victoria

 

 

“Victoria, having a good day?” Richard Laskey popped into her office and stood in the doorway. His expression was friendly and kind, as usual.

“Yes, Richard. Just finishing up the memo on the new spamming regulations for your client.”

Victoria could hardly remember what day it was. After dinner at her parents’ on Sunday, she threw herself into her work and picked up a couple of extra files, hoping to regain her momentum and chase thoughts of Bradley out of her mind.

“Ok, good to hear that. Just wanted to remind you of the board meeting today, and to make a special request.”

Victoria nodded enthusiastically. It had completely slipped her mind that it was Wednesday, but she sure wasn’t going to let Richard know.

Richard continued, “We have a new board member starting today, and I’d like you two to work on a special fundraiser for Montrose Children’s Hospital. He has some medical background, and you’d be the perfect person to work with him, considering your experience with fundraisers. I assume that’s ok with you?”

Victoria didn’t hesitate. When a partner asks whether you’re ok with a work assignment, it’s not really a question.

“Sure, that sounds like a great project. I’m looking forward to meeting him.”

“I’m glad to hear that. I expect you’ll bring your A-game today.” He gave her a pointed look, obviously referring to the unpleasant incident at the previous meeting.

“Absolutely, Richard,” she said reassuringly. And she meant it. She wasn’t going to let anything distract her at this meeting. Not when so much was riding on her performance.

 

****

 

Victoria’s heels clicked down the hallways as she hurried to the board meeting. She didn’t want to be late; that would just be icing on the cake of her recent faux pas. When she entered the room, she sighed with relief as she noted the several empty chairs, indicating that she was far from the last one to show up.

She greeted everyone in turn and took a seat near the front, setting down her notebook and laptop carefully. All the regular members showed up within a few minutes, but there was no sign of the new board member yet.

Richard Laskey spoke up. “Welcome, everyone. Let’s give our new member a few minutes to arrive. It’s his first meeting, so he may be having some trouble finding his way here.”

They didn’t have to wait too long. Victoria was busy reading the minutes of the previous meeting when she heard the familiar creak of the large oak doors, and glanced up.

The color drained from her face immediately, and her stomach lurched. This must be a mistake. What was he doing here?

Stepping into the room was Bradley, looking more handsome and sexy than ever in a fitted suit and tie. Her palms felt damp, and her mouth, which was agape, went dry. His eyes met hers, but his expression didn’t reflect any surprise whatsoever at seeing her there.

This must be some sort of mistake. Maybe he has a meeting with a lawyer and came into the wrong room, she thought. But he looked perfectly calm and continued striding into the room with the confidence and self-assuredness of someone who knew they were in the right place.

“Welcome, Bradley. Have a seat.”

Victoria’s gaze didn’t waver. She was transfixed.

“Everyone, this is Mr. Bradley Harper, our newest board member. Please join me in welcoming him. He’s in the final year of his medical studies, and comes to us with a wealth of experience in children’s medical and health issues, as well as in fundraising and charity work. I trust that he’ll be a true asset to our board, and indeed, to the whole organization.

Victoria looked from Bradley to Richard and back again. This can’t be happening, she thought. She then remembered what Richard had said about her working closely with the new board member, and her heart skipped a beat. Just when she was trying to do everything in her power to forget him, she’d be forced to work with him, side by side, possibly for months? She squirmed in her seat, trying to think of a way to get out of it. But no, there was no way she could disappoint Richard now, not after her recent issues and the promise that she made.

“Bradley will be working very closely with Victoria on our newest initiative concerning Montrose Children’s Hospital. Please give them your full support. Of course, everyone’s expected to participate, but they’ll be leading the project.” He looked at Victoria and Bradley and spoke to them directly. “I assume you’ll be exchanging contact information after the meeting so you can keep in touch. There’ll be a lot of work you’ll have to do after hours, so get acquainted.”

Victoria nodded. If you only knew how well acquainted we are, she thought.

She glanced at Bradley, whose eyes were fixed on her with a sexy gaze that she hoped no one else noticed. Her heart fluttered, and she felt a stirring deep within. This was going to be a long meeting, it seemed.