Of Course, It's You

Chapter 10

HANNAH

Carmen was absolutely stunning in her pantsuit. Jules hadn't lied. It looked as if it had been tailored to her exact measurements, because every seam hugged her frame like she had been born with it.

Hannah's voice caught. "Hi," she said, foolishly breathless.

Carmen's lips curved into a polite, practiced smile–one that didn't reach her eyes. "Miss Nelson," she said, voice smooth and cool like glass.

So impeccably formal, it could slice skin.

Hannah glanced around and noticed Carmen stood alone. "Small world."

Carmen merely hummed as she took the water Rhonda offered her. Rhonda, every the silent observer, flicked her eyes between the two women before tossing a wink Hannah's way. Hannah scowled and waved her off. Not today.

What cosmic joke had landed her here, again, within arm's reach of the woman she'd tangled with, literally, without knowing she was the damn owner of the company?

"Miss Nelson, I believe we need to have a chat."

Hannah gestured to the table where her things were scattered unceremoniously. Carmen followed and stopped short, head tilted in disapproval.

"Is this where you typically conduct business? Or just where you unwind between...engagements?" she asked, voiced clipped.

Hannah half-laughed, gathering her things to make space. "This is work. So, probably not what you're thinking."

"And what am I thinking?"

"It kind of sounded like you thought I was drinking on the job."

Carmen's eyes flicked to the glass beside her

"Sweet tea," Hannah added. "Not that I think you'll believe me, but you can ask Rhonda. Or try it yourself. It's not like we haven't already–" she bit her tongue. Jesus. Shut up.

Carmen said nothing. Her face was locked in an unreadable expression. Something that was probably perfected over the years of boardrooms and people trying to impress her.

"So," Hannah ventured, trying to lighten the mood. "Why are you in a bar mid-day? I'm sure you have a bunch of meetings lined up for your second day."

Carmen turned that piercing gaze back on her. "Miss Nelson."

"You can call me Hannah."

"We are not on a first-name basis." Carmen snapped, voice low and rasping like a wet stone to a blade.

"O-okay." Hannah nodded quickly. "Just a suggestion. 'Miss Nelson' reminds me of my mother. Didn't mean anything by it."

Carmen's expression tightened even further. "My name is on every letterhead for this company. That will never change. And I will not let someone like you destroy what I've built here, regardless of how good you might be at your job."

Destroy what I've built? What the hell was she talking about?

"I'm sorry– what exactly are we discussing?"

"Let me be clear, since you seem incapable of following basic directions–"

"Excuse me?" Hannah crossed her arms.

"I do not appreciate being interrupted." Carmen leaned forward, eyes narrowed. "Let me finish. As I was saying, whatever happened at that wedding? Didn't. And if I hear it mentioned, even once, I will report you. It won't be messy. It will be swift."