Total pages in book: 114
Estimated words: 112701 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 564(@200wpm)___ 451(@250wpm)___ 376(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 112701 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 564(@200wpm)___ 451(@250wpm)___ 376(@300wpm)
“I’m not certain. I just know you’re a bright light in a rather gloomy room.”
“There you go with the poetry.”
I smirk. “It’s the God’s honest truth. I adore spending time with you.”
She smiles. “Me, too.”
By some act of God, Raven doesn’t ask about Tabitha, and I’m more than happy to avoid it.
“Will you tell me about your family?” I ask, recognizing the double standard.
She doesn’t seem to care, though, and that warms my heart even further.
Her face lights up as she tells me all about her mother. It’s easy to see they’re very close.
I listen with rapt attention, soaking up her positivity and general goodness.
She’s so different from Tabitha. Different from anyone I’ve ever met. She’s an old soul trapped in a twentysomething body.
“I should have asked this so many times before, but how old are you, Raven?”
“Twenty-six. I’ll be twenty-seven in September.”
“Twenty-six feels like a lifetime ago for me. Today, at thirty-three, I feel like you have your shit together more than I do.”
She has her own place, a well-paying job, and is comfortable in her skin.
I have the money, the place, and the prestige, but I don’t always like who I see in the mirror.
A man who runs when times get tough.
A man who consistently runs away from any sort of affection.
Not a man at all.
A boy, crying internally for the life he was robbed of by the people he loved most.
I’m not good enough for the treasure sitting across from me.
34
Raven
“I’m so excited for all of you to finally be meeting,” I say, looking out at our Diosa team. “Reagan, can you stand and tell everyone a little bit about yourself and what your position here will entail?”
Reagan stands, smiling at the two women who aren’t hiding how they ogle him. “I’m Reagan Miller, former NFL linebacker. I’m married to a beautiful and successful woman. We have two children; Addy is three, and Carl is two.”
I can practically taste the unshed tears of my two newest team members as they learn that Reagan is, in fact, married. And to a model, no less.
“I’ll be assisting Raven in managing the AlteredX account. I feel my years in athletics will help with the athletic brand.”
He takes a seat. “Thanks, Raegan. Pricilla, you’re up.”
The dark-haired, five-feet-two-inch beauty stands, offering a small wave to the room. “I’m Pricilla, and I’m happily single with zero children. I went to school at NYU and can’t wait to travel the world one day,” she says, looking at something in the distance with a dreamy look on her face.
I turn to find that Charles has graced us with his presence, thus the cause of the dreamy look. Late, but at least he’s here.
“I’m assisting with the Icon line. I’m a fashionista with over one million Instagram and TikTok followers, so I have a lot to bring to the team.”
She plops herself down in her chair, and I motion for Carmen to take her turn.
“Hey. I’m Carmen, and I’ll be assisting Raven with the Diosa luxury brand. I’m a former Victoria’s Secret model and Playboy centerfold.” She winks at Reagan, and I internally groan.
I’m sure HR is going to have a field day with this if Reagan says anything.
I make a note in my notepad to speak with the girls individually and to loop in HR on the rules of the office, specifically pertaining to sexual harassment and relationships with colleagues.
I am such a hypocrite.
Walking around the room, I pass out the folders with the pictures that Charles took in Italy and the mock-up for copy and placement.
“Look this over with a fine-tooth comb. You’re each responsible for your own brand, but I’d appreciate you looking at them all. In the event of an emergency, you’ll need to be ready to jump in on any campaign for any of the Diosa lines.”
They all murmur their understanding while flipping through.
“I’ll need any changes or suggestions by two o’clock on Friday. Any questions?”
All three of them have their eyes on the mock-ups, eagerly browsing through already. The various expressions of awe and excitement give me relief. These three are perfect for this job, and I can’t wait to see what they bring to the table.
“Okay, if nobody has any questions, you’re free to head back to your workstations.”
They all pile out, and my eyes scan the room for Charles, but he’s gone.
I wonder why he didn’t offer any words of welcome. I’ve thought about Charles all day. I miss him. Not that I could’ve said that with a room full of people.
I can’t stop thinking about being in his arms again, and it’s a serious workplace hazard.
With just half an hour to go until the end of the day, I decide to send him an email and take a chance.
Dear Mr. Cavendish,
I have a few things that I need to discuss with you regarding the Diosa project. I’m working on the next phase and could use your eye. Are you free this afternoon to discuss this?