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“I don’t need the fucking definition of a PR manager, Bree. But tell me, what image were you shooting for when you posed with me in those pictures at the gala? Because we both know you made it appear we were together.”
The paparazzi wanted to know if I fired her so we could date. Every single time it came up, it took major self-control to not drag her through the mud for doing what she did.
I throw my hands up when she doesn’t answer. Her silence is her answer. “Whether or not you believe me, I thought I was helping. I wasn’t aware how much you cared for her,” she finally admits. She whips around, her heels clicking on the hardwood floors as she walks over to the bar and spins the chair around to sit in it. I stay put, watching her from across the room.
Does she think she’s staying?
“Well, I’m glad we cleared that up. You can leave now.” I jerk my gaze toward the door.
“Ryker, sit down.”
What is up with this woman and her trying to control me? “You seriously didn’t just command me to sit down? I am not your goddamn dog.” If Bree hadn’t been part of my life for the past eight years, I’d pick her ass up and throw her out myself.
She huffs. “Please?”
“I’m fine right here. What exactly do you want, Bree?”
Her spine straightens. “I want you to hire me back.” Happy hour. Because she’s delusional.
Yep, more beer. Laughing and shaking my head, I walk to the table I placed my beer on and take a long gulp.
“Ryker, the news about Aspen is out.”
I pull the bottle away from my lips as my heart slams into my chest. I knew it would happen any day.
“When?”
“There was a press release just over an hour ago.”
I fist my hand, the overwhelming desire to protect her growing, despite her not talking to me. I can’t imagine meeting my parents for the first time and it being broadcasted for the world to see. The world who will ask so much of her until there’s nothing left.
“People haven’t connected the two of you. Yet. But it won’t be long.”
“I don’t fucking care about me,” I growl, pinning my heated stare on her. Are we back to this? “Why do you care? You’re not my PR manager anymore.” She slides off her seat and steps over to stand in front of me.
“You’re right, I’m not. But you still don’t have one and right now is the worst time to be without one. I can help.”
“How?” I stand taller, pinning her with my stare. “By telling people we had a quick fling, and I had no idea who she was. Is that how you’d spin this?”
“I’d tell people whatever you want me to tell them.” She reaches out and puts her hand on my shoulder. “Ryker, I was a bitch and I’m sorry. But we’ve been through a lot the last eight years and I’ve always had your back. You’ve never questioned what I’ve done in the past and I let that control get the best of me. But I can help you. Even if she’s by your side.”
I narrow my eyes at her. Bree always has a game plan. She’s meticulous in everything she does and that’s why I’ve always trusted her. Until now.
She yanks her hand off me and drops her gaze to the floor for a moment. “I did one thing wrong. One thing, Ryker. And now you don’t trust me?”
One thing that was a dick move and might have cost me the woman I love.
“Trust is the most important thing in my world of shady people. Once it’s broken, it’s hard to fix.”
“Okay.” She nods and her body deflates. I watch her stomp to the bar to grab her purse. She takes a second to gather her wits before she turns around. “I get it. But you need someone. And fast. I’ll text you a few recommendations that would be a good fit.”
I run my fingers through my hair, groaning. Reverse psychology at its finest and it’s definitely grabbed hold of me. I’m being an asshole. She’s right, we have been together long enough that I should see she’s trying to make this better and I will need someone to help derail the train wreck coming.
I blow out a breath, hoping I don’t regret this. “You win. You can come back.” Her shoulders perk up and her smile pulls at the corners of her mouth.
“Are you sure?”
No. “Yes. But no more tricks.”
