Chapter Two
THE WEEKEND PASSEDby too quickly in a blur of meetings and preparations for the new job. When Debra heard I’m taking a step back from some of my duties in acquisitions, she wasn’t pleased. It’s not like she’s losing me all together. I’ll still be working to expand her company, just not in the capacity I was before. I’ve always been excellent at handling a full workload. Honestly, I prefer it that way. It keeps my mind off things I would rather not think about.
Despite her reservations of where I will be working, she’s never been one to hold me back from charity work. Regardless of what work I do, when I do it well, it reflects positively on her. That’s probably the only reason she didn’t put up a bigger fight about me working for her competitors.
It’s Monday morning, and I sit in my car staring blankly at the building in front of me. It’s a small, unassuming building, exactly the opposite of what I was expecting. With Blake involved, I half expected an extravagant building that cost more than most people make in a lifetime. I’m pleasantly surprised to be wrong about my assumptions.
I glance down at the clock. I’m only fifteen minutes early, but I know I can’t go inside yet. The thought of walking into that building fills me with a deep sense of anxiety. My fingers tremble against the steering wheel, and it takes a few deep breaths before they relax. If Abby isn’t here, I can’t risk facing Blake alone. It’s not that he scares or intimidates me, I just can’t handle him alone. At least, not the first time of seeing him again.
The longer I sit here, the more time I have to contemplate the depth of the consequences of my decision. Taking this job means seeing Blake on a daily basis. The thought makes my skin crawl. Why I would willingly subject myself to this kind of torture is beyond me.
I’m tempted for the thousandth time to pick up my phone and tell Abby that I’ve changed my mind. That I can’t do this. That she will have to find someone else. But we both know the truth. There isn’t anyone more qualified than I am to take over for Abby. Not for what she’s offering as a salary. Which is exactly why I turned it down. I have more money than I will ever need as it is. They need the money to stay in the charity more than I need to line my pockets.
My phone buzzes, and my gaze shifts down to look at it. A text from Abby pops up on my screen.
Relief floods through me as a sigh escapes my lips. I don’t think I could have handled walking in alone. Now I won’t have to.
Tucking my phone into my pocket, I mentally prepare myself for our reunion. I can’t even remember the last time I visited Abby. I flew out to see her a few times when she first moved to Chicago. But when she refused to come back to Aspen to see me, that was when our relationship shifted. Even after I offered to pay for her flights, she still refused. Aspen was too full of bad memories.
But I knew the truth. She didn’t want to run into Blake.
Blake.
Why am I sitting here waiting to meet with a man I despise?
My hand clenches around the steering wheel, but I force myself to release it. I’ve reminded myself at least half a dozen times that I’m doing this for Abby. And that was just on the drive over here. My mantra for the day is quickly going to lose its usefulness.
Needing a distraction, I turn my eyes back to the documents in my passenger seat. I can’t deny that I was hesitant to join this project. After seeing the packet Abby sent over, I’m not sure that I feel the same way. This place is the real deal. It just needs a little push in the right direction. I am exactly the person who can make that happen. What Abby is trying to create here could really make a difference in our community. It is exactly the type of project I thrive on.
A tingle of anticipation runs through me. My mind races with ideas on how we can expand and grow the plans that she has already implemented. Maybe this won’t be all bad? If I can avoid Blake, that is.
A sleek black town car pulls into the parking lot. I take a deep breath and tuck my phone into the pocket of my black slacks.
No turning back now.
When the car comes to a stop, a few moments pass before the door opens. A man steps from the car. All I can see is his back, and my hand freezes as I reach for my door.
For a moment I fear it’s Blake, but when he runs one hand through his dark hair, I sigh a breath of relief. The man hasn’t faced me yet, but I don’t need him to turn around to know who he is. Even though I’ve never met him before, there is only one man who can open a door for Abby Stephens looking that good.
Spencer holds out a hand, and Abby appears from the darkness of the back seat. Her feet hit the concrete, and before I’ve decided to move, I’m stepping out of my car. The instant her eyes land on me, her face lights with a smile. I can feel the warmth of her happiness from here. Then she’s running, her footsteps pounding against the empty parking lot. The second she slams into me, I wrap her in a soul-crushing hug.
She squeals, jumping up and down, still holding me in her arms. “Ray!”
I laugh, a smile spreading across my face. She has always been the sunshine to my rain cloud. Despite everything that’s going on between us, she can still lighten my mood. “It’s good to see you too, Abby.”
Releasing me, she takes a small step back. Her eyes move to scan my face. Whatever she sees there makes her smile widen, her eyes crinkling at the edges. She puts her hand around my arm and pulls me towards where Spencer still stands next to the car. “Come on, I have someone I want you to meet.”
Icy blue eyes meet mine, and with just one look, I can see what the big deal is all about. Spencer Grant is gorgeous. His looks are striking, with amazing eyebrows and a sharp jaw line most men would kill for. His gray suit fits him like a glove, and I feel like I should tell Abby to thank his tailor for me. Or better yet, I’ll send him a thank-you card myself.
