Total pages in book: 76
Estimated words: 72231 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 361(@200wpm)___ 289(@250wpm)___ 241(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 72231 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 361(@200wpm)___ 289(@250wpm)___ 241(@300wpm)
I stare up at him. He’s dressed in black slacks, and his black button-up shirt features interestingly colored brass buttons, with his belt buckle matching the shade.
Gripping the file, I go to pull it away, but he doesn’t let it go. My stomach starts to churn as he asks, “Have you considered my offer?”
“I told you. I’m seeing someone.” The pulse in my neck beats so loudly it rings through my ears.
“I can’t read a lot of things about you, but when you lie, you blink quickly.”
I try again to pull the paperwork from him, and he finally lets go.
“Now, have you considered my offer?” he repeats.
“It’s unprofessional.”
“I can wait until the deal is done.”
I bite my tongue to stop myself from saying something else.
“It was a pleasure to see you again, Miss Ashford,” he says, and I stand. “I look forward to our next visit. Let’s get this wrapped up sooner rather than later.” I nod and go to step forward, but he doesn’t move. “You smell incredible.”
“Th-Thank you,” I manage to say.
“Don’t get shy on me now.” He winks and steps back so I can pass. I don’t say another word as I open the door, and I don’t look back, even though I can feel his gaze penetrating me. His receptionist smiles at me as I pass, and I notice a patient sitting in the waiting room. I have to look twice because even though they’re wearing a beanie and their head is lowered, I recognize that face. Their latest movie just won a prestigious award. It’s all anybody is talking about. He really does have a list of high-profile clientele.
“He really told you to adjust it?” Layla asks incredulously as I walk into the office an hour after my little run-in with Mr. Graves. She follows me with her coffee in hand, her heels clicking behind me.
“Yes. Who adds unnecessary amounts to an offer?” I mutter under my breath.
“He didn’t seem the least bit interested in me. In fact, the only time I really spoke to him was when he asked about you.”
I come to an immediate halt and then turn around to look at her. “What do you mean? I only met him once,” I say, confused.
“No idea. Maybe ask him next time you see him, which I’m guessing will be soon since you want the contract finalized sooner rather than later.” She smirks.
“I should send you.” I laugh.
She shakes her head. “Nope. He hurt my ego when he turned me down.” Her hand falls to her heart, and she mock pouts.
“Oh, I bet that doesn’t happen often.” And to be honest, why would it? She’s beautiful.
“It doesn’t, but that’s okay. I found some men who pulled that ego right back up to where it should be.” She winks as she walks off.
Smiling, I walk into my office and find Delaney sitting in one of my visitor’s chairs. Her dark hair is flowing in shiny, loose curls, and her wide brown eyes are beaming up at me.
“This is a nice surprise.” I lean down and kiss her cheek.
“You’ve forgotten. Can’t say I expected that from you,” she says.
I glance at her as I put the paperwork down, and that’s when it hits me.
“Oh my god. I’m so sorry.”
She waves me off. “I forgive you, only for the fact that I know you never forget shit. Now tell me why you forgot my birthday.”
“Did you get your flowers?”
“That doesn’t count. You have me scheduled on the calendar every year with the florist, so it’s automatic.”
I smile at her. She knows me so well. Delaney was one of my first friends here in New York. I’d moved out of the home where I lived with my mom and into a shared apartment, and Delaney was one of my roommates. At that time, my mother was okay, so I took life into my own hands when she got married again, and I knew I no longer wanted to live with another man.
“The flowers were beautiful, as always. Thank you,” she gushes, then notices the pile of work on my desk. “You do look flustered though. Should we reschedule?”
“No, no. I’m sorry I missed your birthday lunch, but it’s almost dinner now. So, should we pick up where we normally would?” Every year, we spend our birthdays together. We meet up for lunch and treat ourselves to dessert. Then, for dinner, we have cocktails and the best food money can buy. “Do you need me to find somewhere?”
“No, there was a new place I wanted to try if you’re up for it.”
“Of course. Let me hand this to my assistant to fix, and then we can get going.” I touch her shoulder as I walk past her.
When I was with Arlo in his office, I should have been with Delaney. Then, on the way back, I had to stop at a few properties, which took up most of my afternoon. I had planned to get this contract fixed and sent over to him as soon as possible to get it done and dusted, but he can wait. Even though I don’t think waiting is one of his strong suits.