But I hadn’t. I really hadn’t. I sighed into the phone, “Look, I have to go. Can we talk about this later?”
“No, that’s the thing. We’re flying back now. We’re on his jet with him. He’s being nice, Emma. And he said that he wants to treat us tonight. I’m calling you to tell you to get your cute butt all dressed and sexified. We’re going to Octave tonight, and we’re going to be with the owner. Can you imagine what perks go with that? It’s awesome enough just when Noah and I go there because Noah knows him, but actually being with the owner?! I’m really excited. And Brianna’s going to be there too. We already asked. He promoted her once he found out that she was working there. I’m not sure what she does, but Noah’s okay with her working there now. Obviously, your boyfriend did that for him.”
“Stop calling him my boyf
riend.”
She grew quiet on her end, but the elevator opened on mine. I stepped out and headed towards my back exit. When the door opened and I slid into the backseat, Mike was next to me. He gave a small wave.
“I’m sorry,” I groaned into the phone. “I’m irritated with him, not you. I shouldn’t take it out on you.”
“Oh. Well. You’re still going to Octave tonight, right? Even if you’re mad at him, you’ll still go? Pleaseee?”
I grinned at how eager she was. “Yes, I’ll go for you.”
“And for him,” she whispered into the phone. “Even if you’re pissed right now, imagine the hot make-up sex. That man if one fine specimen, Emma. I know I should hate him. I used to, but I can’t deny the sex appeal of that man, not one bit. If I wasn’t so used to Noah and how attractive he is, I would’ve reacted the same way as Allison. Good thing I’ve got some immunity built up, huh?”
“You’re horrible.”
She laughed, “Just happy that you’re back on the team again. Noah already told me that he’s going to promote us both. He really doesn’t want Mr. Hudson to get the benefits from this account so he’s moving you above him. Mr. Hudson is going to be your assistant. You’re the Head of Project Promotions now. Congratulations!”
“What?”
There was a grumble on her end before she rushed out, “Sorry. I wasn’t supposed to tell you that. It was a surprise for tonight, but dress sexy. Tonight will be so much fun. I promise!” Then I heard her say, “Shut it, Noah. If I hadn’t said anything, she might not have come out…I don’t care…” Her voice grew clear again. “I’ll see you later, Emma. See you tonight!”
It wasn’t long until my phone lit up again. This time it was Carter.
I answered, “Calling to do damage control?”
He sighed, “No, but now I am. You’re angry with me?”
“Were you sitting right next to her?”
“I’m in the back of the jet. They’re in the front.”
“But how did you—”
“I had the intercom open on her end. I could hear everything she said to you.”
He didn’t even sound apologetic. “You were eavesdropping on her.”
“Yes, I was. And I’ll do it again and again when it comes to you. I’m starting to realize that you have no idea the lengths I have gone and will go for you.”
I shut up and sat back. Then I surrendered, “You weren’t in New York for me.”
“No, I wasn’t, but I was in Chicago because of you, for you. I was in New York today for a friend of mine that asked me a long time ago to buy into his hotel so he could start up his idea. It was a good proposal and I invested. It was smart on my part, one of the first decisions I did independent from those my reputation associates me with. That decision and that money have allowed me to further expand and I am very close to becoming fully independent of those previous associates. Are you understanding me?”
I gulped. Oh yes. I was following along. I was suddenly a starving person given their first morsel of food in months. I was hungry for more. “You’re coming back with them?”
“I’m coming straight to you.”
Desire lit inside of me. The flame grew to a fire. “Hurry.”
“I am.” The raw need in his voice had me breathing hard. “Are you still angry with me?”
I grimaced. “I was never angry at you, not really.”
“Good.”