Page 61 of My Office Rival (Keep Your Enemy Closer #2)
JASON
A nother sleepless night without her. I stared at the ceiling of my bedroom, my hands behind my head in my king-size bed. I had embarrassingly woken hard to hazy memories of her in my bed, more impressions than anything. Like a fucking teenager again.
With that, I heaved myself out of bed, my body aching with exhaustion and the endless runs I’d been going on to distract myself. I showered quickly and took the subway to the office. With each stop, I tapped my fingers on my thigh. Would Margo hear me out? Did I stand a chance with Cynthia?
I strode down the office hall, and associates scurried out of my way.
My face was set and my steps filled with purpose.
I told Angela to hold my calls and dropped into my chair.
I hadn’t missed this office while we’d been in Booth.
Huh. That was weird. I really hadn’t minded being in Booth by the end.
Because she was with you . Anticipation was a rush of blood. I could do this.
At 10:03 a.m., I dialed Margo’s number. She picked up on the third ring.
“Margo Clarke.”
“Margo, it’s Jason Elliot at Covingly. I worked with Cynthia on the Argan deal.” My voice sounded damnably nervous. I dug my fingers into my palm.
“I know who you are,” she said in a cool voice. My stomach dipped. That was not promising.
“I need a favor,” I replied. Better to get it out now.
“Why the hell would I do you a favor?” Her voice was hard. I heard a man’s low rumble in the background and then scratching at the receiver.
“It’s the guy from Cynthia’s deal.” Margo’s voice was muffled and I couldn’t hear the response. “I don’t know what he wants, but I’m about to hang up on his ass.”
“Please don’t hang up,” I begged. I wasn’t above it.
“He’s begging me,” Margo said to the unknown man. She sounded amused and I nearly growled into the phone. “Fine, I’ll give him a chance.” She sighed.
“What do you want?”
“I want another chance with her, and I need your help. I’m in love with her. I want her back. I’ll do anything.” My voice broke on the last words, and Margo sucked in a breath.
“Okay, I’ll bite. Against my better judgment, mind you. What do you need?”
“I need to know where she’s going to live in Texas. Can you help me?” I didn’t breathe while I waited for her answer. Was she relishing making me wait? Her typing while I waited said she was.
“Are you doing work right now?”
“I’m actually just typing ‘fuck Jason Elliott’ over and over again while I make you squirm. Is it working? ”
“Yes,” I bit out. “I can see why you and Cynthia are friends,” I muttered, and she strangled a laugh.
“Stop tormenting the poor bastard,” the man’s muffled voice interjected.
“Fine, I’ll email you the addresses. She has two showings. I’ll send the times too.”
“Send them now. Before you hang up. And believe me, I’m going to check if they’re real.” I was not letting her off the hook.
“You’re smarter than I thought.” She laughed. “Though your behavior indicates otherwise.”
A minute later, my email pinged. I typed the addresses into Google. Real. I slumped against the chair, adrenaline draining out of me.
“Thank you, Margo.”
“Don’t thank me. Thank my idiot boyfriend. He seems to have a soft spot for men with broken hearts.” I heard the man say “fuck,” and she laughed.
“Any advice for me?” I needed any ammunition I could get.
“Smart. Just because you asked…” She paused. “Be prepared to grovel.”
“I will.”
We hung up, and I scrubbed a hand over my face. The first showing was tomorrow at one p.m. I needed a plane ticket to Texas. I scrambled for my phone.