Beg Me (Mess with Me 1)

“No, I’m just relaxing at home.”

You can almost hear the shock through the phone. Then she says, “Hold on. Ten, your brother’s on the phone! And he’s not working for once.”

I laugh at that. “Funny. What are you two up to this morning?”

“Church. I figured your brother could use a little prayer. Please tell me you’re really relaxing in that beautiful apartment you pay so much for and this isn’t a joke.”

“Mom, I’m actually at home. Things are going well at work. I won’t have to work such long hours forever. But I’m glad you called.” I pause, surprisingly shy about what I’m about to ask. “I wanted to ask if you still have grandma’s ring.”

It’s so quiet I pull back to look at my phone to make sure we haven’t lost the connection. “Mom, you still there?”

“Yes. I was just so surprised. Milo, you haven’t even mentioned seeing anyone.”

I fiddle with a loose thread on my shorts. “Actually, do you remember my co-worker, Mya? You met her when you came up for the company holiday party last year.”

She gasps. “I knew it! I told Ten, he has a crush on that girl. Didn’t I say that, Ten?”

I can hear my brother’s irritated grumble in the background. Then I hear the sound of the bathroom door opening. Mya must be done with her shower.

“I’m not saying I’m proposing or anything. Things are still new. I was just wondering… She’s different than anyone I’ve ever been with before. And I would really like you and Ten to come visit so you can meet her properly.”

“I would love that, honey. Grandma’s ring is in the bottom of my jewelry box. I’ve been hanging on to it for the day one of you boys met your match.”

Mya sits on the couch next to me. Her hair is pulled back into a high bun and she still has droplets of water on her neck. With no makeup and wearing one of my old T-shirts, she’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. My grandmother’s ring would look perfect on her finger, actually. It’s exactly her style. The thought would have had me running away just a month ago but now it makes me smile.

“She’s more than a match for me, Mom. And I can’t wait for you to meet her.”

Mya looks over at me in surprise when she finally figures out who I’m talking to. Her cheeks go pink with pleasure which makes me want to lean over and take a bite out of her.

“Okay, Mom. Enjoy church. Bye.”

After I hang up, Mya grabs the phone and then climbs in my lap. “You told your mother about me?”

The smile on my face feels so

natural. How long has it been since I’ve been this unbelievably happy? Never. That sounds about right.

“I did. She remembers meeting you at the party but I told her I want her and Ten to come visit so you can spend some time together.”

She suddenly won’t meet my eyes. “This is all happening so fast. I’m scared to be this happy.”

Before she can say anything else, my phone dings with an alert. A few seconds later, Mya’s phone chimes. Frowning, she pulls her phone out of her pocket.

“It’s an email from James. Mr. Lavin is going to be in town tomorrow. James scheduled a meeting.” She bites her lip.

“This is what we knew would happen. We’re ready. We’ve been ready. Now it’s time to lock it down. Nothing is going to stop us from getting this account.”

“I just thought we’d have more time.” She won’t meet my eyes. “Once Mr. Lavin picks a campaign, things will be different.”

“You mean we’ll go back to being mortal enemies then?”

She doesn’t laugh.

I tip up her chin, forcing her to look at me. The worry in her brown eyes tugs at my heartstrings. “Mya, no matter who wins the account, that has nothing to do with what’s going on between us. It won’t change anything.”

“Promise? You hate to lose.” Her voice is small, something I’m not used to from her. That’s what lets me know that this is a very real fear for her. And I don’t want her worrying about this for even one minute.

“I promise. And yes, I hate to lose. But I would hate to lose what we have here more.”