Page 41 of Turn Me On
Then my phone beeps. When Maddox’s name pops up, I click so fast.
Maddox:Didn’t mean to keep you waiting. The meeting was pushed back till tomorrow. I just found out an hour ago and was about to let you know. Priyam had to take his granddaughter to a rehearsal for her school play.
Whew. That’s good to know. I tap out a reply and shed a little more of my annoyance.
Zane:That’s adorable. Almost as cute as this…
I attach the pic of my niece, then add,My brother’s kid.
Maddox:That is the cutest!
Zane:Anyway, thanks for the update. I was, I admit, about to lose my mind.
Maddox:Shoot. I’m sorry, Zane. I should have messaged you sooner. It’s been crazy here, but that’s no excuse. I never want to worry you or leave you hanging.
Zane:Nah, it’s me. You’re all good, man.
Maddox:You sure? Is there anything I can do?
Damn, he’s sweet. The guy loves to solve problems. But there’s nothing to do. The problem is me.
Zane:Nope. Sometimes I’m an impatient, demanding fucker. Case in point—I was impatient last night in my last at-bat. Lot of good that did.
Maddox:I saw some of the game. You didn’t seem like yourself. Try your best to leave that behind—it starts all over tomorrow. Best thing about baseball is all the chances it gives you.
I smile since I was just thinking the same thing. We’re on the same wavelength.
Zane:You’re a baseball philosopher.
Maddox:Don’t tell my other clients, but baseball is my favorite.
Zane:It’ll be our little secret.
Maddox:That works for me. And listen, Zane? Try not to worry about Bespoke either. I’ve got this handled. I’ve done my research. I’ve reviewed his proposal. I’ve made a great pitch. I don’t like to make false promises, but I feel damn good.
I breathe a little easier. Actually,a loteasier.
Zane:Like I told my niece, you’re a rock star.
Maddox:I’m blushing.
Mmm. Bet he looks good blushing. But I don’t say that. And I don’t send another selfie. The safe zone’s not a bad place to be, since I like shooting the breeze with him. Flirting is fuck-all awesome, but so is talking to him. Well, texting.
Zane:Did the change screw with your schedule? I hope you have plenty to do there. I’m sure you’ve been up since five-thirty to run ten miles and draft a fifty-page contract before noon. Then, go to your meeting with the Queen to seal a new branding deal for…rubies or something.
Maddox:Please, the deal was for diamonds.
Zane:But five-thirty and the other stuff was right?
Maddox:I like to exercise every morning. I bet you do too. Pot, kettle.
Zane:Love exercise. All forms of it.
Okay, fine. That was a little flirty. But I’m no saint. Especially with him.
Maddox:No doubt you do. Same here.
Ah, and he’s a little flirty too. I tap out a reply.