Chapter 2
2
LINCOLN
“Morning,” I cheerfully greet everyone in the staff office.
Lackluster hello s and hey s mumble back.
If this were my team, I would motivate them to do their best at work. But it’s not my place. It’s a temporary work placement after all.
“Morning.” Lucy sits down beside me and I’m instantly surrounded by a warm blend of vanilla and pear. She smells divine.
Today she’s wearing a figure-hugging purple dress paired with candy-pink killer heels, which is such an unexpected contrast to last night.
“Morning,” she says again.
I say a shocked “Hi” in response. I think I’ve forgotten how to breathe. I may have also forgotten how to form words and blink too. She’s beautiful, even more than she was last night.
Granting me a giant smile, she asks, “You all set for the big meeting with the bitch boss from hell, Lincoln?”
I shuffle uneasily in my seat. She seems more confident around me today. Maybe it’s because we aren’t alone like last night.
“Well, now, I never said that.” I trip over my clipped words.
“You might as well have.” She winks at me.
Winks.
She is different from last night.
“Are you going to an audition? Are you an actor?” My eyes flit up and down her outfit.
“Something like that.” She grins at me cheekily.
A loud clap startles me from our staring contest as Rio addresses the room. “Great, everyone is here. Thank you all for arriving on time. Before we start, I want to say a few words. Be prepared for significant change, but remember, it’s all for the greater good. Without further ado, I would like to pass you over to Violet West, our new investor. Please give Violet a warm welcome.” He claps and everyone joins in.
Beside me, Lucy runs her dainty fingers down the fabric across her thighs, then rises to her feet. Holding her hand out for me to shake, she stuns me and says, “Hi, Lincoln. Pleased to meet you. I’m the ball-breaker.”