Chapter 22
Chapter Twenty-Two
Harper
I walked out of Grayson’s office with the Starbucks bag in my hand, and I could see the looks some of the women gave me, and I could hear the whispers as I passed by. I ignored them and went into my office. Sitting down at my desk, I smiled as I opened the bag and took out the cranberry muffin Grayson had bought for me. The way he made me feel was unlike anything I’d ever felt before. I’d never connected with anyone like I did with him, especially last night. Being with Grayson made me realize that my feelings for Kevin were nothing compared to what I felt for him. I wasn’t falling in love with Grayson Rhodes, I already had fallen.
“Whatcha eating?” Curtis asked as he walked into my office.
“A cranberry muffin from Starbucks. Want some?”
“No thanks.” He held up his hand. “I’m not a fan of cranberries. How is the high rise coming along?”
“See for yourself.” I turned my computer screen around.
“Damn. You did all that?”
“Yes. Do you think Grayson will like it?”
“Hard to say. He’s very particular.”
“Listen, when I was walking to my office earlier, I noticed some of the women giving me looks and whispering. Have you heard anything?”
“I know some women aren’t happy you’re here. They think Grayson is playing favorites, and they don’t like it. But don’t let them bother you. They’re just jealous because you’re a beautiful woman, and well, they’re them.” He smirked.
“I need to finish this project before one o’clock. That’s when I’m meeting with Grayson.”
“Sure. If you need anything, I’m right down the hall.”
“Thanks, Curtis.”
I headed down the hall to use the restroom. As I was in the stall, I heard the door open, and two women walked in. I sat and listened as they carried on a conversation at the sink.
“I don’t know why Grayson thinks she’s so special. I don’t even think she’s that pretty.”
“Right? I’m sure he’s using her to his advantage like all the other women. It just pisses me off that I asked him if I could work from home a couple of days a week because I didn’t have a babysitter for my kid, and he said no. Then he hires that bitch and lets her do whatever the hell she pleases.”
“Whatever is going on between them won’t last. He’ll get tired of her soon enough like he always does with women.”
I waited until they left before leaving the stall. I would not let what they said get to me because they were nothing but insecure and jealous women.
It was one o’clock, so I grabbed the 3D printout from the printer and headed down to Grayson’s office.
“Perfect timing.” He grinned. “I just got off a conference call. Bring the printout over to the table.” He gestured.
I did as he asked and spread it out. He looked it over as silence filled the room for what seemed like an eternity. I was nervous that he hated it. Shit. What if he did? What if I totally fucked this whole project up? The sick feeling that arose in my belly wasn’t from the baby, it was nerves.
“I must say,this is unique with the scalloped edging. What made you do that?”
“Just like you said, it’s unique. Pretty much all the high rises in this city look the same. I believe if you add a building that stands out amongst the rest, especially an apartment building, it’ll gain attention, which is what you want. You want to fill all 260 apartments before they even complete the building. This is a building people will talk about. It’s unique but classy. The wealthy people are always trying to outdo each other. They want to be the talk of the town, and what better way to do that than to buy an apartment in a building that’s so different from everything else and different from what everyone else lives in.”
“You know what, Harper? I think you’re on to something here. I like it.”
“You do?”
“Yes.” The corners of his mouth curved upwards. “The build will cost more than I originally expected, but that’s okay. I'llsend this out and have a model made. I knew I made the right decision by having you design this.”
“Thank you, Grayson. Can I talk to you about something?”
“Of course. You can talk to me about anything.”
“There’s been some talk around the office about me and how some employees feel you’re giving me special treatment by letting me only work in the office two days a week.”
“Is there now?” he asked, bringing his hand up to my cheek. “Ignore them and the talk. It’s none of their concern what I do. And if they want to hold it against you, they’ll be punished for behaving like children. That I can promise you. Okay?”
“Okay.” I softly smiled.
“Good girl.” His lips brushed against mine. “Why don’t you take the rest of the day off? I’ll have Curtis email you a couple of projects for you to work on for the rest of the week.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. I have a dinner meeting tomorrow night, so how about we get together Friday night? I’d like to see you again.”
“Friday will work.” I smiled as the fluttering in my belly began.
“We’ll have dinner at my place, and if you’re willing, I’d like you to spend the night with me.”
“I’d love too.”
“I was hoping you’d say that.” His hand softly stroked my cheek. “I’ll swing by and pick you up after work.”
“I’ll be ready.”