Betting on Bailey

Sebastian looks puzzled. “I know you are going to Argentina. Why does it matter? Are you not allowed to fly home for an occasional weekend?”

I gape at him. “How do you know about my trip?”

Daniel clears his throat. “I told him,” he says. “I didn’t realize it was a secret. Your department chair mentioned it to me during one of the meetings we had to discuss the Hartman endowment.”

Of course. “It’s your business to know things, right?” My tone comes out bitter.

“Bailey,” Daniel mutters. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you. Yes, it’s a long journey and we won’t be able to see each other as often as we are able to now. But surely you didn’t think that would mean the end of our relationship?” He grimaces. “You are looking at two fellow workaholics.” His fingers link in mine.

“You’re okay? There’s no need to pick between Patagonia and you?”

“Why on earth?” Daniel asks. “Wait. This was a concern in a previous relationship?”

I nod. “In Siberia,” I confess. “I didn’t want to end things with Ivan, but he couldn’t contemplate the idea of a long-distance relationship, and he wouldn’t consider moving. It was very clear that my only option, if I wanted to stay with him, was to give up my career.”

“We aren’t him.” Sebastian’s voice is steady. “I let my past go this week, Bailey. Can you do the same?”

Juliette’s still glaring at us. Earlier this evening, in my apartment, I told Sebastian to be careful of her, but now, I’m the one not listening to my own words, because I’ve suddenly seen hope. This doesn’t have to end. I don’t have to choose between a relationship and my career. I can have both.

A waiter carrying a tray of champagne passes by, and I flag him down. He sees Daniel standing next to me and immediately beelines toward us. “A toast?” I suggest, lifting my glass of champagne in the air. “To a future, rich with possibilities?”

We drink to that, and Daniel waves the waiter away. “I’m more interested,” he whispers with a wicked gleam in his eyes, “in the very immediate future. Once Cyrus is done with his speech, shall we head out of here?”

My pussy is slick with desire. “I thought you’d never ask.”

34

You know you’re in love when you can’t fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.

Dr. Seuss

Daniel:

I find Cyrus before I head out. He’s been avoiding me in the office, and he’s dragging his feet on keeping me updated on the Kansas City deal. “You didn’t return my call,” I tell him pointedly. “Where are we with Ryan Communications?”

“I’m working on it,” he replies evasively. “If there’s any news, I’ll let you know.”

No. I’m his boss. He might have been my mentor once, and I might have needed his guidance in the early days. But no more, and this shit isn’t going to cut it. “You’re out of time, Cyrus,” I tell him flatly. “I warned you about this. You had three weeks to get the Ryan Communications deal done, and I’ve seen nothing.” I exhale and paste a bland smile on my face as a group of people from Operations walks by. Once they are out of hearing range, I continue. “On Monday morning, I’m going to ask for your resignation.”

“You can’t do that,” he blusters. “You think the board’s going to allow you to get rid of me?”

“I have the votes I need.” My voice is confident. “You don’t think I’d threaten you if I can’t back it up, do you?” I shake my head. “You better hope that Wayne Ryan is willing to work the weekend, Cyrus. Because Monday morning, I want to see one of two pieces of paper on my desk. Either a deal waiting for me to sign, or your letter of resignation.”

Not waiting for him to respond, I turn and walk away.

I’ve made my move. It’s time for Cyrus to make his.

* * *

“What was that about?” Bailey asks in the car as we drive back to my place. “You were glaring at Cyrus.”