The lightheadedness passed. She pushed off the sofa, tugged on her crimson cocktail dress, then marched out to find her mom. Determined to stay clear of Crockett, she mingled with Colton’s staff, all the while keeping him in her sights. He never approached her nor did he glance herway.
Below the simmering exasperation, her heart felt heavy. Why was he ignoring her, especially after telling Colton she lookedphenomenal? And why in the hell was she giving him a second thought? The last thing she needed was for him to figure out she was his kinkpartner.
Toward the end of the scrumptious five-course dinner, Colton stood and announced his engagement. After a round of applause, he added that his closest friend and one-time business partner had agreed to be his bestman.
“Let’s have a toast,” someone calledout.
After kissing Brigit, Colton tossed his best man a nod. “Crockett, the floor isyours.”
With champagne flute in hand, he rose. “Colt, Brigit, I speak for everyone,” Crockett began. “We wish you both a lifetime of love and happiness. You’re a lucky man to have found such an amazing woman who not only puts up with you, but makes you a betterperson.”
As laughter filled the room, he shifted his attention down the table and cemented his gaze on Alexandra. Their fiery connection sent her blood coursing at a freneticpace.
While staring into her eyes, he raised his glass. “Here’s to your forever love.” As guests sipped their bubbly, Crockett flashed her a sinfully sexygrin.
And she melted. Flat-outmelted.
8
Bait and Switch
The New YearbroughtAlexandra’s first day at the new job. While she waited in reception, butterflies fluttered in herstomach.
A pretty olive-skinned woman with a super large baby-bump waddled over. “AlexandraReed?”
“Yes.” Alexandra collected her laptop satchel and rose from thesofa.
“Welcome. I’m Sapphire, one of the news reporters. Max asked me to help you getsituated.”
As Sapphire escorted her down the hallway, Alexandra caught a glimpse of the newsroom, abuzz with activity. Her first-day jitters settled down as she spied a handful of reporters at their desks, banging out stories on their laptops or talking on thephones.
Sapphire veered into the conference room and eased into a chair. “Max wanted to welcome you himself, but he’s out of the office until later thisafternoon. ”
Alexandra sat across from her and the two chatted about their broadcastingcareers.
“Once we’re done here, I’ll introduce you to the team and take you on a tour,” said Sapphire. “After lunch, you can join me for an off-siteinterview.”
“What’s yourbeat?”
“Human interest with a focus on neighborhood communities. Because we inundate our viewing audience with political stories, they embrace the features. My stories air during the midday broadcast. On occasion, Max runs them during prime time. He can spot a ratingsmagnet.”
Doubtful.
“Anyway,” Sapphire continued, running a soothing hand over her large belly, “Max wants you to take over my assignment while I’m on maternityleave.”
What happened to the White House gig or hosting the news magazineshow?
Sapphire continued, “Just so there’s no confusion, I work for the station’scableoutlet.”
Oh, no.Her gut churned. This job was like her first gig after college. Her smile waned as she struggled to hide her disappointment. “Isee.”
“Max wants you to work with Stacy. She’s been slated for our news magazine show, still indevelopment.”
Alexandra’s eyebrows shot up. That sounded promising. “Is she theproducer?”
“No, the show’s host. Max wants you to mentor her since you hostedLA AfterDark.”
That son of a bitch!Her blood pressure spiked. Max had dangledherthe show, then pulled a bait and switch. Per usual, he was sticking it to her. But what choice did she have? She needed to keep her hand in the game while dealing with her mom’shealth.
