The Arrangement

Chapter 17

Enjoy my lovelies, I'm back to working close to 100 hours a week again, so for the next month or so, updates to anything may be sparse, but this one was about 6 pages on word so I hope you enjoy.

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Chapter 17

I woke up to a massive headache. Then I remembered last night. I hadn't cried like that in I don't know how long. I couldn't believe how I'd let myself cry in front of someone in the first place.

"Good morning," Trent whispered as he pulled me closer to him.

He had held me until I fell into an uneasy, dreamless sleep. "Good morning. What time is it?" I murmured as I fumbled for my glasses.

"Almost seven,"

"Seriously!" I jumped out of bed. I was late!

"Relax Mikaela,"

"No! I'm late!" I ran to my closet and pulled out a pair of jeans and a shirt that I didn't much care about. It was a tank day and I'd be wearing a wet suit most of the day anyway. I threw my hair back in a pony tail to tame it as best I could and rushed into the bathroom to change. I brushed my teeth and was ready to go. "Bye Trent!" I called as I ran out the door. I hopped into my car and drove as fast as the Atlanta traffic would allow. I walked in like I owned the place. It was the best way to not get caught. If you act guilty or try sneaking in, you draw more attention.

I threw my stuff in my office and went down to check on my team. "Hey look, our fearless leader is finally here." Jason teased as he elbowed me with a wink.

"Shut up ." I rolled my eyes.

"Don't mind him," Meri laughed. "So, there's been some updates from Santi and the team in Mexico."

"Really?"

"Yeah, we've got a conference call at eleven."

"Perfect. Meri, please tell me that these are good updates."

"Yes, very good."

"Great."

"Why were you late?" Rory sulked. "Late night?"

I glared at him. "You know very well it was. I don't appreciate the insinuation."

"What happened?" Meri asked.

"Doesn't matter." I shot out. "Rory, you and I need to talk. My office. Now."

I stomped to my office with Rory sulking behind me. I slammed the door behind us and crossed my arms and started to tap my foot. Enough was enough.

"Mikaela, I've never seen you so annoyed."

"No Rory, I'm not annoyed. I'm pissed. I can't freaking handle all the drama that has happened and is coming from you. It's not like you to stir the pot. I don't know what you're trying to prove or who you're trying to prove it to, but if you're trying to do something to impress me, you're failing. Miserably."

"Kae," Rory started, an exasperated look on his face. "Shit," Rory sighed after a long moment.

"Rory, talk to me. Be honest with me. What are you hiding?"

"I guess, I just don't understand how someone like you could fall for someone like him."

"Fall for him? You've got to be kidding me!"

"That you don't even realizes it is what really scares me."

"Rory, for as smart as you are, you sure are an idiot."