Page 156 of Fierce Storm
A laugh bursts out of me, and a little of the tension leaves my body as I stand taller. “No. I’m pretty sure I could think of a few more. Honestly, though, I’m okay. Or I will be after lunch.”
“Okay. So it’s a lack of food that’s the issue.”
“Food is definitely going to help. For now, I have another meeting to get to. Wish me luck.”
“Maybe you should stop at a vending machine on the way, or I could bring you something to your office.”
“I appreciate the offer, but it’s not necessary. I’ll be okay.” I turn and run straight into Luke. This time because I wasn’t looking and not because I was stuck in my head.
Luke chuckles as he steadies me. “Easy, now. In those heels you’re likely to fall and break something if you bump into solid rock like that.”
I glance back at Reed to see a hint of concern in his features before he rolls his eyes. “Solid rock? Really?”
“You know it.” Luke pats his stomach and I snort out a laugh, feeling ten times better than I did a few minutes ago. These guys are like family. If Wes doesn’t hear me out, I’ve got to believe that they’ll have my back. Not that I think Wes will ignore me, but you never know. I didn’t think my boss in college would ignore me either. I guess it depends on how desperate he is.
“I really have to go. Thank you, Reed, and thank you, Luke, for saving me.”
“What did Reed do?”
“He offered me food.”
“Oh-kay.” Luke raises a brow and I wave him off, power walking away, careful to watch where I’m going this time, pausing when I’m around the corner.
My phone buzzes, alerting me to my meeting in ten minutes, and I see Sal’s name on the attendee list.
My heart skips and I quietly curse myself. If he hears about Vance from Wes, he’s not going to be happy about it.
Taking a deep breath, I dial his number and bounce on my toes, silently asking him to pick up.
Come on. Come on. Come on.
When he doesn’t answer, I lean against the wall near the stairwell and send him a text before throwing my phone in my bag, determined to salvage this day.
KEELEY: Can you please call me as soon as you get this? After the meeting is fine
One forward planning meeting to go, then I can speak to Wes. I’m almost there.
“We meet again.” Vance’s voice echoes through the quiet halls, and my stomach twists as I glance up. Iwasalmost there.
“What do you want, Vance?”
“I just thought you should know I had a great meeting with Wes.” He walks toward me, and my eyes flash down the hall, nausea filling me when I see that we’re very much alone. “It’s not official yet, but they’re preparing me an offer,” he gloats, his smirk so big I want to punch it right off his devastatingly gorgeous face. A face that makes my skin crawl. “I have no doubt it’s going to meet my expectations. Which means… we’re goingto be working together again.” He settles in front of me, way too close for comfort, and I step back as far as I can.
“I can’t have you looking at me like you’re looking at me now, Keeley. People are going to ask questions. For no good reason. It’s been over ten years since our disagreement and?—”
“Our disagreement?” I scoff. “Is that what it was to you?”
“Of course. What else would it be?”
Anger takes over me, and my confidence grows momentarily. Anger is good. Much better than fear. “You attacked me, Vance. You?—”
“Keeley.” Vance cuts me off, invading my personal space, stepping closer than anyone should for an innocent talk.
A shiver runs down my spine, but I don’t let it get to me. “Move back, Vance,” I warn.
“I just want to talk.”
“I said,move back.”
