“Yeah, bitch. You know you want it. It’s all you’ve talked about since moving here. This is your chance to shine. Or paint or whatever.” Ashlyn says.
Alex takes in everyone around us, contemplating, maybe panicking.
“Come on, let’s take a walk.” I pull her with me across the floor. When it’s just us, she relaxesin my arms. “You can say no if you want to. I wanted to gift you an impressive offer that you could take your time with and go through, but well, plans never really go how we expect them to.” I shrug, pulling us to a stop near a pillar away from prying eyes.
She lets go of the breath she was holding. “Two questions.”
“Shoot.”
“Is there a rule against inter-office dating?”
I throw my head back laughing and pull her tightly against my body, where we fit perfectly. “No, babe. And if there were, I’d shred it. Next.”
She smirks up at me, “How goodisthe benefits package? Because if I could get a bigger apartment that would be cool.”
I growl, “Alex…”
“James…”
I roll my eyes at her jokey tone. “I already told you. You’re moving in with me. You scared me back there. I thought you were going to bolt or tell me to go fuck myself.” I run my hands up and down her arms. “You’ll really take it? Because your talent is unmatched, and I can’t think of another person who would fit this role and the company better than you and your wild self.”
“Is there a dress code?” She wiggles in my arms when I attack her with tickles. “Okay, okay! I yield! Sorry!” I halt my attacking fingers, pressing her against me, so she has to crane her neck back to look me in the eyes. “Yes, Iwill help you and your family by making you the best damn designs you’ve ever seen.”
“Thank God. You’re going to get spanked for drawing out the suspense.” I wink at her as we start wandering back towards our group.
“Maybe I’ll like it.” She winks.
What am I going to do with this woman?
“Well?” Ryder asks when we’re back.
“Yes, yes. I will be your lovely designer. I expect great parking and coffee.”
Ryder laughs, pulling her from me to hug her. Alester’s lips pull up, just barely. “Anything for you. I’m sure we can rearrange some spots.” His eyes shoot daggers at me over Alex’s head.
“Dammit.” I have a feeling I just lost my fancy parking spot. Not that it matters since Thomas drives me, but on the off chance I do drive myself, I had a spot. I pull Alex in close and kiss the top of her head then lean down to whisper in her ear, “Did you like your surprise?”
She turns in my arms, her eyes lined with confusion. “What surprise?”
It dawns on me then that I rushed out the door for the meetings and forgot to leave a note. “Shit.” I pull on the back of my neck.
“What is it?” she presses.
“It’s at the apartment. It will be better if you see it.”
The ball is in full swing, people mingling and dancing around.
Alex pouts. “You can’t just tell me?”
“I—” I pause as a blonde woman comes rushing over.
“Alex! I can’t believe you’re actually here! I mean, when mom told me, I thought she was imagining it.” Alex steps towards the blonde as she smashes into her. They both teeter in their high heels but catch each other.
“Annabel, what are you doing here? Don’t you have classes?” Alex laughs as they pull apart.
“You know Mom. Classes can wait when there’s possible suitors. Speaking of suitors…” She peeks around Alex towards me. “Who is that?” she whispers.
Alex laughs then grabs my hand. “This is James. James, this is my sister, Annabel.”
