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I breathe a sigh of relief. Thank God.
I know I’ve been distracted lately, but how the hell did I forget about an in-person meeting with Kira Blakely?
I must be more stressed than I realized.
“How is she more beautiful in person?” someone whispers.
“I heard that everyone in Hollywood sells their soul for fame and beauty.”
I spin around to the source of the chatter and spot Janice and Ricky, the office enemies turned lovers. “Why are you all just standing there?” I gesture toward them, blurting out the first thing I can think of. “Ricky, go make sure there’s enough toilet paper in all the bathrooms. And Janice, go tell Henry he’s going to have to use the fourth floor for the rest of the day.”
They both nod, wide-eyed and stunned, before tearing off to fulfill their respective assignments.
“I’m sorry about that.” I push a hand through my hair and shake my head. The last thing I need is to lose the campaign with Kira Blakely because I don’t have my shit together.
“This really isn’t necessary, Mr. Kingsley. I’m perfectly fine to—”
“Please, call me Roman.” I straighten my tie, attempting to pull myself together. “Will it be just you today, or will Augustus be joining you?”
Kira’s brows furrow, a look of confusion on her face, and I realize how insensitive I must sound. I saw the viral video. I can’t help but wonder what they were fighting about. Whatever it was, it must’ve been pretty intense to have her snapping like that. I don’t need to know what happened to know whose side I’m on.
In my experience, women don’t normally crash out like that without a damn good reason. I can only imagine what he must’ve done to provoke her…Can’t say that I’m sad not to have to deal with that whiny prick anyway.
“Right. Of course.” I shake my head, feeling a hot crimson flush burn my cheeks.
What the hell is wrong with me today? Get your shit together, man.
“The boardroom is right this way.” I gesture for her to follow me as I lead us toward the boardroom.
We can hear their shouting before we even step inside.
“Of course I can taste a difference between each sprinkle color,” Guy says.
“No, you can’t. That’s not a thing!” Luka fires back.
“Seriously? This is beyond ridiculous…and now you’re making me want donuts,” Leo grumbles. “A hundred bucks says you can’t get more than three.”
“Make it five hundred,” Luka adds.
Guy loosens his tie and pulls it free from his shirt collar. “Five hundred dollars and a handwritten letter of apology.” He spots us first and pauses just before he binds his tie over his eyes. “I didn’t realize we were expecting company.”
“I’m sorry, are we interrupting?” I say, shooting my brothers a death glare. It’s not that this behavior is surprising, but I’d hoped they’d at least be on their best behavior, knowing we had this meeting this morning.
“Is that…Kira Blakely?” Luka whispers, not so quietly.
Guy rips off his blindfold and jumps up from his seat. “Can I offer you a strawberry glazed donut?” He asks, already pulling out the chair next to him.
“What the fuck, man? You were literally just whining because I only got two of those,” Luka snaps.
“Forgive me for wanting equal representation,” Guy fires back. “Not everyone is satisfied with the basic glazed, like you uncultured swine.”
“Stop acting like your palate is so much more sophisticated. You literally drink milk for the taste. Like a toddler!”
“Laugh all you want, but that’s why I’m the tallest. And you know what they say about tall guys…” He looks at Kira and waggles his eyebrows.
I clench my hands into fists by my side, suddenly fighting the urge to punch him right in his chiseled jaw, red-hot jealousy boiling beneath my skin.
“I’m sorry. Could someone bring me up to speed?” Leo asks from the large projector screen, looking completely lost. “What’s this meeting about?”