I clench my jaw so tight I’m surprised I don’t crack a tooth. “We’re not six years old anymore, Elliot. Grow up!”
“She was smoking hot though, wasn’t she, and a dancer. I knew you’d like her. It’s a good job I didn’t have her for myself.”
Rage seeps through me, and I slam my fist down on the desk. “Don’t fucking talk about her,” I growl.
He grins. Prick. “Calm down, Lowell. I’m winding you up. Did Vin get what you needed?”
I run my hand through my hair, trying to calm down and gather my thoughts. “When doesn’t he?”
“You’ve been to see her, I presume?” he asks.
“What do you think?” I mutter.
“I think she’s your Pixie, mate, that’s what I think.” He chuckles. “I don’t think I’ve seen you this put out over a girl ever.”
“Mason, your eleven o’clock is on his way up,” Alice says through the intercom.
“Off you fuck, Montgomery.” I stand, dismissing him as I button up my suit jacket, thankful for the interruption.
“Drinks. Friday night,” he says, pointing at me as he backs out of my office.
* * *
Nina
“Why won’t you open!”I yell, my hand smacking against the solid wood of Erin’s office door. I searched all day for the key, finally finding it in the gym’s staff room, but now I have spent the last twenty minutes trying to get inside. It will not flipping open!
“Alright, crazy, out the way before you hurt yourself.” Logan comes up behind me, probably fed up with my banging.
He lifts me off my feet, moving me out of the way as if I don’t weigh a thing. “Are you sure this is the right key?” He pulls it from the lock, examining it.
“Yes, I’m sure. It wouldn’t be the key to anything else in this place.” I look up at him, unsure. “Would it?”
“I’m not sure, Nina. This key looks new, and the lock is ancient.” He shrugs, trying the door again before bending and looking through the keyhole.
I pout, crossing my arms over my chest. “I’ve been looking all afternoon! I’m giving up. If it doesn’t turn up by next week, I’m going to need you to put those muscles to good use and break the door down.” I squeeze his solid bicep.
“I’ve got some time now, so I’ll see if I can find it. The staff room is desperate for a tidy up anyway,” he offers.
“Thanks, Logan, you’re a lifesaver.” I push up on my tiptoes to peck his cheek before I turn and disappear into the studio to get my bag.
“Hey! There’s a guy asking for you downstairs. Said his name is Mason, got riled up when I told him he couldn’t come up here,” he calls from the doorway.
“Mason? He’s downstairs?” A flare of panic spreads through me.
“Sure is. Got a right chip on his shoulder that one. Want me to get rid of him?” he says, puffing out his chest.
God no, which is exactly why I should say yes.
I didn’t sleep a wink last night, thoughts of Mason Lowell in his suit consuming me, hmmm delicious, then, sans the suit. Yep, even more delicious. I never knew I had such a fantastic imagination until now.
“No. It’s fine, thanks, Logan. I’ll see you Friday. Henry’s in tomorrow, isn’t he?”
“Yeah, if I find the key, I’ll leave it in the safe,” he calls out as I make my way around the studio, tidying up in a rush.
I stop at the mirror to make sure I look semi-presentable—not that I care—and my face screws up instantly. I mean, it’s not great, but it isn’t bad either. My hair is letting me down massively, sitting in a heap high on my head, tuffs poking out all over the place. I can’t dance with it in my face, and there is just so much of it.
I pull my hairband out, fluffing it over my shoulders, trying to flatten it down and resolving to the fact that it will have to do. Then I grab my bag and take off down the stairs.
