It had been a while since I'd felt this pull toward someone.But I always shut it off.I'd built walls around myself for a reason.
But fuck, those walls were starting to feel suffocating.
CHAPTER FIVE
OLIVIA
I woke up with a start,my mind already racing.This was my first official day as Carter Cassidy's assistant.
I rolled over and reached for my phone on the nightstand, my fingers clumsy as I silenced the alarm.6 a.m.Plenty of time to get ready.
Pete stirred beside me, his tail beating lazily against the comforter.I scratched behind his ears, drinking in his warm, solid presence.“Wish me luck, buddy.”I pressed a kiss to the top of his head.“I’m going to need it.”
After taking Pete out to do his business, I headed to the bathroom myself, wincing as the cool tile met my bare feet.I looked at myself in the mirror—sleep-tousled hair and shadows beneath my eyes.
I can do this.Ihaveto do this.For myself, for my future, for the chance to rebuild my shattered life on my own terms.
An hour later, I was showered, dressed, and as ready as I was going to get.I'd chosen comfy but stylish black dress pants and tucked a silky teal blouse into them.The stretch of the fabric was a necessity with the day’s achiness.I twisted my hair into a neat chignon, applied subtle makeup, and finished things off with a spritz of my favorite perfume—vanilla and jasmine, warm and inviting.
I grabbed my leather tote and headed for the door, pausing to give Pete one last cuddle.“Be good, sweet boy,” I whispered, pressing my face into his silky fur.“I'll be home before you know it.”
The drive to Carter's house was a blur, my mind churning with scenarios and strategies.I'd done my research, poring over every scrap of available information about the enigmatic architect.His reputation preceded him—brilliant, driven, and notoriously difficult to work for.But beneath the accolades and the icy exterior, I sensed something else.Something that made me want to uncover the man behind the mask.I wanted to prove I could be more than merely an assistant.This community project was visionary.I wanted to help him bring that vision to life.
I smoothed my dress for the hundredth time as I stood outside Carter Cassidy's front door.First day jitters twisted my stomach into knots.You've got this, Olivia.Just be yourself.Or a slightly more polished, professional version of yourself.
I raised my hand to knock then hesitated.What if this was all a huge mistake?What if I couldn’t cut it in the high-powered world of architecture and business?
Before I could spiral further, the door swung open.Carter loomed in the doorway, his stormy gray eyes sweeping over me critically.
I forced a bright smile.“Good morning, Mr.Cassidy!”
He grunted noncommittally.“You're early.”
My heart sank a little at his brusque tone, but I refused to let it show.“I brought you a cappuccino.I wasn't sure what you liked, so I figured it’d be a safe choice.”I held out the paper cup.
Carter eyed my offering with obvious disdain.“Coffee.Black.There's a pot in the kitchen.”He stepped aside to let me enter the foyer.
“Coming right up!I'll just toss this, unless you have any other staff who might enjoy it?”I kept my tone light, determined not to let his gruffness rattle me.
He waved my words away.“You can have it.”
I wrinkled my nose.“Oh, I don't drink coffee.”
One dark brow arched.“So this sunny disposition is all natural then?”
A laugh bubbled up from my chest.“I drink sugar-free Sunkist.Usually orange pop doesn't have caffeine, but this one does.See?”I fished the bright white can from my tote, giving it a little shake.
“Sunkist?”
I grinned, emboldened by the hint of amusement in his tone.“Yep.”
“Of course.Very fitting.”Carter shook his head.“Next time, come to the back door.You don't need to knock.I'll be too busy to let you in, anyway.”
“Sure thing, Mr.Cassidy!”I chirped.
As he turned on his heel and strode down the hallway, I allowed myself a tiny, triumphant smile.I'd made it through the first round unscathed—and seemingly cracked a tiny piece of that crusty shell.
* * *
