“As always, thank you for your efficiency.”
He tucked his tablet under one arm to leave. “Oh—and before I forget, Dr. Kramer’s office called again. You missed your follow-up last month.”
I waved a hand. “Reschedule it.”
“They said thatwasthe reschedule. The doctor wants you to call today so he can go over your last round of bloodwork with you personally.”
“Fine. I’ll call.”
He gave me a look that said he didn’t believe me.
“Close the door.” As soon as it clicked behind him, I checked my watch. I hadn’t done my usual morning office walk-through to be present among the staff, but of course also to receive the casual hello from Penny, and eye her outfit of the day.
Sometimes she’d meet me in the kitchen and hand me an espresso and flash that smile that made my day start right. I lived for those stolen moments here at the office. I still held the fantasy of splaying her out on my desk and having my tongue engage in a lengthy meeting with her sweet pussy.
I really should call my doctor. ButPenny first.
Me: Good morning. What are you wearing?
Penny: A red sweater dress and boots.
Me: The high-heel ones? My favorite. I’d like to talk to you before lunch.
Penny: Me too. I have something serious to discuss. Can we meet somewhere outside of the office?
Me: It can’t be more serious than mine, Ms. Fair, because I’ll be firing you. Again.
Penny: No, really. I have something serious to tell you.
My brows knit. Before I could call her, my phone buzzed again—Holden.
Me: Meet at my penthouse at noon. Gotta go. Holden’s calling.
“Holden. Good to hear from you. Tell me you’re ready to let Bellamy’s redesign your lodge. We’ll make it better than Aspen. Period.”
He laughed, then didn’t. “I’m calling because I respect you, Archer. So I’ll say it straight.”
“What’s this about?” I rubbed my jaw.
“I’m keeping the mountain-lodge project in-house. Nothing personal—you and your team are brilliant. But I’ve got bigger plans. Expansion out West. My real estate guy has already identified two more ski resorts I could rescue. I need a team with me directly under my umbrella. I hope you understand.”
A band cinched under my sternum. I rubbed it away and stared at the skyline outside my windows. It was for the best; Holden could be a complicated client. A blessing disguised as a loss. Still, the millions it would have brought my company would have been nice.
“Your call,” I said evenly. “No hard feelings.”
“I haven’t hired a manager yet, but I’ve been talking with someone—Maya. She’s impressive as hell.”
The band pulled tighter. “Maya ismyemployee, the last I checked.”
“I know. That’s why I’m telling you. No poaching behind your back.”
“But you’ll do it in front of me? Great.” I snorted and rubbed my temple. My pulse drummed in my ears.
“We’ve been friends for a long time, Archer. I hope this won’t change that.”
“Have you made her an offer?”
“Informally. Giving her a few days to think about it. Oh—and thank Penny for me, will you?”