“Raven, I want you to meet Spencer Grant, my boyfriend.” Her eye sparkle as she says his name. I can’t help but wonder how many times she’s introduced him like this, just because she enjoys saying the words.
She turns to him, squeezing my arm. The excitement is rolling off of her in waves, and I can tell how important it is to her that this goes well. “Spencer, this is Raven Belmonte.”
He takes a step towards me, holding one broad hand out. I take it, giving him my practiced stern handshake. The corner of my mouth tilts in a smile. “I’ve heard a lot of great things.”
Surprise lights his eyes before he retorts. “I wish I could say the same thing.”
Turning to Abby, my eyes widen in shock. “Abby, you’re only supposed to tell your boyfriend good things about me. He’s supposed to learn the rest on his own.”
Spencer laughs, a booming sound echoing through the parking lot that startles me in the best possible way. Based on everything Abby told me about Spencer over the past few years, I would have imagined him as a man made of ice and freezing glares.
But that description is such a contrast to the man standing before me. His eyes are warm despite their crystal color. His stance is at ease, clearly comfortable anywhere as long as he’s with her. The effect Abby has on this man is unmistakable.
The second their eyes meet, I can see the depth of their connection. Their stare makes me want to look away and give them privacy, but I can’t. The way they feel about each other is tangible in the air between them. It’s practically written all over their faces. Spencer stares at her like she is the only thing he sees - like she is the only thing he will ever see.
My heart coils in my chest, knowing no one has ever looked at me like that.
Abby moves to his side, taking his hand before turning back to me. “I cannot thank you enough for this. I owe you big time.”
“Yes, you do.” My small smile waivers then falls as I remember why I’m standing here. This isn’t just a reunion for our friendship. I’m not just meeting my best friend’s boyfriend. We aren’t here for a social visit. This is a job. “Should we get started?”
She nods and takes my arm again, linking it with her free one. “Let me show you to your office.”
We make our way towards the building. I’m sure we must look obnoxious, the three of us walking together. But I don’t let how silly we look bother me. It’s comforting to have Abby at my side again. Even if it is only temporary.
When we reach the building’s front door, Spencer breaks away from us to hold it open. Abby shoots him a small wink in thanks. I bump into her with my hip. “Get a room, you two.”
Abby laughs, bumping me back with her shoulder. Through the sound of her laughter, Spencer grunts something that sounds an awful lot like, “I would if I could.”
I can’t help but roll my eyes at them. Even after a few minutes in their presence, their easiness makes me feel like I belong. Like Spencer could weasel his way into being a permanent fixture in our friendship.
Glancing around the lobby, I note the open space contains an empty reception desk. That surprises me. What kind of office doesn’t have a person stationed to greet guests? Especially on the day the new boss is starting.
Two fake potted plants sit at either end of it. It’s exactly what you think of when you picture an office building. Carpeted floors and bland pictures hanging from beige walls. This place has no life in it, no movement or sense of direction. I make a mental note to spruce this place up, even if it’s just a little.
We make our way deeper into the building. I glance into a few open rooms as we pass by. They are mostly offices and meeting spaces, but each one is empty. Coffee mugs sit unattended at desks, and monitors glow with life. The V between my brows deepens with each empty office we pass. If Abby and Spencer notice anything is amiss, they don’t show it.
Where is everyone?
At the end of the hall, I can see a conference room with its door closed. Muffled voices reach me just as we turn down a side corridor.
Everyone must be inside.
The thought twists my stomach and I audibly gulp. I’ve never shied away from leadership rolls. There’s something about standing in front of a group of strangers for the first time that makes me want to put my head between my knees and take a few deep breaths. Especially when I know Blake Emerson will be in the room with me. He must be in there with them now, preparing everyone to meet me.
We stop short in front of the last door at the end of the hallway.
“Here we are.” Abby moves to open the door to my new office. I can’t help but wonder if I’ll be sharing that as well.
My heart beats in my chest. I don’t know why, but all of my nerves crash down on me at once. I force myself to take deep, steadying breaths as she opens the door.
She holds out one hand for me to enter first, and I step past her. My gaze moves around the space, taking in the office’s simple design that matches my minimalistic tendencies.
My eyes land on the black desk in the center of the back wall. It isn’t so much the desk that catches my attention, but the man currently sitting at it with his shoes resting on its glossy surface.
Blake Emerson.
Our eyes collide, a mix of turquoise and brown, tension filling the air. The look in his eyes is exactly how I remember them. Impassive and indifferent. Our gazes hold, neither of us willing to look away or show any sign of weakness. Flames burn under my skin as the moment stretches between us. It’s like being twenty something all over again and Abby is introducing us for the first time. It’s like no time has passed at all.
Seeing him again brings back everything from our first meeting. His self assured arrogance. His pompous attitude and playboy ways. My anger flares again. Something about being in his presence eliminates all the self control I had when I entered the room.
“Get your feet off my desk.” I can’t help the venom that bleeds into my voice as I take a step towards him. I don’t care if he owns the building and the desk he’s currently seated at. The moment I took this job, that desk became mine. And I don’t like people stepping on what’s mine.
