She grimaced and then jumped when the door was pushed open behind us. I didn’t have to turn around to know who that was. Alba’s crestfallen expression said it all.

“We thought we’d be the early birds, but it looks like you beat us to it.”

Fucking Chase.

“Good morning.” Alba’s entire demeanor changed the moment he walked in. But it wasn’t the usual weariness he brought out in her. She seemed confused...and annoyed. When I turned around, I could see why. There was a very blonde younger woman with him today. I also noticed that he had his hand on her back. I was about to extend my hand when Chase’s companion leaned in to buss me on the cheek.

“This is Theo Ganas,” Chase said, somewhat civil to me for once. He completely ignored Alba, though she was standing right next to me. “This is my wife, Kayla.”

“I’ve followed you since your first Olympics!” the blonde exclaimed as she grabbed for me. I’d only gone to two Olympics, but I just smiled and nodded. Chase’s wife needed a quick lesson on workplace personal space etiquette, because she was very much in mine.

“I follow all your fan accounts.”

“I don’t really do social media much these days,” I said, stepping back, but Kayla was not taking the hint.

“I’m Alba,” my co-host announced, and I didn’t think I was imagining that flash of animosity in her eyes. “I’m the designer for the show.”

“I’m a designer too,” Kayla announced, and something about how she said that made the hackles on my neck stand up. From the scowl on Alba’s face, I could see she didn’t like it either.

“That’s right,” Chase said in that overly chummy voice of his. “Kayla has a very successful platform, like you do, Alba.”

“Okay.” Alba’s frown was so deep now she had a full unibrow.

“Since time is so tight, I thought it might be a good idea to bring Kayla on as an extra pair of hands.” This fucking guy was really trying to sneak his wife into the show without any sort of warning.

“But I don’t need an assistant,” Alba bit out. I could see the tightness in her neck as she spoke.

“We already have a whole team already helping, who incidentally are starting to arrive.” I pointed at the cluster of people making their way into the room. Chase glowered some more, but he didn’t argue. Alba he just ignored.

“I’d like to do my presentation first, before we discuss any changes to the team,” Alba requested, a lot more politely than I would have. But I could see from Chase’s sneer that he was planning to steamroll right over her. He’d have to get through me first.

Alba