Page 114 of King of Pain

“I’m notnotthrilled. Just… we’ll see.”

Jen studies me. “Why haven’t you kissed anyone yet? You were literally a split second away from your first kiss. Don’t you want to experience that?”

“Don’t remind me.”

I exhale deeply and meet her eyes. “I try, Jen. I go on these dates, and I try to give them a fair shake. I ask about their passions, their dreams, their goals. It’s always just… gray.I had something once—someone who felt like the entire spectrum of color, vibrant and alive in the palm of my hand. He was aburst of light, something electric, something more. And then he vanished. Now everyone else pales in comparison. He wrecked me, and he never even kissed me. I can’t kiss just anybody after that. It was always supposed to behim.”

Jen drops her chopsticks. “Jesus. Seriously, how are you single? That was beautiful, Anthony.”

I shrug and she rubs my back gently. “It’ll happen for you. You’re too good. Just don’t be afraid to open yourself up to possibilities.”

I sigh. “Yeah, that’s what my therapist says too.”

Jen gives me a warm smile. “I’m glad you stuck with therapy. I can see the difference in you. It’s like this buried confidence started blooming. I’m proud of you, friend.”

I bump her shoulder gently in thanks, the weight of her words settling in my chest.

Then the elevator dings.

I look toward the hallway just as the doors slide open—and there’s Meg, stepping out.

With Jason Ciccone right behind her.

“Oh crap, they’re here.”

Jen’s head swivels. “What? Who?”

“Meg. And the hot pro baseball pitcher. And they’re coming right for us.”

Jen whispers, “Interesting.”

I barely manage to shove the last of our lunch into the trash and straighten myself before Meg and Jason are nearing. Meg leads the way, her stride purposeful, the kind of walk that demands attention. Power and confidence exude from her tall, athletic frame as she commands the space. The pinstriped suit she wears is sharp, tailored to perfection, and the white Jimmy Choos only add to the overall effect. Her jet-black hair is pulled back into a sleek ponytail, no-nonsense but elegant, just like her.

I pop up from my seat as she reaches me. “Afternoon, Meg.”

Meg smiles and nods. “Anthony, this is Jason Ciccone. As you’re aware, Jason is our newest star athlete.” My gaze shifts to the man standing next to my boss and I quickly wipe my palms on my pants. “Jason, Anthony Pacini is my First Assistant, well on his way to Jr. Agent. He's been working your file since before you signed. You can come to him with anything you need.”

Jason takes my hand, his grip firm, controlled. His gaze sweeps over me, slow and assessing, like he's cataloging every inch. I try not to squirm under the weight of it.

“Good to meet you, Anthony. I look forward to coming to you with all my needs. Will you be joining us in the conference room?” His voice is smooth, deep and confident.

I swallow quickly, my throat suddenly dry. “Nice to meet you too, Jas... uh, sir. Yes, I'll be there if Meg needs me to.”

Jason’s mouth quirks in amusement. “Please, call me Jason.” His heated gaze lingers, making my stomach twist in a way I absolutely willnotacknowledge.

I feel an elbow jab my side. “Yeah, uh, sorry—this is Jennifer Clark. Jen is Jr. Counsel over at Bowen, Saxon & Finley. She's also my best friend, and we were just finishing up here.”

“Meg Evers. Nice to meet you, Jen.” She extends a firm handshake, her gaze direct and assessing. “BSF is not an easy firm to get in with. You must be very talented to have caught their attention. If you ever want to think about working exclusively with professional athlete clients, my door is open for that conversation.”

For the first time perhaps ever, Jen is nearly speechless. She stumbles over her words. “Thank-thank you. I'll keep that in mind.”

Meg gives a satisfied nod, then turns back to me. “I'm giving Jason the grand tour, then we'll be discussing a few things before we get to sponsor contracts. I'll buzz you when we start diving in.”

I nod quickly. “Sounds great. Legal sent over their redlines and I’ve completed the M&P review. I'll bring the summaries.”

With that, Meg and Jason move on, heading toward the offices in the back. The moment they’re out of earshot, Jen drops into a chair, eyes wide.

“Holy shit.”