Wick chuckled.“Yeah, he takes some getting used to.But he's a good guy underneath all that grunting and scowling.Just give it time.”
“I hope you're right.Because right now, I’m barely keeping my head above water.”
“You've got this, Liv.You're tougher than you give yourself credit for.And if Carter gives you too much shit, I'll kick his ass.”
I laughed, some of the tension easing from my shoulders.“My hero.Thanks, Wick.I needed that.”
After we hung up, I dragged myself through a hot shower and into bed.As I drifted off, I made a silent vow.I wouldn't let Carter Cassidy defeat me.I’d melt that icy demeanor with endless rays of obnoxiously wholesome sunshine.
CHAPTER SIX
CARTER
I staredat the blueprints spread across my desk, the lines, and angles blurring together.The community center project consumed my every waking thought, a constant hum of calculations and revisions buzzing in my skull.But today, a new distraction had slipped into the mix.
Olivia.The woman who had waltzed into my office this morning with a bright smile and a backbone of steel.I'd thrown everything at her—my clipped orders, my exacting standards, my relentless pace.And she'd taken it all in stride, never once faltering or losing that damned sunny composure.
I leaned back in my chair, rubbing a hand over my jaw.I had to admit, I was impressed.It had been a long time since anyone had managed to keep up with me, let alone anticipate my needs with such uncanny precision.
She sat at her desk outside my office door, her fingers flying over the keys with impressive speed.Her brow furrowed in concentration, a loose tendril of chestnut hair falling across her cheek.Without breaking her rhythm, she tucked it behind her ear, revealing the delicate curve of her jaw.
I caught myself staring and quickly looked away, focusing on the work spread across my desk.What the hell is wrong with me?I never paid this much attention to my assistants.
But Olivia was different.In a few short hours, she'd reorganized my entire filing system, scheduled three crucial meetings I'd been putting off, and even managed to sweet-talk that asshole developer in Chicago into extending our deadline.
I glanced at her again, this time noticing the rigid set of her shoulders, the way she winced and shifted in her chair every few minutes.Is she in pain?
The ache in my chest took me by surprise.I recognized that pain, that struggle to maintain composure in the face of relentless discomfort.It was a battle I had witnessed firsthand.
The memory was a sucker punch, the familiar ache of grief and helplessness threatening to overwhelm me.I was twelve years old again, watching as my mother's face contorted in agony, her delicate frame wracked with spasms of pain.
“Mom, why are you crying?”
I stood in the doorway of my parents' bedroom, clutching the report card I was so eager to show her.My mother lay curled on the bed, her face buried in a pillow as sobs wracked her thin frame.
“It's okay, baby,” she managed, lifting her head to give me a watery smile.“Just having a bad day.”
I padded closer, my brow furrowed with concern.“Is it because you're hurting again?”
Her smile faltered, and she reached out to smooth my hair.“Yes, sweetheart.But I'll be alright.I promise.”
It was a promise she hadn’t been able to keep.I gripped the edge of my desk, willing the tightness in my throat to subside.It had been years since I'd allowed myself to think about those dark days, the slow, agonizing decline that had stolen my mother piece by piece.
A soft knock dragged me back to the present.Olivia stood in the doorway, a stack of papers in her hand.“Are you okay?You looked...I don't know, far away for a second there.”
I schooled my features into a neutral expression.“I'm fine.Just lost in thought about this project.”I gestured vaguely at the desk, hoping she wouldn't press further.
Olivia nodded.“I have those permit applications you requested.I've organized them by priority and flagged any potential issues for your review.”
I took the files, scanning the meticulous notes and color-coded tabs.Damn, she’s good.“Thank you.This is excellent work.”
She beamed at the praise, and something tugged in my chest.I quickly tamped it down, focusing on the papers in front of me.
“If there's nothing else, I'll get started on those contract revisions,” she said, already turning to leave.
“Wait.”The word escaped before I could stop it.She paused, looking back at me expectantly.I drummed my fingers on the desk as I frantically searched my brain for an excuse.“Your chair.It doesn't look very ergonomic.We should get you a new one.”
Her brow furrowed.“Oh, it's fine, really.I don't want to be any trouble.”
