Snapped. Christine d'Abo

wanted to have the chance to talk to you about the design contract.”

      My mind raced back over the past hour and I hoped I hadn’t done or said anything that would hurt our chances. “So nice to meet both of you. Mr. Warner, I was planning on visiting you right after we were done here, so I’m thrilled you were able to make it down. I’m looking forward to being able to show you what our company can offer Reality Life on the design front.”

      Ms. Young nodded and I could tell I was being sized up. “We were very impressed with what you and Ms. Holbrook did with the shelter up in Toronto. Though I have to admit, I’m concerned that what we have in mind from a corporate perspective might be a bit much for such a small company to take on.”

      Rather than feeling intimidated by her comments, my body relaxed and I slipped into the zone. This wasn’t my first time starting out as the underdog and I had no doubt it wouldn’t be my last. I launched into my elevator pitch, outlining the key design points that Sophia had made me memorize before leaving. Short, sweet and a clean enough tease to make sure I had them hooked.

      As I spoke, Reid stepped up beside me, which was a challenge to my attention.

      “Of course I’ll save the details for our meeting later this week.”

      Mr. Warner shook my hand, but his face remained impassive. “There is stiff competition for the contract. We’re looking for someone not only with a solid business plan but excitement for the job.”

      “We definitely have that.” I gave him a small smile, but it wasn’t returned.

      The air might as well have been sucked from the room as they left. Shit, this was our big opportunity. Yes, business had been better since Impact Load aired, but we were currently getting smaller jobs, nothing that was going to keep us afloat and allow us to grow the business. We needed employees, people who could help Sophia with the hands-on jobs while I worked with the business side. Not to mention our loans were getting close to coming due. We’d taken out a lot of money to help bankroll our setup and the time was coming when we’d have to start making payments.

      Brian looked down at his feet. “Well, that could have gone better.”

      “I’ve spent a lot of time on this proposal. The numbers will work in our favor.”

      “I’m sure you’ll turn it around.” Brian headed toward the door. “Reid, want to grab your camera and meet me downstairs in twenty? We can head over to the site and look at setup shots.”

      “Yeah, I have my bag with me. I’ll grab it and meet you down there.” Reid waited for Brian to leave before he said anything else. “That was tense.”

      I punched him in the arm. “You’re an asshole.”

      “What the hell?” He rubbed the spot where my fist had connected.

      “I should ask you the same thing. Were you trying to distract me, coming up beside me like that? We need this contract more than I need to be a judge on the show.”

      “Jesus, I didn’t do a thing. Is that why you’re acting like a tight-ass?”

      “I’m not a tight-ass.”

      Reid pinched the bridge of his nose. “Of course not.”

      The attraction I’d been feeling for him was starting to wane. “I’m a professional running a business. I’ve grown up. Have you?”

      The smile slipped from his face. “Yes.”

      “If that’s true, then you should be able to appreciate my position. This is my livelihood. I’m here to do a job and I plan on doing the best possible.”

      “You will.” Reid walked past me at that point, his body grazing the side of mine. “You always knew how to look after yourself.”

      “What the hell’s that supposed to mean?”

      “Exactly what it sounds like. You preferred to be on your own.”

      My shoulders drew back and I lowered my chin. “That’s not true. I loved you. You know why I left.”

      “Of course. It was always my fault.” Reid’s smile didn’t slip, but something in his expression changed. “I’ll see you on set.”

      In a blink I was all alone in the meeting room.