Freya was sitting in my desk chair, holding a cup of coffee. There was another steaming mug beside her which she handed to me.
“I thought you might need this.”
“I need a double vodka, but coffee will do for now.”
I smiled gratefully as I took it from her, and she said, “What happened?”
“What always happens when Richard calls me to his office? McCoy.”
Her eyebrows nearly disappeared off the top of her head. “He hasn't-”
“Not another complaint against me. A complaint against him.”
“What did he do?”
I knew Richard wanted to keep the whole thing a secret, but Freya was the most trustworthy person I knew, and if I didn’t talk to someone I was in serious danger of going round the bend.
“Wow,” she said, after I’d given her a brief rundown of the situation. “He really can't take no for an answer, huh?”
“Apparently not. Freya, why is he such a pig? I'm so sick of him!”
“Hey,” Freya said gently, standing up and resting her hands on my shoulders. “Don’t let him get to you. This is not your problem.”
I wanted tell her the real reason I was so freaked out. That my relationship with Miguel was potentially in jeopardy because of one kiss with Radleigh. But how could I possibly admit to anyone that I’d fallen into the trap so many other women had slipped into?
'You haven't fallen into anything,' I told myself sternly. 'A kiss is a kiss. You haven't fallen in love with him, be grateful for that!'
That, at least, was a calming thought. Though at that moment, I couldn't imagine why anyone would fall in love with him. Apart from having an incredible body, there wasn't much more to him other than a raging ego and wandering hands.
“You're right,” I said, more calmly. “This is his fault. I need to chill out. Now I’d best go and find him. Maybe it won’t be as bad as I think.”
Freya gave me an encouraging smile and I stepped out of the office and made my way towards the locker room.
I wasn't sure if Radleigh had even arrived yet, but if he had, that’s where he’d be. As I approached I spotted Bryce walking down the stairs from the restaurant, coffee in hand, and heading in the same direction as me. He hadn’t changed into his training clothes yet, and his close fitting blue t-shirt hugged his muscles.
Lucky t-shirt.
“Hey, Leah. What's up?”
“I'm looking for Radleigh. Is he here yet?”
Bryce nodded. “Yeah, he's in there.” He jerked his head towards the locker room. “Want me to get him for you?”
“Yeah, I guess so.”
He chuckled. “I see you two are still getting on well.”
“Fabulously. We'll be announcing our engagement any day now.”
Bryce gave in to a fit of laughter and I smiled. “I'm sorry, I'm a little stressed today and it’s way too early to deal with McCoy.”
As if the mention of his name had summoned him, Radleigh walked out of the door. His eyes narrowed when he saw me and Bryce laughing, but he didn’t say anything. The tension was palpable as Bryce winked at me before leaving me alone with McCoy.
Alone with McCoy was the last place I wanted to be.
“Richard wants to see you in his office,” I told him. “Now.”
“You told him about Taylor.”