Heart Strings - Melanie Moreland

Chapter 1

Lottie

Voices droned on about numbers throughout the boardroom. Projected budgets, debt ratio, timelines. All very important—all very dull. I stared out the window at the darkening late afternoon, losing myself in the sway of the tree branches as the wind lifted them, graceful and flowing. Snow swirled, light and diaphanous, the flakes caught in the streetlights beginning to flicker on. It was a dance of sorts—a beautiful, elegant display of the winter that was closing in all around us.

Much like these walls I felt closing in around me.

I shook my head to clear the cobwebs and tried to concentrate on the meeting. Casting my gaze around the table, I saw that everyone was now looking at the forecasted dates, so I hastily flipped the pages, knowing I had missed much of what they’d discussed.

“Charlotte, do you have any concerns in this area?”

I lifted my eyes, meeting the intense gaze of the CEO, Charles Prescott. His stare was calm and steady, yet I wondered if he knew I had been drifting.

I swallowed nervously. “Not at this time.”

“Good. Ralph, what about your area?”

I huffed a small sigh of relief, grateful I had gone through all the notes on the project prior to the meeting. I knew the ins and outs, and at that point, barring some catastrophe, I had no concerns.

I made an effort to concentrate. I attempted to pay attention, jotting down notes and nodding as others around the table made comments. It lasted about fifteen minutes, until a gust of wind rattled the glass, and I looked over to see the snow getting thicker. A familiar thrill ran through me.

I loved winter. I loved the cold, the snow, and everything it brought with it. The sounds and sights of the upcoming holidays. Sledding, skiing, even walking in the newly fallen snow—especially at night when the flakes drifted down and the streets were empty. I would walk for hours, bundled up and protected against the frigid cold. I walked until my nose tingled and my fingers curled inside my mittens.

I loved mittens.

My favorite thing to do in the winter was to curl up on the sofa with a good book, a steaming cup of hot chocolate, and a cozy blanket. Alone and peaceful. It was a stolen pleasure most of the time.

“Charlotte?”

I blinked, bringing myself back to the present. My chest tightened when I realized I had drifted away again. My hand was slack, my pen rested on the open file, and my head was down. It probably looked as if I were asleep.

I raised my head, forcing a smile. “Sorry, I was lost in thought. Crunching some numbers in my head.”

Charles lifted his eyebrows, leaving me no doubt he knew my mind had wandered from the meeting and my thoughts had nothing to do with numbers.

“I asked if you were available to be on the committee. I’d like you involved.”

I stifled a groan. Another committee. More meetings to sit in on and boring discussions to have—to listen to other executives drone on about how important they were to the project. I hated those meetings.

“Of course. I’ll make sure I clear my schedule.”

“Excellent. Okay, everyone, that’s it for today. The snowstorm is getting bad, so be safe out there.”

I stood, grateful the meeting was finished.

Charles held up his hand. “A moment, Charlotte.”

I sat down, keeping the neutral look on my face, knowing I was about to get a lecture. He waited until everyone was gone, stood and rounded the table, sitting beside me.

“Are you all right, Charlotte?”

“I’m fine.”

“You don’t seem like yourself. You’ve been off for the past while.”

I traced the woodgrain with my finger, unable to meet his eyes. I knew I would see disappointment. “I’m a bit distracted,” I admitted. “I have a lot on my plate.”

“We all do. That’s the nature of this business. I need your head in the game on this one. It’s huge. I’m counting on you.”

“I know.” I cleared my throat. “It won’t happen again.”

He studied me for a moment, then tilted his head in acknowledgment. “I expect you to do better.”

Shame tore through me. “I will.”

“You look drained.”

I was surprised at the unexpected, personal remark. “I’m fine. Honest, I am.”

“All right. You’re a grown woman, so I’ll take your word for it. I suggest you limit your nights out to the weekends. I need you sharp. No more drifting during meetings.”

“Yes, sir.”

He stood, smoothing down his suit jacket, an action not required—Charles Prescott always looked impeccable. His silver hair gleamed under the lights,