Total pages in book: 18
Estimated words: 17082 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 85(@200wpm)___ 68(@250wpm)___ 57(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 17082 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 85(@200wpm)___ 68(@250wpm)___ 57(@300wpm)
She cups my cheek in her hand as the realization dawns on my face.
“Well, we’ll leave you to your very important work,” Mom says.
Before I have a chance to say another word, the three ladies are out of my office, leaving me to the thunderous noise of my heart beating in my ears and a little lightheaded that it might finally be my time.
4
CLAIRE
Day one down, and where I’m not the kind of person to pat myself on the back, it was a great success. Not only are the people working at Valentine Group kind-hearted and more than willing to help me catch my footing here, but I’ve also felt the sting of Cupid’s arrow.
I’m doing everything in my power to temper my expectations of what might happen with Vaughn somewhere down the road, but it’s no easy feat. A few minutes with the man left me weak-kneed and out of breath. It took me twenty minutes to settle down after our meeting, and I couldn’t for the life of me say why.
Maybe this is one of those situations where words can’t do the talking, though. It’s purely based on the swell of feelings that erupt through me whenever he crosses my mind.
Even now, I find myself struggling to focus on the words on my laptop screen. It’s a summary of my tasks and what’s expected of me in this position, but it seems so trivial and boring in comparison to the vivid image of Vaughn’s face dancing across my mind.
A knock comes at my door, snapping me back to reality. I jump out of my chair and walk over to it, fanning air over my face to cool off. My attempt is in vain because when I open the door, the man who caused this sudden flush of heat rushing to my cheeks is standing outside it.
“Saw your light was still on. Thought I’d stop in and check on you.” He’s wearing a charming smile that fits perfectly on his face. “Hope I’m not interrupting anything.”
Towering over me, he can easily see over my head to inspect my desk.
“No, nothing at all. I’m just going over a few notes about role requirements and the like.”
Deep breaths, Claire. Don’t overthink it. It’s probably just him being a hands-on leader, like he said he was.
“I’m surprised to see you’re still here.” Vaughn leans against the doorframe, sliding one hand into his pants pocket. “We closed shop over two hours ago.”
“You know how it goes. First day in the office is always the hardest.” Is that how it goes? When I finished my studies in the United Kingdom, I spent a few months working as a junior accountant in a tiny firm to get an understanding of the job. But that was hardly any real experience, and with it being a husband and wife running a small team of six, it was way more relaxed than this. “I’m just trying to get my bearings and get comfortable. How better than to spend a few extra hours behind the desk and familiarize myself with what’s expected of me?”
Yes, that’s good. A diplomatic answer that doesn’t scream I’m nervous, can’t handle the pressure, and feel like I’m sinking.
“My first day here went differently.” Vaughn tilts his head to the ceiling as he travels down memory lane. “Victor and I went out, got drunk, and came into the office wearing yesterday’s clothes, reeking of booze. We called it early when the hangover kicked into full swing.”
“Sounds lovely.” I giggle at his upfront honesty. I’m not sure if many people would have the nerve to say that out loud, especially while they’re still in office.
“You know, we could still make your first night one to remember,” he says, and butterflies immediately erupt in my tummy. “Dinner, drinks, I’ll have you home before eleven. No, make it twelve.”
Is he asking me on a date? That sure is what it sounds like. But maybe I shouldn’t read into it too deeply. For all I know, he could do this with everyone who joins his team, and he’s using surreptitious phrasing because of how he led into the question.
“Sounds like an offer I can’t refuse.” And not because it’s my boss asking me, either. I’d give anything to have a night out with Vaughn.
To calm my nerves, right? Yeah, that’s all. Not because I can’t stop staring at him whenever we’re in a room together. That would be crazy talk.
Shit, I’m not fooling anyone, let alone myself.
Some inexplicable force draws me closer to him. Makes me want to be at his side. I’d even take it as an opportunity to learn from him when what my mind really wants is to see what’s hiding under his expensive suit.
“That’s because it is.” Vaughn’s tone shifts sternly but somehow manages to keep the playful lightness he started with. “So, what do you say? And it can’t be no.”