The Stopover (The Miles High Club 1)

“What the hell?” I whisper.

“What?” Molly asks.

“Nothing,” I stammer as I minimize my screen. Shit. What does he want? Just play dumb.

I write back.

Dear Mr. Miles,

Would you like me to bring my team?

Emily

I tap my pen on the desk and look around nervously as I wait for his reply.

Emily,

No.

I do not want to see your team, nor do I want you to tell anybody about our scheduled meeting.

This particular meeting is of a private nature.

Jameson Miles

Miles Media

New York

My eyes widen. Oh my God . . . private nature? What the hell does that mean?

I pinch the bridge of my nose. I need pizza and beer too. Hurry up, five o’clock.

The bar is noisy and a hive of activity, and I can hardly wipe the goofy grin from my face as I look around at all the people who have just come from work. I’m sitting at a bench table with Molly and Aaron in a sports bar, and I’m feeling oh so New York.

It’s a Monday night, and I’m out and about with what feels like a million cool people.

“All I’m saying,” Molly says as she chews her pizza, “is that if you didn’t see him all weekend, and he has no problem with that, there’s an issue.”

“Maybe he was just busy,” Aaron scoffs.

“Maybe he’s just lame,” Molly huffs.

We’re discussing Aaron’s new boyfriend, and for some reason, I feel comfortable enough to make Aaron feel better about his situation because mine is worse. “Well, get this.” I finish my mouthful. “You want to hear lame? I’m dating a guy I’ve crushed on since I was thirteen years old. A football star who was only interested in me after he injured himself. We had a few great months together, but then he dove into some kind of life crisis.” I sip my beer. “He doesn’t know what he wants to do outside of football. He’s unemployed with no prospects. He lives in his parents’ garage and just recently wrote his car off.” I shake my head in disgust and pull my phone out of my bag. “He wouldn’t move here with me because he doesn’t like busy cities. He didn’t call me this morning to wish me luck, and it’s now”—I glance at my watch—“nine forty p.m., and he hasn’t even bothered to call to see how my first day went.”

They both groan in disgust. “What the fuck are you doing with him?” Aaron winces.

I sip my beer with an eye roll and shrug. “Who knows?”

They both chuckle.

“Well, all I want is some good sex.” Molly sighs. “Every time I see someone I’m attracted to, I’m with the kids. So then I can’t act on it.”

I frown. “You wouldn’t introduce anyone to your kids?”

“No. My God, they make their father’s life hell with his new girlfriend.”

Aaron laughs as if remembering something.