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BREE

The nightmare scenario of the other night—from being late to running into my ex-fiancé—wasn’t truly mortifying or

shameful until this moment when I got the whole picture. It was like the universe had made a massive joke at my expense that night, and I was only now realizing how bad it was. Dignity? Say goodbye to that, sister. It was nonexistent at this point, and good luck getting it back.

I cleared my throat, stared at Mr. Grayson, my partner—in crime and business, apparently—and I didn’t let my expression waiver.

“And now I’d like to hear a few words from my new partner, Ms. Stone,” he said.

I stood and walked to the front of the room, and I smiled at Mr. Grayson. “Lovely introduction,” I said. “Mr. Mitchell, nice to have you join us today. I understand your time is valuable, and so I’ll keep this short and sweet.”

Mr. Mitchell nodded, his deep blue eyes glistening in humor that made me think this Grayson trickster gave him more information than I wanted him to have.

“Mr. Grayson,” I leveled him with a daring smile, “I have to say, I’m beyond honored that our two companies have merged, and you and I are official now, aren’t we?”

He nodded and stared at me.

You bastard, you allowed me to fall into your little game and capitalized on me being late? I thought as the room waited for me to thumb through papers I wasn’t reading.

“Bottom line, everyone, is that I’m grateful to have such an honest man working as my new partner. He’s essentially my savior,” I said, cupping both hands together and bringing them to my heart, mocking him. “In fact, you have saved me from much more than I believe you actually comprehend.” I raised my eyebrows and smiled at him.

“Good to know.” He smiled that handsome smile I remembered when I was too dumb and buzzed to walk away after I’d seen Max.

I grinned at the executives in the room, and I cleared my throat, really trying to nail this asshole somehow. “Today, I’m proudly giving up the dreaded files of endless paperwork that I’m forever drowning in. All thanks to my lifelong partner and savior for taking on this task.” I widened my eyes and brought them to the trickster in his pristine suit. “So, thank you, Mr. Grayson. I’m beyond elated to say that I look forward to this partnership and reigniting my engineering and designing fire and passion. It’s been too long since I’ve been able to work closely with my design team. With Mr. Grayson joining us, I can do just that. With all of that said, I think you can see that I am eager to return to the second floor while Logan—” I cringed. Oh, dear God. How stupid can you be, Breanne? “Excuse me, Mr. Grayson, works with our marketers, our business development teams, and our finance department.”

I saw Mr. Mitchell covering a smile with his fist and Mr. Grayson arching an eyebrow at me.

I never faltered against Alexander’s expression, but why—of all the things adding to this shit-fest of him being my new partner—did he have to be so strikingly gorgeous?

Maybe it’s because he was actually Satan in a suit.

Alexander leaned back in his leather chair, relaxing his hands on the leather armrests. “I’ll gladly take on my duties so you can indulge in your passion, darling,” he said with a cocky smile.

I ignored that and smiled at everyone in the silent room. “That is all I have. I’m truly excited about this new direction our companies are moving in together,” I said, pulling up my files and tapping them on the table. “Any questions for Mr. Grayson or me?”

The room remained silent as to be expected. This was a merge, and they were waiting to see if they’d be keeping their jobs and continuing to work with the employees from Brooks Architectural Firm.

Truth be told, I should’ve been the one remaining silent. After behaving as I had with Alexander Grayson, I was lucky he was still okay to be the partner of a businesswoman who caved to her lame ex.

If only I could change the past instead of having to learn from it.

“I think we’re all good here.” Alexander broke the silence and was the first to stand.

The rest followed, helping to conclude our meeting.

“Theo,” I said with a smile so fake I could tell it was freaking him out, “I think you and Mr. Grayson met the night I was regretfully late to his speech.”

“We did,” Theo answered, looking at me as if I’d lost my mind. “I’m delighted we’re all off to a great start.”

While Theo and I went to leave Mr. Grayson in the care of the suit army that followed in Mr. Mitchell, I overheard Mr. Mitchell speak.

“You gave her your middle name? Jesus Christ, Alex. You—”

“I’m sorry, what?” I stopped and turned back. “Logan? That is your middle name?” I smirked.

Alexander returned my grin. “I prefer Alex,” he said.