I pulled up to Charles’s apartment building. As the concierge approached, I leaned in for a hug. “I love you, Charles. Thank you for everything. Let me know when you get the meeting. I’ll clear my schedule to go whenever they want to meet.”
“Love you, too, girly. I’m so proud of you, and I know your father would be.”
I waved to him as he walked into his building and headed home. The ten-minute drive to my own downtown building wasn’t enough time to let my stomach ease. It knotted up again when I pulled up to my building and spotted a society reporter lurking near the front entrance. “Ha,” I muttered. “You won’t get any pictures of me today.” I pulled my car into the underground garage, far from prying eyes.
My father’s death and the succession of his company was a hot story in the society pages, as my stepbeast and her hell spawn were frequently featured. I, thankfully, wasn’t—usually.
I opened the side door to find the doorman waiting on me. “It’s getting worse, miss.” Roger worried excessively and watched constantly for reporters.
“Yes, it is. And I’m afraid this is only the beginning.” I peered out the tinted windows at the cameraman. “I hope when the case settles they stop sniffing around me. I don’t do anything exciting enough for them to want to write about me.”
“Miss? I can’t imagine they wouldn’t want to know about you. The beautiful, orphaned daughter of the richest man in the city?”
Uncomfortable with compliments, his comment made me laugh nervously. My stepmother made it clear I was the ugly step sister, not the belle of the ball. “Oh, poo.” I waved him off. “I’m frumpy and boring. But anyway, how is that new grandbaby of yours?”
His face lit up with pride only a grandparent could possess. “He’s a stinker, Miss Asche! Growing like a weed. He’ll be passing to the end zone in no time.” Typical of Texas to be planning a child’s gridiron career from birth.
Grinning a goodbye to the endearing man, I took the elevator. I brushed a little lint off of my pin-striped skirt and admired the shape of my ankles in the high heels picked out to match the ensemble.
I dug around in my purse until I found a clip for my blond hair and pinned it up. I appreciated the air on my still-heated neck. I couldn’t wait to grab my latest romance novel and try to forget the ridiculous day. I’d deal with choosing new lawyers tomorrow.
The elevator reached the fifth floor, and I scurried to my unit. My building, converted into luxury apartments from an old warehouse, was a trendy place to live; though, I didn’t care a bit about its trendiness factor.
Mine was one of two apartments on my floor. A suave, confident, classically handsome bachelor lived in the other. I’d embarrassed myself around him every time I encountered him, usually by saying something stupid. Something about him and his two best friends put me off-kilter. My dad would say I was twitterpated.
His short brown hair and chiseled features captured my eye and left me speechless. A little taller than me, his muscles proved he hit the gym on a regular basis. Even though I avoided him, my eyes drifted to his apartment door, hoping to catch a glimpse.
Think of the devil and damn if he doesn’t appear. The soft snick of a knob turning snapped my focus to his door as he stepped out of his apartment before I reached for my keys to enter my own. “Ma’am. Doing all right today?” His deep voice purred, like a well-tuned muscle car. I trembled at the sound and regretted not having my keys ready when I exited the elevator.
“Hello. I’m fine, thank you for asking.” I avoided eye contact and fumbled for my keys. I finally slipped inside before I stumbled through any further conversation. I wasn’t shy, but he threw me straight out of my element. It didn’t help he tried to talk to me every time we passed in the hall.
I slipped one heel off and jumped when a knock rang through my silent apartment. I whirled around. “Ma’am, it’s me,” my neighbor’s voice was muffled by the thick door. I pressed my hands against my abdomen as butterflies attacked my stomach. Slipping my heel back on, I took a deep breath and promised myself I wouldn’t act like a total dork.
I flung open the door forcefully. “Yes, hi, uh… can I help you?” My voice was high and nervous. I couldn’t remember his name. I couldn’t remembermyname as I ogled his broad chest covered in a flannel shirt. My throat dried out when I caught sight of his snug jeans. His five o’clock shadow and short cropped hair topped off his cowboy ensemble. The only thing he needed was a Stetson and some cowboy boots.
He chuckled. “I’m Arch,” he reminded me. “I didn’t mean to startle you. You’re Ellie, right?”
“No, you didn’t startle me. I have a lot on my mind.”Don’t blurt out your woes; he doesn’t want to hear that.“And yes, I’m Ellie.”
“I wanted to invite you over. I’m having a small party tonight. Nothing major, a few cocktails and some music. We’d love to see you there.” My mouth gaped. He wanted me to come to a party at his house. What a perfect end to the day. Embarrass myself in front of all his friends. I’d find a way to do it.
“I’ll try. I, uh, made plans with my friend, Todd, tonight,” I lied.
“Bring him along. He’s the rather… uh, colorful guy you hang around with?” He put one hand on my doorframe and leaned.
I couldn’t help but laugh. “Yeah, that’s Todd. Colorful is an understatement. He’s my best friend, has been for years.” I couldn’t think fast enough to come up with another excuse not to go to the party. If truth be told, part of me did want to go. “Do you mind if I bring his husband, Rick, as well?”
“Of course not! See you between seven and eight.” He flashed me a charming smile and sauntered down the hall toward the elevators.
A grin spread across my face as I stood in my doorway and watched him walk away. Even though I’d likely embarrass myself in front of everyone, it was still bound to be fun. I ran inside to get ready.
My phone chirped in my purse as I kicked off my pinching heels. To the closet with those feet-eaters. I grabbed my phone and glanced at the screen. Charles moved quickly.
Charles: Ellie, I spoke to one of the senior partners at Beaumont, Morales, and Lawson. They’re willing to take your case.
Ellie: That’s wonderful! Were they your first choice?
Charles: Yes. They’re one of the best firms in town.
