Chapter 3
CHAPTER THREE
Gigi
“The offices of Rushton Smith,” I say into the phone, my breath holding once the greeting is out.
It’s been a day of not knowing anyone or how to help them. Every time the phone rings, it feels like I’m walking a gauntlet.
At least Rush is in a meeting that did not require my attendance, so I don’t need to worry about him overhearing me if I get it wrong.
“Is this Gigi?” the female voice on the other end asks.
My brow furrows, as I tune into the background noise at the other end of the line. Is someone singing? “Yes.”
“This is Miss Clemons. Emma’s teacher. She did well this morning, but she’s struggling this afternoon. There have been a lot of tears.”
I nip at my lip, my heart jumping into my throat, as my eyes meet Rachel’s. “Tears?”
“I know you’re just starting, but a visit from you might make the afternoon more bearable.” I can hear Miss Clemons wince as she makes the request.
I’d hoped to head down to the daycare at lunchtime, but I’d ended up eating at my desk as I’d attempted to piece together various documents for the variance. “If you could hold for just one moment,” I say, trying to keep my voice professional, so as not to arouse suspicion.
Rachel’s brows lift as I push back from the desk. “Any chance I get a fifteen-minute break in the afternoons?” I whisper as I reach her.
She shakes her head. “Not formally.”
My shoulders wilt as I close my eyes. I don’t want Emma to hate daycare, but I have to make a good impression at this job. “Darn. My daughter is at her first day of daycare and she?—"
“Just go,” she makes a shooing noise. “If Big Bad comes out, I’ll tell him you’re in the bathroom.”
“Thank you,” I gush, spinning. Picking up the phone I tell Miss Clemons that I’ll be right down.
Then, I practically sprint toward the elevator. Did I think it would take weeks to learn to run in the three-inch stilettos? I’ve managed the skill in hours. I guess I can count that as a first day win.
I press the button, the elevator doors sliding open.
Behind me, Rachel runs up. “Don’t forget your elevator key.”
“You are a lifesaver,” I gasp, as she tosses the key to me. I catch it in my right hand and then step into the elevator, the doors sliding closed behind me.
I tap my toe the entire way down to the second floor. I’m fortunate that this is an express elevator and I arrive at the daycare in less than thirty seconds.
Miss Clemons waits by the entrance, opening the locked door as I sprint down the hall.
Emma’s teary eyes light up when she sees me, and my heart breaks a little.
I step through the doors and scoop her up, kissing her chubby little cheek. “Don’t cry M&M, the day will be done soon.”
“I miss you,” she whispers in my ear.
“I miss you too,” I hug her tightly and then kiss her cheek again. “Mommy has to go back to work, but I’ll be back to get you before you know it.”
“Okay.”
I hear the wobble in her voice. I know she wants this day to be over. That makes two of us.
But I set her down with one more squeeze. “I love you, sweetheart. Be a good girl and have fun, all right?”
She gives a little nod, her eyes sad as she slips her hand into Miss Clemons’ once again.
Miss Clemons gives me a sympathetic wince even as I sprint back toward the elevator.
I step into the elevator, inserting my key to access my floor. My lips press together as I draw in a shaky breath through my nose before holding my breath. Hopefully my boss is not back yet. He was clear that I wasn’t supposed to take personal time during the workday.
My hands twist together as the elevator stops, the doors sliding open.
That’s when I see Rush standing on the far side of the office, his back to me, speaking with another man. As quickly as I can, I run toward my desk, Rachel’s eyes huge as she gives me a little wave to hurry.
I pick up the pace, making it to my desk just in time to toss my key into my top drawer, before Rush turns toward me.
I can feel the flush of my cheeks, my breath coming out in little puffs when my eyes meet Rush’s.
I try to draw in a deep gulp of air to clear my breathing as I paste a smile on my face.
“Ms. Hope,” he rumbles and I brace myself, trying to appear calm.
“Mr. Smith,” I dip my chin. “Was your meeting productive?”
“Not particularly,” he growls back. “My brother isn’t known for his brevity.”
My eyes dash to the man next to Rush. Same height, which is ridiculously tall, same broad shoulders, same gorgeous brown eyes. But this man’s features are set into a smile, the creases in his face indicating that he does so often.
No wonder Rachel prefers to work for him.
“Mr. Smith,” Rachel gushes to Rush’s brother, her face flaming as she comes around her desk. Does she have a crush on her boss?
I can see why.
“Rachel,” he says, giving her a wink. Then he looks at me. “A pleasure to meet you, Ms. Hope.”
I nod back, hoping they’ll pass me by. But they don’t. The new Mr. Smith stops in front of my desk. “I prefer to be called Gris, if you don’t mind. Less confusing.”
“Gris,” I murmur back, a smile tugging at my lips. His warmth is a breath of fresh air on this difficult day. “Gigi.”
“Gigi,” he repeats, a sexy rumble coloring his voice. “What a beautiful name.”
The charmer.
Vigo was a charmer too…at first. I smile again, though my shoulders pull straighter. I don’t have room for a man at all, but I definitely don’t want anything to do with one as charming as this. “Thank you,” I say in my most professional tone.
“Please hold my calls while my brother and I review some files in my office.”
“Of course,” I answer, my hands pressing over my stomach.
But when Rush turns toward his office door, Gris does not follow. “You know…” He cocks his head, staring at my face. “You look familiar…”
My eyes widen. I don’t want to be anything with this man, familiar least of all. But I’m certain I’ve never seen him before. “I can assure you, I’d remember if we’d met.”
He tosses his head back and laughs, the sound rich and so pleasant, I find myself dipping my chin again to hide the fact that I’m smiling too.
“Fair enough,” he murmurs. “And a pleasure to meet you, Gigi.”
“And you.” I step in front of my chair, preparing to return to work.
That’s when I catch Rush’s gaze. His dark gaze isn’t unreadable now. It’s very obvious what he’s thinking. Whatever I just said to his brother has made him…
Furious.