You may now kill the Bride

meetings

Lexi stared blankly at her computer screen, the words blurring together. She was supposed to be working on the Johnson account, but her mind kept drifting back to the night before. The feel of Reg's hands on her skin, the sound of his groan as she touched him. She couldn't shake the feeling that she'd crossed a line, that there was no going back now.

"Lexi, snap out of it," Maya's voice cut through her haze. "The board meeting is in five minutes. Are you ready for this?"

Lexi spun around, a flush rising to her cheeks. Maya stood in the doorway of her office, a knowing glint in her eye. "Yeah, I'm good," Lexi said, trying to sound casual. But Maya just raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on her lips.

"Oh, I think you're more than good," Maya teased, sauntering into the room. "I think you're sexually frustrated. When's the last time you got laid, anyway?"

Lexi laughed, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. Maya was her best friend, the one person who knew all her secrets. "None of your business," Lexi shot back, trying to sound stern. But Maya just laughed, plopping down in the chair across from Lexi's desk.

"Come on, spill," Maya said, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Did you and Reg finally...you know?"

Lexi felt a blush rise to her cheeks, but she couldn't help the smile that spread across her face. "No, we didn't," she admitted, shaking her head. "But let's just say I won't be winning any awards for self control anytime soon."

Maya let out a whoop, pumping her fist in the air. "That's my girl," she said, grinning at Lexi. "I knew you had it in you. And honestly, I'm kind of impressed. Reg doesn't seem like the type to wait for anything he wants."

Lexi raised an eyebrow, surprise flashing in her eyes. "You approve of Reg?" she asked, her voice incredulous. Maya just shrugged, a small smile playing on her lips.

"He's hot, he's rich...and he seems to really be into you," Maya said, ticking off points on her fingers. "As long as he treats you right, I say go for it. You deserve a little excitement in your life, Lexi."

Lexi felt a warmth spread through her chest at Maya's words. Maybe her friend was right. Maybe it was time she stopped playing it so safe. And as she stood, smoothing down her skirt, Lexi realized she was ready to take a chance on Reg...and see where the night might lead.

"Let's nail this meeting," she said, a determination burning in her chest. And as Maya grinned, standing beside her, Lexi knew she could face anything...as long as her best friend was by her side.

Lexi took a deep breath, squaring her shoulders as the meeting room fell silent. She could do this, she reminded herself. She had the best team, the best proposal. They were going to nail this.

But as she turned to face the room, her eyes locked on a familiar face. Jake. Her high school boyfriend, the one she'd left behind when she moved to the city. He looked older now, his boyish charm replaced with a sharp jawline and piercing blue eyes. But as their gazes met, Lexi felt a jolt of recognition. It was definitely Jake.

He gave her a small smile, a hint of warmth in his eyes. "Lexi," he said, his voice low. "It's been a while."

Lexi felt a blush rise to her cheeks, but she managed a cool smile. "Jake," she replied, trying to sound nonchalant. "I didn't know you were with Smith and Co."

Jake shrugged, a small smile playing on his lips. "I joined their team a few months ago," he said. "I'm leading their pitch today."

Lexi felt a flicker of surprise, but she pushed it aside. She could handle this, she reminded herself. She was a professional. And as Jake began his presentation, Lexi found herself getting lost in his words.

He was charming, persuasive...everything she remembered and more. His proposal was solid, his delivery flawless. Lexi felt a pang of unease, her confidence wavering. Could they really compete with this?

But as Jake finished, flashing the room a charming smile, Lexi felt a spark of determination ignite in her chest. She wasn't the same girl he'd known in high school. She was a power player now, and she had a team to prove it.

"Thank you, Jake," she said, her voice cool. "I think we're ready to present now."

Lexi turned to Maya, a smile spreading across her face. "Let's show them how it's done," she whispered. And as Maya grinned, standing beside her, Lexi knew they were in this to win it.