Preview of Decoding Emma
N ote: This is an unedited version
Emma
I sat in my small car in the warm spring air trying to convince myself to get out. Why was I so nervous?
My boss sent me over to Fantasies, Inc. to help customize the software I’d built into their system.
I’d asked why I couldn’t do it at Tri-O-Tech like I did all my work, but apparently the guy in charge of the technology department was a control freak and insisted all customization be done at his office.
A sigh escaped. I hated being in a place I didn’t know. Some would say I was an introvert, and sometimes I was. I just liked being by myself and doing my own thing without people looking over my shoulder.
“Come on, Emma, get your ass out of the car.” The pep talk helped me open the door and step out. The spring sun was warm on my skin. I opened the back door, pulled my backpack with my laptop out, then closed and locked my car.
I sucked in a breath and walked toward the building. The sun gleamed off the shiny windows as I glanced up at the logo. A smile crossed my lips. A big red heart with devil’s horns the company name—Fantasies, Inc.—graced the building.
This job had come up so quickly I hadn’t had time toinvestigate the company before I walked in.
My boss called me at seven this morning and told me to be here by nine.
Since I lived outside of Seattle, that meant driving right into West Seattle and dealing with all the traffic.
My boss hinted that doing this job would help me get the promotion I craved.
It also meant stepping out of my comfort zone.
I stepped off to the side of the automatic doors so as not to block the others from walking into the building. Some of them glanced at me and smiled, then continued on their way. They all seemed very relaxed and comfortable.
Those walking into the building were wearing a lot of different outfits.
I glanced down at my black slacks and purple blouse.
They were neat and clean. Yes, I was wearing sneakers, but I wanted to be comfortable.
I fit right in. Taking a deep breath, I gave myself another peptalk, then stepped through.
The coolness of the building’s air condition wafted over my skin.
The lobby was nicely decorated. Sofas and chairs were spread around with small side tables. There were a few people waiting, probably meeting someone. There was a large reception area where my attention was caught on a man, standing tall, with the woman sitting behind the desk.
Another deep breath and I made my way over to the desk. The man glanced up. Our gazes locked. I stopped breathing. His green eyes were assessing, and I couldn’t help feeling like I lacked something he was searching for. I adjusted my backpack and forced a smile.
“You must be Emma Palmer,” the man said, holding out his hand. “I’m Asher Donahue, head of Technology here at Fantasies, Inc.”
“Mr. Donahue.” I shook his hand and heat invaded my veins. I took in his short dark hair, and the slight scruff on his face. While he wasn’t in a suit, his pants and dress shirt looked expensive. A shaft of awareness slid through my body.
“Call me Asher.”
“Emma.” I pulled my hand away from his, but my gaze stayed on him. Why did he look familiar? He shouldn’t.
“Our first stop is HR so we can get you set up.” He cupped my elbow, and damn, if my pulse didn’t skip a beat or two.