Page 24 of Heated (Burned, Inc.)
CHAPTER SIX
CYRUS
“Sooo seriously, you’re just friends with her?” Jordan presses, his skepticism clear in my ear. “Because if that’s the story we’re going with, I’ll pretend to agree, but from my perspective, there was nothingfriendlyabout the way you looked at her. Or that conversation, for that matter.”
I lean back in my office chair, tossing my pen to the desk. As long as he’s on the phone, work is a pipe dream. And when he’s on a roll, it’s best to let him get whatever is on his mind out or this could go on and on ... and on. It’s been only a day since our meeting in the parking lot of the Bacon Social House, and I’ve been waiting on this phone call. Frankly, I’m surprised it’s taken Jordan this long.
“Yes, we’re friends,” I grind out for the fifteenth time in the last eight minutes, skimming my email to ensure nothing pressing has come through.
“Cool. So you should have no problem with me being friends with Miriam too.”
“What the hell?” I scowl at my monitor as if it’s Jordan. “Is that why you’re bugging me for her phone number?”
If so, I’m kind of outraged on her behalf, even though I’ve met Zora’s sister only once. Although, part of me is a little worried forJordan if he plans on treating Miriam like one of those nameless women he fucks, then never bothers calling or seeing again. Again, met Miriam only once, but something tells me she’s not the type to go quietly into the good night. Fuck boiling a bunny. She looks like she’d go straight for his nuts.
A heavy sigh echoes in my ear. “No, goddammit. Haven’t you been listening to a word I’ve been saying? I can’t explain it, but she’s different. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to hit it, but she’s cool as fuck. I want her as a friend. She’s funny, crazy smart, and just plain crazy. But I still want to hit it.” Another sigh. “That’s why I’m calling your ass. I need advice.”
“What about me says I would be good with relationship advice?”
No, I really want to know.
“You the only motherfucker I know who’s been in one that’s lasted longer than three months or who isn’t cheating on his wife. I don’t need advice from those assholes.”
I snort. “And yet you’re the one who claims to believe in love.” I shake my head, even though he can’t see it. “I don’t know what to tell you, Jordan. You see how my relationship with Val turned out. Ours wasn’t based on a friendship and damn sure not love. And sex isn’t enough to make it survive.”
“You are absolutely no help and a fucking killjoy to boot,” he snaps. Then he says, “What are you doing tonight?”
“I—” I look up from my monitor at a knock on my office door. “Hey, let me call you back. Someone’s at my door.”
“Yeah, do that. Later.”
Setting my cell on my desk, I call out to the person on the other side of the door to come in. And as soon as it opens, regret for my haste fills me like bad moonshine. The law firm of Ryson, Dare, and Gregerson LLC boasts a stable of thirty associates and then partners, including junior and senior. Since I joined right out of law school, my goal has been to become the youngest junior partner in the firm’shistory. I’ve billed no fewer than two thousand hours a year and not only brought in new business but also retained existing clients. The partners have counted on me to do the legal heavy lifting, as I don’t depend on my paralegals or colleagues. My work ethic is above reproach. But that’s what happens when you’ve been fighting for scraps since you were twelve. You’re no longer satisfied with crumbs; only the biggest, most satisfying smorgasbord of a meal will do. And you don’t stop until it’s set in front of you.
Now, that goal is within my grasp. Gossip runs through this office faster than an STD in a frat house. I’m on a short list of names being considered for junior partner. And one of those people standing between me and that partnership is the man lowering his ass into the chair across from me. Without an invitation.
Derrick Warren.
I can’t stand the asshole.
And he’s not an asshole because he’s my competition. No, he’s an asshole because he’ll use anyone, do anything, andwon’tdo anything to get what I want. And smile the shark’s smile the whole time. Derrick Warren is an entitled prick who cheats, lies, steals, and sabotages to get ahead. Growing up, I’ve lied and sometimes stolen to survive, but Derrick and his family hail from the same circles as Val. He doesn’t need to—he just gets a kick out of it.
So yeah. Asshole.
“What?” I don’t do pleasantries with assholes.
“Cyrus,” Derrick says, crossing one knee over the other and straightening a nonexistent wrinkle from his pants leg. “Good morning to you too.”
“Is that what you’re in my office for? You could’ve called to do that. Or sent an email. Right now, we’re wasting billable hours.”
The corners of his mouth tighten, and his jaw flexes. Good. If I’m irritated because he brought his ass in here, then we both should be annoyed. It’s only fair.
“Actually, I wanted to extend my congratulations. By now you’ve heard we’re both on the list of senior associates being considered for partnership. Of course, they’re only choosing two. And Lloyd Taylor is a shoo-in since he’s the oldest senior associate and is Donald’s golfing buddy.”
Derrick wasn’t wrong. Lloyd and Donald Ryson were friends and, as of a couple of years ago, related by marriage. The only reason the other man hadn’t made partner before now was due to the smaller amount of business Donald had brought in. But in this business, who you knew counted as much as how hard you worked.
“Thanks for the congratulations and the update.”
“That leaves one selection left,” Derrick continues. “The competition’s going to be tough. And you know the firm’s reputation. Solid, grounded, family-oriented men with a firm foundation in the community. Lloyd has been married for twenty-two years, has a daughter in college and one about to graduate high school. His family has a street named after them and sits on boards of libraries, charity foundations, and museums. And of course, Jill and I have been together for five years with a son of our own. And Dad is the top cardiologist in the state, while Mom is from one of the oldest families. And you.” The smile is back, and it’s wider, glittering ... delighted. “Well, you. We’re all aware of your ... unfortunate past. And present. So sorry to hear about you and Val.”
