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The elevator doors close and trap us alone together for the first time in over a year. I cock a grin at Portia James, taking yet another moment to admire how good she looks. If at all possible, she’s grown even more beautiful.

More poised and elegant in her simple sage-green wrap dress.

She strut down the corridor in high heels like she was walking a runway. She carried herself like a queen without even realizing it.

There was an effortless spark about her that I’ve found entrancing from the second she appeared on my TV screen years ago.

“It looks like we’ll be going down together, Ms. James,” I say. “Perfect opportunity for us to talk.”

Her eyes narrow, burning with contempt. “Who says I want to speak to you? Get off this elevator.”

“I would like a word.”

“I don’t care what you would like. Excuse me.” She nudges past me to smash the button for the next floor.

She wants off the elevator.

“What are you doing?” I ask.

“Getting off this elevator!”

“I said I would like to talk.”

“And I said fuck off!”

My head tilts to the side. “You’re angry with me.”

The elevator dings reaching the fourth floor. The doors slide open and a man moves to step on. I pin him with a menacing look and say, “This elevator is full. Take the next one.”

I press the button to close the doors as Portia swats at my hand.

“I want off!”

“After we speak,” I say. “There’s a lot we need to talk about. You walked out of the meeting.”

“Is this what it’s come to? You’re harassing me inside an elevator?”

“We can go for a walk if you like. Or a ride. My car is outside?—”

Her features twist in offense. “I’m not going anywhere with you!”

“Then we’ll stay in this elevator and talk. You look beautiful today.”

“You can’t be this tone deaf.” She releases a dry laugh with a shake of her head and then brings a hand up to her brow. “You really think it’s alright to show up like this? What are you doing here, Rafael?”

“You heard in the meeting. I’m buying Newport Metro News.”

“For what reason other than to be a dick?”

“I explained upstairs. The station has a lot of potential.”

“Cut the crap, Rafael! This is some… some ploy of yours. I saw how you were looking at me in the meeting,” she says, her brown skin flushing with heat.

I canfeelit. She’s upset.

Pissed.

Rightfully so.