Penny
Penny Fair: Nervous Wreck
Bank Account: A lot more now that I’m legit working for an architecture firm
Heart: Trying not to think about Archer Bellamy
Monday morning.New job. Plenty of nerves.
“You can do this, Penny.” My pep talk ended as the elevator doors slid open on the fifty-third floor to a modern, light-filled office. Views of Manhattan on a crisp and sunny fall day stretched endlessly from floor-to-ceiling windows, stealing my breath. I stepped onto polished concrete floors so smooth I could see my reflection. Gold accents everywhere gleamed in the morning sun.
A heady fragrance hit me next, coming from the vase of fresh white lilies on the receptionist’s desk. Not at all like the metal-and-sweat air of the subway car on the way here.
I inhaled, squared my shoulders, and approached the front desk.
“Hi, I’m Penny Fair. It’s my first day here.”
The receptionist smiled as if she’d been on alert for my arrival. “Of course. One moment.” She pressed a button on her headset. “Caleb? Penny Fair is here.”
I admired the enlarged framed prints on the wall behind her, an impressive display of Bellamy Brothers’ accomplishments.Pinch me,I was really a part of such a prestigious firm now.
A moment later, a man in a charcoal suit emerged from the corridor, his stride smooth and assured. A touch of swagger, and the kind of charm that belonged in a sales brochure. He extended his hand.
“Penny? Caleb Hart. Archer’s assigned you to my team.”
“Nice to meet you,” I said, relieved his handshake was warm and not a corporate bone-crusher.
“Likewise. Archer mentioned you’re from Steele Valley.”
I nodded. “Born and raised.”
“Maybe you can give us some insider perspective on the upcoming ski-lodge project. I’ve never been myself.”
“Happy to.” The thought sent a spark through me—the idea of my hometown folded into my career journey. Mom would get a kick out of it, despite my reluctance to move back.
The elevator chimed again, and Archer stepped out.
I hadn’t seen him since the night he made a zombie on the back of a Harley rather sinful and sexy. But him in a suit with a briefcase in hand? The vision held a new kind of power over me.
His gaze swept my face on a slow exhale. “Morning,” he said, voice low and smooth as bourbon. “Welcome aboard, Ms. Fair.”
TheMs.landed sharp and deliberate.
“Thank you,” I replied, my eyes sparkling up at him. I regretted I hadn’t been able to meet him for dinner Friday night and thank him properly or evenimproperly.But I wouldn’t go there now. Not when his ”no fraternizing” clause stood between us like a brick wall.
I still couldn’t believe I’d chosen the job over him, and that he’d let me. If he’d really wanted me, wouldn’t he have said so? Talked me out of taking him up on his offer? At least that’s what I told myself as I drowned in the scent of cedar and spice clinging to him, infinitely better than Eau de Dog Fur.
Caleb cleared his throat, breaking the moment.
Archer nodded to him. “Keep me updated on her progress.” Then, to me again, “Settle in. We move fast and go at it hard around here.”
Fast… Hard… My pulse thudded in my ears. Being in his presence again proved harder than I thought it would be. “Yes, I will,” I managed, my throat dry, watching him disappear down the hall.
To think for one night, he’d looked at me like a possibility. Now I was just another employee.
“Don’t worry about Archer. He’s been one moody dude for some time now,” Caleb said, grinning. “But you won’t have to deal with him much, except maybe weekly meetings.” He winked, possibly at the receptionist.
“I always liked a challenge,” I muttered under my breath.