Literally, in this case.
Looking him over, I study my adversary. He looks nothing like the boy I remember him being. In the years since I met Blake Emerson, the cocky surfer dude has turned into a man. His golden waves of hair no longer hangs past his ears. Instead, it’s trimmed short with a tapered cut, allowing it to grow longer at the top. Just long enough for him to fun his fingers through it. My eyes catch on the movement, and I can’t help but watch as he pushes his fingers through the strands.
His blue eyes are deeper than I remember them being, with flecks of green hiding in the center of his irises. It’s like looking into an endless ocean of turquoise. They would be entrancing if I were into that kind of thing.
My eyes run over his black suit and tie. A man with refined tastes, by the looks of it. But with the money his family has, his mommy can pay to dress him up however she likes.
So I amend my thought, a mother with refined tastes.
Abby releases a sigh behind me. I can feel the nerves rolling off of her in waves. Under her breath, she mutters, “Off to a great start already.”
She immediately steps between us. Always the mediator.
“Blake, you remember Raven.” She gives him a long, hard look, and he smiles coyly in response.
I know that look only too well. She’s silently telling him to behave and play nice. I would know, she invented that look for me.
He slowly uncrosses his legs before placing them firmly on the floor. When he stands, my eyes can’t help but follow his movements. In an instant, he’s towering over me. Impossibly taller than I remember him being. I’m not short by any means, but he dominates the space, standing at least a head taller above me.
Taking purposeful steps, he moves out from behind the desk. He stops in front of it and extends a hand to me. Gritting my teeth, I force a sharp breath through my nose before reaching out to meet him halfway. Just because I don’t like the man doesn’t mean I can’t be a professional.
“How nice to see you again.” I say through tight lips. Even to my own ears, I can hear how insincere I sound. But I can’t find it in me to care.
His hand closes around mine, and fire burns where our skin joins. Goosebumps spread out across my skin from where his meets mine. I want to pull away, end this feeling that’s making its way across my arm. But I’m trapped in his powerful grip, unable to escape.
“Likewise.” His deep voice rumbles through me, and tension builds at the base of my spine. His tone sounds as uninterested as he looks. Turquoise eyes flicker down to our joined hands before he releases it and leans back against the desk.
Lowering my hand to my side, I wipe it against my suit, not wanting the feeling of him lingering on my skin any longer than it has to.
He crosses his arms over his chest. His gaze takes me in, silently assessing me with a smirk tilting the corner of his lips. If it was anyone other than him looking me over, I’d slap them. I’m not a piece of meat to be inspected. But I can’t hit him. No matter how badly I want to wipe that smirk off his face.
When the thorough examination ends, his eyes lock on mine. The smile of brilliant white teeth he flashes at me is almost as insincere as the one on my face. “Abby showed me your resume. It’s a comprehensive list of accomplishments. I have to say I’m impressed.”
Did Blake just give me a compliment?
“When she first talked about bringing you on, I have to say I was hesitant.”
Ah, there it is. Pompous ass.
He just had to open his mouth again.
Abby clears her throat, her eyes flicking between the two of us in a way that shows how nervous she is. She must know this is going south quick. She inserts herself into our odd introduction, saying anything she can to salvage this. “We both agreed that you were the only candidate for the position.”
I nod my head, not fully believing her. I’m sure Abby thinks I’m the only one for the job, but it’s clear that Blake doesn’t feel the same way. But I don’t care what he thinks.
Blake reaches out with one arm. Pulling Abby closer, he puts one arm around her shoulder. The movement looks friendly, but it sets me on edge. My eyes dart to Spencer, who has been suspiciously quiet this entire time. I almost forgot he was here.
His shoulders are tense, and his eyes grow darker with each passing second Blake’s arm remains wrapped around Abby.
“I’d step back, unless you want to lose an arm.” You’d think my words were a joke, but one look at Spencer would tell you they weren’t.
Spencer’s eyes darken impossibly further. Turning his crystal blue eyes into a gunmetal gray. The tension is visible on his body, with tight shoulders and a locked jaw. The saying “if looks could kill” suddenly pops into my mind. If I was Blake, I’d want to be anywhere but standing with my arm wrapped around Abby like that.
Abby laughs. A blush consuming her cheeks as she takes in Spencer’s rigid stance. But Blake drops his arm like he’s touched something hot and it has burned him. He must realize, like I do, that the threat in Spencer’s eyes isn’t an idle one.
He shoots Spencer an apologetic look before saying. “Didn’t mean it like that.”
Blake laughs, but it’s forced and borderlines nervous.
My eyes travel between the two men. The tension lingers, and a realization dawns on me. Blake still has feelings for Abby. I’d laugh if it wasn’t tragic. He doesn’t stand a chance against a man like Spencer. Not with the way Abby looks at him.
“How about we go meet the rest of the team?” Abby steps away from Blake and back towards the door.
I nod my head, a mixture of relief and nerves bundling together inside of me. I’d do anything to get us out of this weird situation we have found ourselves in and back to the task at hand. Even if that means meeting with new employees.