7. Bianca
7
BIANCA
J ames’s door clicks shut and I just stand, completely frozen. I’m humiliated. My heart pounds like it’s trying to escape my chest.
"Shit," James mutters, raking a hand through his hair. "I had no idea they were coming over. I didn’t even know they knew I was in town or had my address."
"Well, they saw us." I pace the room, trying to process the whirlwind of embarrassment. "This is just... fantastic."
He reaches for my arm gently, stopping me in my tracks. "Bia, I’m sorry. Really. If I’d known..."
"It’s not your fault," I sigh, meeting his hazel eyes. "It’s just... What are the chances? I didn’t expect to see them at your place of all places, and I’m meeting with them in three hours."
James shakes his head, frustration etched into his features.
I sigh, releasing the tension knotting my shoulders. “I’m not mad at you," I say, my voice softer. "It’s just... a lot to process right now."
I walk into his room to get dressed and grab my things. James follows me, not saying a word.
"I need to get going," I tell him, slipping into my pants as quickly as possible. "I have to shower and get ready for this meeting."
"Yeah, of course," James replies, his eyes tracking my movements. "Are you going to be okay?"
"I’ll be fine," I assure him, giving him a small smile despite the chaos inside me. "But call me later, okay?"
"Absolutely," he says firmly.
Once I’m dressed I grab my purse from the table by the door. Just before I step out, I turn back to look at him one last time.
"Thanks for last night," I say with a genuine smile. “It was... good seeing you again.”
He returns the smile, and for a moment, everything is almost normal. “You too, Bia.”
My heels click against the pavement as I head to my car, the sound echoing in the empty parking lot. My heart races, still caught in the whirlwind of panic from Alex and Liam seeing me with James. How did it all unravel so fast? One moment I was on cloud nine, and the next, I’m yanked back to reality.
But beneath that panic, a shock of another kind pulses through me. Last night was... incredible. I can't believe how effortlessly we slipped back into the way things used to be. It felt like no time had passed, like we were those same people from college, lost in each other.
I bring my hand up to my neck, shivering as I recall the sensation of James’s fingers wrapped around it. The way he held me, possessive and sure, sent a thrill through me I haven’t felt in years. A small smile tugs at my lips despite myself.
Unlocking my car, I slide into the driver’s seat and sit there for a moment. I need to focus. There’s no room for distractions right now—not with a huge meeting looming in just a few hours. But how am I supposed to concentrate when every nerve ending is still buzzing from last night?
The thought of seeing Alex and Liam again makes my stomach twist into knots. They were furious, jumping to all kinds of conclusions about James and me. And why wouldn’t they? It looked bad—worse than bad.
I start the car and pull out of the parking lot, my mind whirling with thoughts of how to navigate this mess. But amidst the chaos, one thing stands out: being with James again felt right. Maybe too right.
“Get it together, Bianca,” I mutter to myself as I drive. “You’ve got bigger things to worry about.”
Yet no matter how hard I try to push those thoughts aside, memories from last night keep flooding back—James’s touch, his scent, his voice whispering in my ear. It’s maddening.
As I merge onto the highway, I can’t help but wonder what Alex and Liam will say at the meeting today. Will they confront me? Will they even look at me?
Life’s twisted sense of humor never fails to amaze me. In less than twenty-four hours, I’ve seen all three of the guys I thought I’d left in my past. It’s like some fever dream I can’t wake up from.
Back at my apartment, I strip off my clothes and step into a steaming shower, letting the water wash away the remnants of last night. My mind spins as I scrub my skin raw, trying to cleanse myself of the confusion and chaos swirling inside me. How did everything get so tangled up so quickly?
After drying off, I wrap myself in a towel and stare at my reflection in the mirror. My eyes look wild, haunted by the memories that came rushing back with such force. Memories I thought I’d buried long ago.
“Pull it together, Bianca,” I mutter to my reflection. “You’ve got a job to do.”
I rummage through my closet for something professional but not too formal—something that says “I’m in control” even if I don’t believe it. A sleek black blazer over a crisp white blouse should do the trick. Paired with fitted pants and my favorite heels, it gives me a sense of armor against whatever comes next.
Once dressed, I grab my bag, steeling myself for round two with Alex and Liam. The drive to the property is a blur, my thoughts a jumbled mess of what-ifs and maybes.
I pull up to the property and the sight of it already gets my creative juices flowing. The structure stands tall, almost demanding attention, with palm trees swaying lazily in the breeze, setting that quintessential California vibe. I can already envision some of the design elements I want to incorporate—the mix of modern luxury with natural, earthy tones to make it chic and inviting.
Stepping out of the car, I inhale deeply, letting the salty ocean air fill my lungs. It’s grounding, a reminder that I’m here to do a job and I’m damn good at it. The sun kisses my skin, adding a bit of warmth to my resolve as I head to the meeting where Alex and Liam are waiting.
Walking into the meeting room, I immediately sense the shift in atmosphere. Alex and Liam are already seated, their eyes glued to the documents in front of them. They don’t acknowledge me as I walk in, not even a nod or a quick glance. The tension is thick enough to cut with a knife.
“Good morning, everyone,” Sarah, the project manager, chirps brightly, her enthusiasm a stark contrast to the icy reception from Alex and Liam.
“Morning,” I reply, trying to match her energy as I take my seat. But my heart’s already sinking.
Sarah dives right into the discussion, outlining some ideas she’s had since our last meeting. She talks about incorporating more sustainable materials and possibly adding a rooftop garden. Her voice is animated, hands gesturing as she explains her vision.
I nod along, taking notes and making suggestions where I can. But it’s hard to focus with Alex and Liam sitting there like statues, their silence loud and oppressive. Every time Sarah directs a question at them, they respond with short, clipped answers without ever looking my way.
“Bianca,” Sarah turns to me with a smile that doesn’t quite reach her eyes, “what do you think about using reclaimed wood for the main lobby? It could add a lot of character.”
“I think that’s a great idea,” I say, forcing myself to sound enthusiastic. “It would definitely give the space a unique touch while also being environmentally friendly.”
“Exactly what I was thinking,” she beams, jotting down notes. “And maybe some exposed brick walls?”
“Absolutely,” I agree, but my mind is only half on the conversation. The other half is spiraling into panic mode.
Alex shifts in his seat but still doesn’t look at me. Liam flips through some papers with unnecessary force, making it clear he’s not thrilled to be here.
As Sarah continues outlining plans for different sections of the property, my anxiety ratchets up another notch. Are Alex and Liam going to undermine me just because of what happened this morning? Will they let their personal feelings get in the way of this project?
“Bianca?” Sarah’s voice snaps me back to reality.
“Sorry,” I say quickly. “I was just thinking about how we can tie those elements together seamlessly.”
She nods approvingly but throws a quick glance at Alex and Liam. “It’s crucial that we’re all on the same page.”
My heart races as I look over at them again. They’re both staring resolutely at their documents, ignoring me like I’m invisible.
I start to wonder if this tension will ruin everything I’ve worked so hard for.
My mind starts to spiral. What if Alex and Liam decide I’m too much of a liability? What if they fire me and hire someone else just to avoid conflict? My heart pounds at the thought, each beat echoing in my ears.
Sarah's voice fades into the background as my thoughts take over. The fear gnaws at me. I can’t afford to lose this job. This project is my big break, my chance to prove myself in this competitive industry.