Chapter 2

“Where’s the file on the Belvedere development?” my boss, Thomas Rolland asks, an edge to his voice.

“It’s right here. Let me get it,” I said, rifling through the filing cabinet, praying I could lay my hands on it quickly, before my boss could get any more impatient.

“Here it is,” I quickly handed it over to him, hoping this was all he wanted and he would leave so I could get on with my work in peace. Ever since I returned from the interview in London, Mr. Rolland has been riding my ass. Get me this, get me that. I can’t seem to do things quick enough. Asshole. God, I hope I get the promotion.

Not that Thomas Rolland was ever an angel to work for. Impatient, demanding, and tough as nails. He expects a lot out of his employees. But straight as an arrow. And that’s saying a lot in a business full of dirty people doing dirty deals, especially when official government permits are required.

Thankfully this was all he needed and he left my office without saying another word. It was Friday afternoon, it had been a long week, and all I really wanted to do was go home early. No chance of that. Sighing, I looked at the stack of reports on my desk and knew I would be working late.

A soft knock on my door, then Heather pokes her head in. “Hey, you. I just saw that asshole coming out of your office, and I thought I would come and check on you. Make sure you’re okay.”

Heather’s title is office manager. Unofficially, she’s the peace maker and the person I go to for any crisis, professional or otherwise. She started working for the company four years ago and took me under her wing when I first started. Curly dark brown hair, petite, and funny as hell, Heather always makes me laugh.

“I’m okay, thanks,” I reply, laughing.

“Listen, some of us are going out tonight for drinks at Magnolia’s. Why don’t you come with us?”

“I don’t know……maybe.” I give Heather a weak smile.

Heather puts her hand on her hip, cocking her head to the side. “Come on, you need to get out. You won’t ever get over him if you don’t get out more.”

After five years of dating Bradley and he still hadn’t put a ring on it, I finally realized he never would. Not that breaking up with Bradley was all that difficult to do. A man-boy who at the age of thirty was still living at home with his mother, still playing video games, and still had no idea what to do with his life.

Heather, too, had recently broken up with her boyfriend of two years, but unlike me, she was going out at every opportunity. Since her break up, she’s had a string of one night stands, which she seems to enjoy giving me a full detailed report on each and every lover she’s had.

“OMG, Katherine, he had the most beautiful cock I’ve ever seen.” Or “His tongue technique was amazing” or the latest “At one point I had to ask him ‘Is it in yet?’ She’s even tried to hook me up with some of the men she’s screwed. I always politely decline.

“I’m swamped with work,” I said, nodding towards the stack of reports. “But thanks anyway.”

“Have you heard anything about the job in London?” she asked. Heather had already informed me all about Alex McCall, before I had left for the interview. She said she’d met him once at a company conference. “He’s hot. And he looks like trouble, if you know what I mean,” she had said.

“No, nothing at all. And it’s been two weeks. I really want the job, Heather. I think it’s exactly what I need right now.”

And it was. I needed a change. A major change. Moving four thousand miles away to a new country and a new job was about as major a change as you could get.

Heather agreed, saying, “I think it would be a great move for your career. Plus, all the hot British guys,” she said, winking. “But you know how sorry I would be to see you go.”

“I know. And so would I,” I said, smiling warmly at her.

“Let me know if you change your mind about tonight. And don’t stay too late. It’s Friday. Go home and relax.” Heather waves goodbye, closing the door behind her.

Two and half hours later, I push back from my desk, exhausted. Everyone in the office has left for the day, ready to start their weekend. Time to go home. I stand and stretch, begin straightening up my desk before I leave. My cell rings, the sound drifting up from my purse. Probably Heather begging me to come have a drink. I open my bag, grab my phone and frown. It’s a number I don’t recognize. I don’t usually answer if it’s a number I don’t know, but something told me to answer it.

“Hello?”

“Hello, Katherine.” the voice on the other end is deep and soothing and British. My heart begins to pound. It’s him.

“Yes, this is Katherine,” I reply, clearing my throat, hoping I sound professional.

“Katherine. This is Alex McCall. I hope I’m not interrupting you. Do you have a few moments?”

“Sure.” I peek my head out of the office door, taking a look around. The lights are off in the rest of the office, with no one in sight.

“I was calling to follow-up with you regarding your interview. Typically this is something Sandra, my receptionist handles, but I wanted to call you myself. I was most impressed with your qualifications and experience……and with you as well.” Alex paused briefly before continuing. “I would like to extend an offer of employment. That is, if you’re still interested.”

If I was still interested?! Was he kidding me??

“Yes,” I reply, probably a little too quickly. “Yes, I’m still interested and will accept your offer.” I smile so big I thought my face was going to fall off. I felt giddy with excitement.

“Brilliant,” Alex said, smiling as well. He could feel her excitement through the phone line. He knew he had made the right decision, without a doubt. Not that he ever doubted himself. Ever.

“I’ll have Sandra email you all of your employment paperwork on Monday, including your work visa. I’m prepared to give you six weeks to make arrangements for your transition to London. I would like your first date of employment to be the first of April. Are you in agreement with this?”

“Six weeks is ample time,” I replied, already making a mental list of things I need to do. “And thank you again for this opportunity. I can’t tell you how excited I am.”

“And I as well. I look forward to seeing you then Katherine. Have a good weekend.”

“You, too. Good-bye.”

I hang up the phone and sit at my desk for a few minutes, the news still sinking in.

Holy shit, I got the job! Time to celebrate!

I quickly straighten up my desk and pick up my purse, closing the door behind me. I pull out my phone and send Heather a text letting her know I’m on my way to Magnolia’s.