When he speaks highly of my portfolio in response, a smile spreads across my face. The feeling is strange, and my stomach churns again when it’s not Theo who is the cause of my smile.
“To be honest, I don’t have any associate positions available right now. But I’d be more than happy to hire you on as one of the architecture assistants. It doesn’t pay well at all, but it’d be full-time, with plenty of growth potential.”
My smile spreads wide as I lean forward, reaching my hand out to him. “Thank you, Mr. Emerson. I’m very excited to contribute to the success of Rose City Designs in any way that I can.”
Graham chuckles lightly, giving a firm shake of my hand. “I’m sure my entire team will greatly appreciate your contributions. I’m very excited to see what you bring to the table. Steven out front will get you set up with instructions for your first day.”
Rising from my chair, I nod toward him. “Thank you again for your time.”
I head toward the door, feeling on top of the world.
That feeling doesn’t last long when Graham says after me, “Anything for a friend of the Kanes.”
I hesitate for a moment. His words hit me like a gut punch to the stomach. While I appreciate Theo’s help in setting up interviews. I don’t think I could accept a job if I knew I didn’t rightfully earn it.
“Would you mind if I ask a question?” I ask, hoping he doesn’t count that as my question.
“By all means.” He motions for me to continue.
“Am I only being offered this position because of my connection to the Kane family? Because if that’s the case, I’m not sure I can accept.” He looks surprised by my words.
“I can assure you, Ms. Parker, that I don’t allow anyone to tell me how to run my company. I won’t lie to you, I set this interview up as a favor for Roman. When he told me his party animal little brother had fallen in love, I had to meet the woman who changed his heart for the better. But after reviewing your portfolio and our interview today, I actually believe you’d make a great addition to my team.”
I stare at him, unmoving and unspeaking, trying to process his words. Did he just say Theo was inlove? Hemust be mistaken. If Theo loved me, he would have told me so. God knows he’s had plenty of chances to.
Graham stands from his desk chair. “There’s no shame in using connections. You are clearly talented, and I’d love to have your talents on my team for the benefit of my company. If I thought you’d be a poor addition, there’s no way in hell I’d hire you. Not even for the Kane brothers.” He levels me with a look that suggests my initial question didn’t need to be asked.
“In that case, I look forward to working here, Mr. Emerson.” And with that, I exit his office, my head and heart once again at odds.
I’m standing in the elevator, holding a packet of instructions for my first day of work at Rose City Designs, as I ride it down to the lobby floor. Logically, I should be happy. I stand here holding everything I’ve wanted in a career and five years sooner than when I thought I’d have it.
But my chest aches when I think back to my father’s words.
Success means nothing if you have no one to share it with.
That must be what I’m feeling. The pit in my stomach that’s been there during each interview. The lack of excitement I feel knowing I’ve secured my dream job. As I stand alone in the elevator, I realize my father was right. There’s only one person I wish were here right now. One person I wish I could celebrate with.
I think back to my mother’s words as I exit the elevator. Walking out of the lobby, I shove the papers into my purse, ignored by the blond woman sitting at the front desk still typing away on her cell phone. My mother wasright too. Love isn’t something you can plan. It’s something you feel when the time is right.
When I push open the glass doors, making my way out onto the sidewalk, I’m met by the man I haven’t been able to get off my mind since I first met him in that diner all those months ago.
The man who I know with absolute certainty, I’ve fallen in love with.
Theo stands tall, leaning against his blue Mustang. I take note of the back bumper, where no sign of our accident is found.
As I approach Theo, he holds out a bouquet to me. The same bouquet from the night of our first date.
“Hi,” he says, smiling as I take the flowers from his hands. One inhale and I’m transported back to this summer. My own smile spreads across my face at the memories.
“What’re you doing here?” I ask.
“I thought you might want to celebrate getting an offer to work at your dream company.” He shrugs, as though it shouldn’t even be a question as to why he’s here.
“Oh, you just assume I got a job offer?” I raise an eyebrow at him in question. As people move past us on the sidewalk, I’m forced to stand closer to him. The only object separating us is the flowers in my hands.
“Of course you got a job offer. Not offering you a job would be a bad business decision. You’re too talented.”
I smile at him, but Graham’s words still haunt my mind as Theo stands before me. I know without a doubt that I’m in love with this man. If there’s even a sliver of achance he loves me too, I can’t walk away from him without knowing for certain.
