Page 135 of Point of Contention

Pride and strength bloomed in my chest, filling me, preparing me for what I was about to face upstairs.

She slipped her hand into mine and gave it a squeeze. “You’re mine. Might as well make a show of it.”

I chuckled as we entered the lobby of Reed Tower.

And we certainly did make a show of it as all eyes turned toward us. Conversations dropped to low murmurs, then ended completely.

The only sound heard through the lobby was the click of Rylan’s heels as we strode to the private elevator.

She kept her hand in mine and her head held high while we waited for the elevator, but her palm was clammy, her hand tense.

As soon as the doors opened, she stepped inside, then I followed her, quickly pressing the button for seventy-three. I spun toward her and wrapped her in my arms, dipping her backwards before she could fight me, then I took advantage of that sexy gasp and slanted my mouth over hers.

The elevator closed and she slapped at my arm, but I didn’t relent.

First, it had been a performance, kissing her so publicly.

But now, now I just needed to feel her. Taste her. Get my fill of her sweet mouth so I could go up to that seventy-fifth floor and be the man she deserved.

I kissed her all the way to the top of Reed Tower, and when the doors opened onto the seventy-third floor, I straightened, holding her steady as her legs wobbled.

She looked up at me with hooded, lust-drunk eyes, lips red and swollen from the intensity of that kiss.

Smirking, I said, “You don’t want to be late, Ms. Blake.”

Sighing happily, she shook her head, then stepped out of my arms, smoothing her hair as she left me.

Then the doors closed and I shut my eyes, taking this brief moment to brace myself.

My father wouldn’t blindside me today. Instead, I would blindside him.

I was calmer than I had been in some time.

In control again, of all facets of my life that mattered.

I was loved by an incredible woman and, with her support, I was about to do what I should have been focused on all along.

And in doing so, I would make my mother proud.

Everything about this moment felt right.

I was on solid ground both professionally and personally.

As I strode past the empty front desk, the new executive assistant—Melissa, I believe—met me at the door of the conference room, pushing a tray of coffee and pastries.

“Good morning, Mr. Reed. May I fix you a coffee?” She looked up at me, smiling brightly. She was one of Rylan’s friends, and though I loathed getting used to new assistants and all the kinks that came with the process, this one didn’t bother me like the handful of temps I’d scared off in recent weeks. She hadn’t fucked up yet, and she came with high regard from the execs in my romance imprint, so I had high hopes for the girl. Plus, if Rylan liked her, I’d give her a chance.

“Black.”

She inclined her head, then poured me a cup of coffee, placing it on a saucer before she set it down in front of me.

“Thank you, Melissa,” I said.

“Um…” She paused, dropping her gaze. “It’s Marisa.”

“Oh.”Well, shit.“Apologies, Marisa.”

She nodded, then quickly turned and headed for the door.