left them behind. I really hope they don’t follow me out because I want to be alone right now.
Outside the bar, I’m gasping for fresh air.
I rub a hand over my face before I start holding my hand out to stop a cab. One stops for me and I hurl myself in, curling into the corner of the backseat.
I close my eyes to help stop the pounding in my head.
I can’t believe I just did that. I am not that girl! I have never let myself get carried away like that before. The last thing I want to do is lead Tyler on. I don’t want to ruin our friendship. I don’t want him to start avoiding me because of this disaster.
I get dropped off at my apartment building and run up to my place. Once I’m inside, I dare to check my phone. There is a text from Blaire.
Tyler told me what happened. I’m sorry, Kim. I shouldn’t have pushed the two of you together. This is all my fault. I promise, I’ll stop.
I turn my phone off. I’m trying not to be mad at Blaire, but I can’t help but feel annoyed. She’s right; she shouldn’t have pushed us together. I’ve tried to tell her repeatedly that I don’t think of Tyler that way. And now look at what’s happened!
And in just a few days, I’m supposed to start a new job that she’s found for me. A job with her ex. What new problems is that going to bring?
Blaire has always been a good reliable friend to me, but I’m now starting to wonder if I should always listen to her advice blindly.
What have I signed up for?
6
Kirk
It is supposed to be Kim Water’s first day at work, and I can’t deny that I’m a little bit nervous.
Why?
Why am I letting her get in my head like this? I haven’t even met her yet. She could be completely different from those photos I saw of her on the internet. In fact, that is very likely.
I haven’t been in the best mood this last week. My heli-skiing had to be canceled because my legal team couldn’t come up with an answer quick enough. The board has won this time, but I’m already planning my next trip. By the end of this month, I’ll be heli-skiing and they won’t be able to stop me.
So when I get a call from the reception that Kim Waters has arrived to see me, I’m already too gruff to be polite. I’m also annoyed at Blaire for putting me in this position. I feel like I’ve been strong-armed into this.
Sarah, one of the receptionists, knocks on my door and opens it. Beside her is Kim Waters, and she is even more devastatingly beautiful than the pictures portrayed her to be.
I look up and stare, catching myself and then forcing myself to look away.
Sarah says something to her, after which she steps in and Sarah shuts the door. We are alone in my office. I haven’t dared to look at her again in fear of giving my desire away. The last thing I need is for her to go running to Blaire and complain.
“Good morning, Mr. Silvers,” she says while I continue to scroll through the computer.
“Yes, sit down,” I say curtly.
From the corner of my eye, I see her approaching my desk and taking a seat in the chair across from me. The room is deathly quiet, the only sound is the click-click of my mouse.
She is looking around her curiously, assessing the lay of the land. I have to do everything to not stare into her green eyes.
But I have to say something.
“I’m sure Blaire has already filled you in on the role, what you’re required to do, and your responsibilities, etc.” I turn to her finally, weaving my fingers together on the desk.
She nods and smiles. There’s that smile that makes me shift in my chair! It brightens up her delicate heart-shaped face, and I feel like I’ve been sucker-punched.
“She’s given me some insight into the role.”
“I’ll have Mike from the team show you around. You can shadow him for the day. He’s been filling in for Evelyn the last few days. Evelyn used to be my assistant.”
Kim nods. She’s sitting straight and poised in the chair. She’s wearing a serene blue blouse, and I’ve already noticed the tight skirt. I wish she didn’t look like this. I wish she didn’t have those big green eyes and the perfect bow-shaped mouth.
“Mr.