… he has cheated to see if the grass is greener on the other side before. Maybe he had a weak moment? Maybe he didn’t sleep with her and it was just the kiss I saw in the photo?
Maybe.
Maybe.
Maybe.
I need to talk to him, but I’m angry.
No—I’m f**king hurt and in a destructive mood. I have a bad temper and who knows what will come out of my mouth. I settle on a message.
Me: I will talk to you later.
There.
My phone beeps instantly.
Saxon- Let me explain, please.
Famous words.
I put my phone back in my bag and pretend nothing happened. Pretend I never saw that stupid f**king photo and that my heart isn’t breaking from my insecurity and the threat of broken promises.
What if he did?
What if he didn’t?
I grit my teeth and bite down on another piece of candy.
*****
After turning my phone off, I feel a little better. I get through my days’ work and then drive straight to Knox’s Tavern.
I totally deserve a drink.
I haven’t been here in quite a while and smile when I take a seat in front of Reid Knox himself.
“Where the f**k have you been?” he asks, eye brows rising at my presence.
I purse my lips together. “You need to work on your customer service.”
He smirks at that. “What can I get you?”
Decisions, decisions.
“Beer please,” I reply after a second. As Reid goes to get me my beer I look around the bar, which is practically empty. “Where is everyone?”
“It’s still early,” Reid replies. “It’s only six.”
Oh yeah.
“Where’s Anna? I quite liked her,” I tell him, grinning.
Reid chuckles. “I don’t think Anna needs anymore trouble in the form of a hot lawyer.”
I wink at him. “You think I’m hot?”
Reid laughs. “Please don’t wink again, you look like you’re having a fit or something.”
I roll my eyes and take a sip of my ice cold beer.
Perfect.
“I really needed this,” I sigh, looking down at my French manicure. “Day from hell is an understatement.”
“What happened? Your client admit he was guilty, and you have to defend him anyway?”
I shake my head. “No. My nemesis showed me a magazine with a picture of Saxon with another woman, and she’s claiming she is his mistress.”
Reid looks thoughtful for a second. “I assume shit like this happens all the time in the industry. Have you talked to Saxon to hear his side?”
Another mouthful of beer. “No. I’m trying to calm myself a little before we talk. Do you remember what happened last time I lost my temper?”