Lexi cautiously asked a few questions. “What does she want?”

“To talk to Julian about the new campaign.”

“But you don’t even know what campaign you’re using yet.”

“She claims to be very versatile and can pull off whatever look we need. I’ve ignored her until now. Who is she, and how does Vincent know her?”

Christina put her ear to the phone and laughed. “She’s screaming at me to get back on the phone.”

“She’s, um, kinda his girlfriend.”

“Kinda?” Christina asked, her interest piqued.

“Well, she is his girlfriend.”

“Oh, and he wants her to be in the campaign?” Christina eyed Lexi suspiciously.

“God, no! I mean, we didn’t talk about it, but he isn’t designing this ad so Jade can star in it if that’s what you’re wondering.”

“Good, because that wouldn’t fly.” Christina put her ear back to the phone and said in a professional, but patronizing tone, “I’ll be right with you, honey.” Christina snickered when Jade began squawking again.

“What do we do now?” Christina asked.

Lexi thought about it, and no matter what, this wasn’t going to end well. Either Jade would talk to Julian and blow the presentation, or someone would have to tell Jade to take a hike and deal with the fallout. Given the people present in the room, Lexi was the only one for the job.

“Give me the phone.”

“Are you sure? She’s got fangs, this one.”

“It’s the talons you have to watch out for with her.” Lexi grabbed the phone from Christina and took a deep breath. “Jade.”

“Who the hell is this?” she snapped.

“It’s Lexi.”

“Why am I talking to you? And what the hell are you doing at Julian Stone’s studio?”

“Jade, we only have a few minutes. Would you like to tell me what you’re doing, calling a client and offering your services while you throw Vincent’s name around? Do you know how this will look to Julian if he knows you called right before the presentation? Or after?” Lexi was shaking she was so mad. “Vincent worked his tail off for this.”

“Don’t you dare tell me about Vincent, you little witch! I think I know Vincent better than you ever will. Put Stone’s assistant back on the phone,” Jade screeched.

“No. He and Vincent—” Lexi took a calming breath when Jade interrupted.

“Screw you!”

“Listen, Vincent doesn’t need this headache.”

“Stop saying his name!”

“Jade, calm down, you might break a nail.”

“Calm down? Oh, I’m calm. I’ll be even calmer when Vincent finally fires you.”

“If he fires me over this, then so be it. But I’m not going to let you ruin this presentation for him.” Christina gave Lexi a high five of encouragement.

“Look at you. Protecting Vincent, how sweet. What do you think he needs protecting from? Me? Or better yet, do you think he needs anything from you?”

“He’s quite capable of taking care of himself.”

A light bulb must have suddenly gone off in Jade’s twisted head. “You like him. Why didn’t I see this before? You have a crush on him! Silly girl.

Vincent’s a powerful man with influential, cultured friends. He would never want a simple girl like you on his arm. You don’t fit in with him or his life.

Quit dreaming,” Jade cackled into the phone.

“This conversation is over, Jade. You’re irrational and obviously missed a dose of your happy pills, so I’m going to let whatever you were ranting about slide this time. But if you ever talk to me like that again, I’m not going to bite my tongue, and I’ll let you know exactly what I think of you.”

“How dare you!”

“No, how dare you. How dare you talk to me that way. How dare you try and use your relationship with Vincent to get yourself a job even if it means ruining his chance at a campaign. You’re just plain cruel.” Christina jumped up and down with glee at Lexi’s tirade while Jade was stunned into silence. Lexi seized the opening to drive the final stake through her dead, shriveled heart. “Now, go smile pretty for the camera or whatever it is you do.” She dropped her voice lower until it was almost a purr. “And don’t worry. I’ll take good care of Vincent while you’re gone.”

As the receiver slammed down, Christina lunged at Lexi and hugged her tight. “That was awesome! Remind me not to piss you off.”

Lexi sank into the nearest chair and clasped her hands together so that Christina wouldn’t see how badly she was shaking. She may have won that one, small battle with Jade, but in doing so, she had just started a war of epic proportions. And it was a war she stood no chance of winning.

“That was such a bad idea,” Lexi said as she tilted her head back and stared at the ceiling.

“What was a bad idea?” Vincent asked as he strolled through the door, Julian and his two friends right behind him.

Lexi gave Christina a warning look to keep her mouth shut about what had just happened. She wanted Vincent to get through the presentation before he found out about Jade’s asinine behavior. “Not eating something before I came here. I was a little light headed, but I’m much better now.”

Vincent came over with a concerned expression and stood beside her chair. “You sure you’re okay? You do look a little pale.” He stroked slowly along her arm, making every place he touched tingle.

“I’m good.” Lexi stood up so Vincent wouldn’t notice the blush that suddenly rushed into her cheeks.

“Vincent, Lexi, can I get you anything before I leave? Water, coffee, juice?” Christina interrupted as Julian, Sal, and Peter took their seats at the far end of the enormous glass conference table, their hands immediately digging into the bowl of candy that sat there.

Lexi shook her head no while Vincent offered a quick “No thanks.” He went to the front of the room and stood where the PowerPoint presentation was being projected onto the wall.

“Have a good meeting.” Christina winked at Vincent and made her way to the door.

“Tina, you wanna stay?” Julian asked, motioning to the chair beside him.

“No, I’ve got some work to do. I’ll hold your calls so you aren’t interrupted.” She cast a sly glance to Lexi, who smiled in appreciation and passed out presentation packets to the men.




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