Chapter 11
Chapter Eleven
Harper
I watched him as he walked out of Starbucks. My heart was racing a mile a minute, and I couldn’t believe what had just happened. Looking at my watch, I saw it was nine-fifteen, so I grabbed my laptop and my coffee and headed to the upscale salon where Charlotte worked.
“Hey, Harper.” Andrea, the receptionist, smiled as I walked through the door.
“Hi, Andrea. Is Charlotte with a client?”
“No. Her first client doesn’t come in until ten. She’s back there if you want to talk to her.”
“Thanks.”
I walked over to her station and found her sitting in her chair, looking at her phone.
“Harper? What are you doing here?” she asked with a smile as she got up and hugged me.
“You will never believe what just happened to me at Starbucks.”
“What? Tell me.”
“I met this totallyhot and sexy guy named Grayson Rhodes. We shared a cranberry muffin, and now I’m going to his office at two o’clock for a job interview.”
“Wait. What?” She shook her head. “What do you mean you ‘shared’ a cranberry muffin?”
“I took the last one, and he wanted to try it, so he asked me if I’d share it with him, and he bought me the muffin and a coffee. But that’s not important.” I waved my hand. “His grandfather owns Rhode Enterprises, and he’s retiring in a year, and Grayson will take over. They’re a property development and venture capitalist company, and they’re looking for a graphic designer.”
“And all this went down at Starbucks?”
“Yes.”
“I thought you didn’t want to work in an office setting?”
“I don’t think I have a choice right now. I need a job with a steady income. I didn’t think I’d lose my biggest account when I planned to go ahead with this pregnancy. And that’s another issue. I’llhave to tell him I’m pregnant.”
“You’re right. You have to. But if he’s already impressed with you, I’m sure your pregnancy won’t be an issue. How hot and sexy is this guy?” She grinned.
“He’s tall, brown hair, piercing blue eyes, and he has an amazing body from what I could tell. He’s gorgeous.”
“How old is he?”
“I’m not sure. I’d say around our age.”
“Sounds to me like you’re a little smitten with him.” She smirked.
“Well, I don’t know him.” I blushed. “But as far as looks go, I guess you could say that. But it doesn’t matter, anyway. I’m pregnant, and there’s no room in my life for a man. No matter how attracted I am to him.”
Grayson
I had Damon park across the street from her building. I didn’t know if she was going out this morning or what. It was a chance I took. When I saw her step out the door and walk down the street, I climbed out of the Escalade and followed behind her, blending in with the crowd of people whowere on their way to work. She was even more beautiful up close. She stood about five foot seven with long wavy light brown hair. When she turned around, and her baby blue eyes stared into mine, they captivated me. She seemed nice, and I couldn’t for the life of me figure out why she wanted a kid at her age or why she was single. How was a woman that beautiful not spoken for?
On my way into my office, I stopped at Christine’s desk.
“Good morning, Mr. Rhodes.”
“Good morning, Christine. Awoman named Harper Holland is coming in for an interview at two o’clock. If I have anything going on, reschedule it.”
“Okay. An interview? I didn’t know there was an opening available.”
“There wasn’t until about thirty minutes ago.” I smirked. “I want you to call Lawrence in Human Resources and ask him to come up.”
Walking into my office, I set my briefcase down, sat in my chair, and stared out at the busy city while I thought about her.
“You wanted to see me, Grayson?”
“Lawrence, yes. Have a seat.” I gestured as I turned my chair around. “I’m hiring a graphic designer this afternoon, and I want you to get the paperwork ready.”
“We don’t have an opening for a graphic designer,” he said as his brows furrowed.
“We do now. Her name is Harper Holland, and she’s coming in at two o’clock. She is to get the full-time benefits package.”
“Is she going to be full-time?” he asked.
“Probably not, but it doesn’t matter. She’s to have the full-time package. Do you understand me?” I arched my brow at him.
“Yes, I understand, Grayson. I’m not sure what you’re doing or why.”
“Let’s just say I’m in a hospitable mood today.” The corners of my mouth curved upward.