I dress to the nines in my best blazer, navy blue with subtle pinstripes, the cream blouse that makes me look competent but not threatening, and sensible heels that I can stand in for hours if necessary. I apply my makeup with more care than usual—enough to look polished, not enough to look like I’m trying too hard.
Everyone’s on edge when I arrive, waiting for the ax to fall—or not fall, if they’re lucky. Conversations stop mid-sentence when anyone walks past. Coffee cups tremble in nervous hands.
“They’re here,” Becca hisses as I pass her desk. “In Crawford’s office right now. The whole leadership team.”
My stomach drops. “Already?”
“The meeting’s in twenty minutes. Company-wide. They’re going to introduce themselves and outline the transition plan.” She grabs my arm, and her nails dig into my skin. “How do I look? Professional? Employable?”
“You look great.”
“You’re lying.”
“I’m lying.”
She lets out a nervous laugh, and I continue to my desk.
Twenty minutes. I have twenty minutes to prepare myself for whatever’s coming.
I sit down, smooth my blazer, and pull up my email. Nothing new. Nothing that explains what’s about to happen to any of us.
At nine-fifty, the announcement comes over the intercom. All staff to the main conference room.
Here we go.
I file in with everyone else, finding a spot near the back where I can observe without being observed. The room is packed. Standing room only. Bodies press together as everyone cranes for a better view of the front.
Crawford takes his place at the podium, flanked by two people I don’t recognize.
“Good morning, everyone. I’d like to introduce you to the new leadership team from Karpov Industries. They’ll be overseeing our transition over the coming months.” He steps aside with visible relief. “I’ll let them take it from here.”
The first person steps forward. A woman in her thirties with red hair and a no-nonsense demeanor. She introduces herself as the new head of operations and launches into a speech about synergy and optimization that I barely hear.
Because behind her, stepping up to address the room, is a man I’d recognize anywhere.
Dark blond hair, almost brown. Clear blue eyes. A charcoal suit that fits him like it was made for his body.
My one-night stand. The stranger from the bar. The man whose sheets I snuck out of a week ago.
He’s my new boss.
This cannot be happening.
Chapter 2 - Menlow
She’s here.
I spotted her the moment I stepped up to the podium. Dark brown hair, almost black, gathered over one shoulder. Those same dark eyes that haunted me for a week. Standing in the back of the room like she’s trying to disappear into the crowd.
The woman from O’Malley’s. The one who snuck out of my bed without so much as a goodbye.
She works for me now.
What are the odds?
I spent a week searching for her. And now she’s standing twenty feet away, looking totally unfazed.
I keep my composure and deliver my speech about transitions and new beginnings, and strategic vision. The words come automatically while my brain works overtime to process this development.
