Our meeting only takes a few more moments. She takes all of my identification, makes me a card for the building after taking a picture of me, then we go over all of the paperwork. I sign everything that she asks, not sure what I’m even signing, I am just so excited.
Thanking her, I leave the office and practically skip toward the elevator. I’m not paying attention, my head is in a complete fog. I run into something solid as I step into the elevator. Tipping my head back, I open my mouth to apologize and my words catch.
It’s a younger version of Mr. Astor. He’s handsome, a carbon copy and I assume that he must be Mr. Astor’s son, but the gleam in his eyes is a bit different. A bit more predatory.
“Well, hello there,” he says smoothly.
Taking a step back, I lift my hand and tuck an invisible strand of hair behind my ear. “I’m sorry, I wasn’t paying attention,” I murmur.
He chuckles, the sound filling the small elevator car. “What floor?” he asks.
“Oh, first,” I whisper.
I watch as he extends his arm, touching the button. His sleeve brushes my shoulder and I’m sure it’s supposed to be exciting, but I just find it a little odd. He’s standing a little too close. I can feel his body heat through my own clothes.
I try not to be in a position where I’m alone with men very often. Though being in Mr. Astor’s office felt comfortable and exciting, this exact moment makes my stomach clench.
The elevator car slowly glides down and I watch the numbers, holding my breath and trying not to panic with each floor it passes.
“What’s your name?” he asks. “I haven’t seen you here before.”
I’m glad when the elevator dings, I take a step away from him before I answer. “Tennessee, and I was just hired today,” I announce chirpily as I continue to step out of the car.
Before I get too far, I feel his hand wrap around my wrist. He doesn’t pull me, just holds me and I quickly spin around.
He’s looking down at me, his lips curved up into a handsome smile. His teeth are straight, he’s obviously had braces and it makes me feel self-conscious of my own teeth. My mother couldn’t afford braces, and thankfully, I didn’t really need them, but I would like to have them a little straighter.
“Have a drink with me. We can celebrate your new job.”
It’s not really a question and I find that I don’t like that. He’s a little too forward as well and just his words send a small panic through me. I don’t date, haven’t wanted to since the incident. My focus is Holden and only Holden.
My mom has tried to get me to go and enjoy myself, but what’s there to enjoy? Dancing with strange men? No thank you.
Shaking my head, I give him a small smile. “I’m sorry, I can’t. I already made plans with Bethanie,” I say.
It’s true, too. I promised her that I would go and see her after my interview. He glances to his left toward Bethie’s counter, then looks back at me and shakes his head once.
“Okay, rain check?” he asks.
Nodding my head, I give him a bright smile because I know without a doubt, he will never cash that rain check. I may be inching closer to being able to date, but there is no way that I’m starting any time soon. And definitely not with him, he’s a player, I can see it in his eyes.
“What’s your name?” I ask.
“Laurent,” he offers with a smile. “Laurent Astor.”
I notice a small dimple in his cheek and bite the inside of my cheek. This guy always gets what he wants, his dazzling smile, the dimple, his tall, strong body. The way he made sure to tell me he’s Mr. Astor’s relative. As if I couldn’t tell that he was related to him based on looks alone.
He is someone who doesn’t take no for an answer, he is someone who isn’t used to rejection. He is someone that I do not want any kind of contact with. Laurent reminds me of him.
“Tenny, are you ready?” Bethie asks. She’s standing next to us, her purse in hand, an expectant look on her face.
“Nice to meet you,” I offer, then turn to Bethie and quickly make my way toward her.
I have a few more hours before I need to be home. Thankfully, my mom is still here