More Than Meets the Eye - Page 133

Looking back now, Baz had been the true source of their antagonism.In fact, he was almost positive Collin didn’t think of him as a rival at all, given that he was the one to invite Baz to networking parties and attempted to include him in group activities, for better or for worse.Not to mention he had kept Baz’s secrets, both about his sexuality and Sami.

Not many people tried to be that friendly with Baz, and Baz had kicked him to the curb.Well, no more.

“I owe you an apology.”

Collin dismissively waved his hand.“Nah, dude.I should have known it wasn’t the time for jokes.My bad.”

“No, it was mine.I think you’ve been trying to be my friend, and I was too focused on being better than everyone to see that, and for that, I am sorry.”

“Thanks, man.There’s no need, though.I know it was all love.”

It really hadn’t been.But perhaps it could be.“Maybe we could grab a drink sometime.Talk about anything but work.”

Collin smiled.“I’d like that.”

Baz offered his hand—and got pulled into a hug instead.Collin patted his back twice, way too hard, but he also nodded his approval when he let go and finally followed Aya.He’d learn to not let her wait soon enough.

Sami’s tongue darted across his bottom lip.“You’re hot when you make up with people.”

Baz chuckled.“Thanks.”He’d make the most out of those bedroom eyes, later.For now, he guided Sami back to his office.

Everything was in place for their show.Sami was planted on his desk, legs crossed, a sight Baz wished he could immortalize in a painting.Jack—a lieutenant now, it turned out—and a fellow officer were ready with the arrest warrant, waiting out of sight for their cue, namely Ian trying to make a run for it like Sami swore he would.

Sami wiped his palms on his pants and drew a deep breath.

“Are you nervous?”Baz asked.

“No.It’s just a little overwhelming.I’ve spent two years waiting for the worst to happen, and now, we’re the worst that’s going to happen tohim.”Sami huffed a smile.

Baz had always known he had been destined to be someone’s nightmare.The circumstances made it all the sweeter.

Bzz bzz.

If that was Ian canceling because he had heard about his office getting raided right now—

Eevee

GOOD NEWS!!

I gave one hell of a passionate speech you would have been SO proud of

the dean is happy to reconsider Sami’s enrollment!!

Baz squished his lips to keep his face in check and skimmed the requirements: a character reference by a licensed attorney, a personal interview convincing the dean of his commendable morality.More than doable.

“What’s gotten into you?”Sami asked.Oh, Baz couldn’t wait to tell him.Afterward.He stole a kiss and might have forgotten it was supposed to be a quick one until Sami pushed him away and rushed to straighten out his suit.

What just happened?Baz turned—Ian.Swaggering through the halls like he owned the place, nodding at a female attorney who pulled a disgusted grimace in return.All it did was make Ian grin.Such a dick.

There had been a time when his approach made Baz tremble in his shoes, back when he was a rookie and Ian was the first lawyer he properly went up against.Now, all Baz saw was a pathetic man who had to lie and manipulate his way to the top because he could not endure his own mediocrity.

Well, he had fucked up thinking Baz was an easy opponent.Baz would make him choke on his misplaced sense of invincibility.

Ian halted mid-step when he clocked Sami.His smirk faltered for barely a second, long enough for a frown to try and crease his stiff forehead.

Baz half expected him to smell the trap, turn around, and leave—once again, he had given Ian’s intelligence too much credit.No, Ian all but stormed in, the air around him vibrating with a sense of betrayal.

“What do you think you’re doing here, Sammy?”