Everything was changing so fast.
Thanks to a hacker friend of Gabriel’s—another of his shady, mysterious contacts—they were able to transfer Charley’s father’s legal assets back into her name where they belonged. Once that was settled, she sold the penthouse in record time.
As beautiful as it was, she didn’t want to stay there. The penthouse was part of another life—an old life Charley had long ago outgrown. The embers had already been smoldering within her when she first met Dorian, and in the time they’d been together, they’d exploded into a full-on inferno.
Now, she was more than ready to emerge from those ashes.
To start again,herway.
Sasha had moved in with Darcy last weekend—a cute little two-bedroom apartment in Park Slope, Brooklyn, near some of their other friends from school. The girls had grown close, and after everything Sasha had experienced—everything she’d seen—she was ready to spread her wings a bit.
Next week, Charley would be moving out too—off to a third-floor walkup she’d found in Astoria, Queens, not far from the train. On a good commuting day, she’d be able to dash into one of the neighborhood’s famed Greek bakeries en route, pick up a pastry and some coffee to go, and make it to Manhattan in less than half an hour.
Her new boss was pretty flexible with her schedule, but Charley didn’t want to take advantage. She was beyond grateful that he’d even considered her proposal and given her a real job, despite her lack of legitimate experience. But since the acquisition of Armitage Holdings, FierceConnect was growing like crazy, and Dorian needed all the help he could get. As of last week, Charley was officially a marketing assistant for a brand new division geared toward attracting and supporting women gamers, developers, and content creators. She also got to consult on the artwork with some of Dorian’s developers, which she loved.
Mostly, Charley was tasked with getting coffees, scheduling meetings, making copies and travel arrangements—nothing too complicated. But she couldn’t have been happier. It was her first real, paying, on-the-books gig, and she showed up every day with an easy smile, eager to learn more.
Of course Dorian had tried to give her a higher position, but Charley wanted to start small, to work her way up through the ranks without any special favors from the boss.
It was her first job, after all, and she still had a lot to learn. But she had so much fun being there, having lunch with her new friends, sneaking away for an occasional “appointment” in the boss’s office. She even welcomed the stresses that came with working for such a high-profile company. To her, every challenge was another reminder that she was finally taking charge of her life, doing things her own way.
Her personal life had itsownset of challenges, and Charley was facing those head-on as well. She and Sasha had decided to start counseling—at least for their human problems. Considering their rocky childhoods and everything else they’d been through, they had a lot to work through, both individually and as sisters. After all the secrets Charley had kept from Sasha, and everything that had happened as a result, Charley knew it would take time to earn her sister’s forgiveness and trust. She was ready to work for it, though. Together, they’d get through it, just like they always had—one day at a time.
That’s what it all came down to now: one day at a time. Sometimes, even onemomentat a time.
Charley was grateful for every one of those moments, no matter how many more she got. If she’d learned one thing from the whirlwind of her existence these past few months, it was that life came with no guarantees—and an awful lot of surprise twists.
With a satisfied sigh, Charley taped up the box of mugs and pushed it against the kitchen wall with the others, officially done for the day. She checked her phone, thrilled to find a text from her man. He’d been at Ravenswood all day, supervising the final touches on his remodeled dining room, including delivery and installation of a new painting he’d recently purchased.
Question,his text said. Why aren’t you in my bed right now?
Hello to you too,she replied.I take it the installation went okay?
Come over and see for yourself. Better yet, come over and… come.
Mmm. Is there a guarantee on that offer?
Do you really need to ask? Don’t make me start without you.
Charley laughed.Okay. Let me shower & I’ll call an Uber.
Friends don’t let friends shower alone, love. Especially hot, sexy friends like you. I need to see you. NOW.
I’m sweaty and dirty and no. Just no.
The sweatier and dirtier the better,Dorian replied.I’ve already sent a car for you. Jameson will be at your doorstep in 5 minutes.
You’re impossible!
You love me anyway.
Charley smiled again, letting out a happy sigh.Yes, Mr. Redthorne,she replied. I kinda do.
* * *
Dorian greeted Charley in the Ravenswood foyer wearing nothing but a mischievous smile. The moment she closed the door behind her, Charley was in his naked arms, fending off a barrage of kisses.
“I’m filthy. Stop!” Charley squealed, loving every minute of his attention. “What about the new dining room? Don’t you want to show me?”
