Silent No More(66)

“Mister Lockhart,” she emphasizes the mister confirming that she doesn’t know about our relationship, “trusts my judgment. I’ve been doing this for many years. I know what needs to be done, and I know when to make tough decisions. I’m not trying to upset you. I’m trying to steer you in the right direction with your book.”

“Those photos are art and I want them in the published version of the book,” I say, crossing my arms over my chest. I will stand firm on this.

“Shannon, our contract states both parties must be in agreement to move forward with publication. I’m not in agreement with these pictures. Do you see what it looks like to have photos of buildings being defaced next to a photo of a saint?”

“No, I guess I don’t see your point here,” I reply a little louder than I intended as I uncross my arms and begin to stand. “Perhaps we should terminate the contract if you aren’t going to publish it as is?”

“What is going on in here?” I hear a deep and strong masculine voice. It’s a voice I’m all too familiar with. It’s a voice I can’t get enough of. Nick. My Nick.

Teresa plasters on a fake smile while rolling her shoulders back to enhance her cleavage. Really? Doesn’t this chick know they can be seen without her poking her chest out? I roll my eyes, realizing what she is doing. She has a thing for Nick. It’s so obvious.

“I asked a question,” Nick says as he walks further into the office.

“I’m glad you stopped by. I’m sure you remember Miss Taylor,” she says, gesturing to me. “She and I are having a disagreement. Perhaps you can help me.”

“What’s the problem?” he asks, pointing the question at me. Before I can answer him, Teresa speaks up.

“I’m trying to explain to Miss Taylor that these photos don’t belong in her book. I’ve asked her to replace them with better photos,” she tells Nick as she is closing my portfolio and standing up.

“If Shannon wants those photos in there, then they stay. If there aren’t any other problems, go ahead and send it off to publication.” He turns to look at me with a smile. His smile fades when Teresa speaks again.

“Nicholas, did you not see the photos?”

“I’ve seen every photo in there. Teresa, don’t make me repeat myself. Now, is this meeting over?” he asks her. She looks a little stunned, like she isn’t used to him disagreeing with her.

“Yes.” She crosses her arms over her chest, only emphasizing her breasts even more.

“Good.” Nick’s smile is back in place as he’s looks at me. “I’m taking you to lunch. Where do you want to eat?” he asks me.

“You’re taking a client out to lunch? Since when do you do that, Nicholas?” I look over, noticing Teresa has stood up and is placing her hands on her hips.

“No, Teresa, I’m not taking a client out to lunch. I’m taking my girlfriend out to lunch.” Her jaw falls open and I smile. Yeah, bitch, he’s mine.

Nick takes my hand, pulling me out of her office. My mood has drastically changed in the last few minutes. “So where does my beautiful woman want to eat lunch?”

“Mint,” I say quickly. “Nikki and I are meeting at Serenity at noon. Do you mind if I invite her to lunch with us?”

“Of course not. I’ll shoot her a text to meet us there.” He takes his phone out of his pocket.





FIFTEEN





“So, do you know Nick’s VP, Teresa Matthews?” I ask Nikki while I’m laid out naked on a massage table with only a towel covering my ass. Nikki is in the same position next to me.

“Yeah, I've met her a handful of times. Why?”

“I don’t think I like her,” I admit.

“Honey, are you the jealous type?” she teases.

“I don’t know, maybe. I’ve never been before, but there is something about her that rubs me the wrong way. I mean, it’s obvious she has a thing for Nick, but…” I trail off, not sure what I’m really trying to say. Maybe I am being the jealous girlfriend type. I don’t want to be the jealous type at all.

Nikki is quiet so I turn my head in her direction. She is looking at me and biting her bottom lip, like she’s trying to stop herself from speaking. “What?” I ask.

She releases her lip and takes a large breath of air. When she exhales, she says, “I’m not sure if I should tell you this, but…” she stops scrunching her eyebrows together.

“Spit it out. You can’t say that and then not spill,” I tell her.

“Nick got really drunk at his office Christmas party last year and fucked her.” She is biting into her lip again like she’s bracing herself, wondering how I’m going to take this news.