"That still doesn't explain why you'rehere."
"Right." He chuckled, flashing just enough white and the gold lining his bottom teeth to make it intentional. "I saw this place and decided to come in. Your assistant wouldn't let me past her desk without an appointment. While she was busy on her phone, I caught a glimpse of your three o'clock."
I leaned back in my chair and folded my arms.
"Just so we're clear. I don't appreciate you slipping past my staff. The same way you'd respect the owner's mind, I need you to respect my assistant's as well."
A flicker of interest crossed his face.
"Noted," he stated. "For what it's worth, I admire what you said about respect. Most wouldn't want the respect of an assistant to reflect the respect of the boss."
"Good thing I'm notmost and I don't need your admiration," I replied. "You said you wanted to see what the area needs. Well, currently it needs a lot, but you can start by respecting the people already doing the work."
Solace shifted. "Have lunch with me."
I blinked. "Excuse me?"
"Lunch," he repeated. "So, we can talk about the neighborhood and what the boys here might want to see in their community. What would actually help instead of another overpriced store pretending it's a resource."
"I'm taken," I quickly pointed out.
His brow lifted. "I wasn't asking you on a date. I would like to have a conversation from one professional to another."
I straightened in my chair, annoyed with myself more than him.
"Well, I'm still not interested. If you want insight, you can schedule a meeting like everyone else."
For the first time, he fully smiled. "Fair."
Three voices sounded at once outside my door.
"Girl—"
"Why is your door closed?"
Before I could respond, the door swung open with Honey, River, and Chosyn filling the doorway. Solace glanced toward them, then back at me, giving a single nod.
"I'll be in touch, Navy."
And just like that, he was gone, leaving my office feeling smaller than it had a moment ago.
Chosyn Gravehart
"Who was that?"I asked, stepping further into Navy's office and occupying the chair the stranger had left. His cologne still lingered. Fresh, sweet, and woody, a mixture that felt tailor-made for him,
"Solace," Navy answered flatly, already reaching for her office phone. "Tamera, cancel the rest of my day and make sure you let my three o'clock know his services are no longer needed."
"Didn't you just sit down with your three o'clock?"
"No. The gentleman you allowed into my office played you. Stay off your phone. The next time something like this happens, I will have to let you go."
"I'm so sorry, Navy. It won't happen again."
"Thank you," Navy replied, ending the call.
She let out a frustrated sigh, then turned to Honey, River, and me. All of us were seated around her desk.
"What?" she frowned.
