Page 14 of Tell Me Something

“Thanks.”

Oh, boy. On my way up, I tried to figure out what this meant. But at least I didn’t have to wonder any longer why he wouldn’t want my address given out.

SLEEP ELUDED me most of the night. It could’ve been nerves regarding my first day at the office or the fact that I was on a West Coast internal clock. But I was pretty sure it was the green eyes that I knew were sleeping next door to me that occupied my thoughts.

Grateful for my Diet Coke in the morning, I googled where my new office was located and then left early, hoping someone would be there to let me in. It was a beautiful morning, and the air smelled of autumn. The sidewalks were packed, and the bustle made me smile as I stopped for a bagel and walked the five blocks to work.

I found my building by eight o’clock and was thankful the security desk was expecting me. After giving me a temporary badge, they told me to go up to the top floor. Once there, I was pleasantly greeted by a well-dressed, forty-something-year-old man who introduced himself as Nigel.

“Hello, my dear. You must be Haylee,” he acknowledged kindly.

His British accent was charming, and the sincerity in his eyes made me hopeful that we would become friends. “Yes, you must be Nigel. It’s nice to meet you.”

“This is your desk. We both sit directly outside of the executive elevator with Josh’s office through that door. I’ll show you that in a moment. How was the trip?”

“It was good. It’s been a whirlwind, but I’m really happy to be here. I hope you don’t mind me being early. Jo— I mean, Mr. Singer said nine o’clock, but I wanted to arrive before he did.”

“No, I certainly understand. I typically get here early on Mondays to get his schedule sorted, and I’m in by eight-thirty on most other days. We might as well jump in before he gets here.”

I smiled, eager to get started.

First, Nigel brought me around Josh’s office for a tour. I was impressed with the space and thought the dark wood and rich leather represented him well.

“We have two floors of this building which make up the executive headquarters. That includes Human Resources, Accounting, IT, and a small legal department. The Gamble Advertising office is six blocks away. We have two floors in that building as well, but it’s much more of a client-facing office.”

In other words, Josh separated his Gamble Enterprise operations from Gamble Advertising. That was good to know.

“I’m glad you’re here, my dear. I’ve needed to take more personal time lately with an illness in the family, and, well, the travel has just been impossible. Josh is very particular about whom he trusts.”

It was a relief that he didn’t feel threatened by me. This was going to be short-term, and I was happy to help in any way I could.

“Mr. Singer should be here any minute. He has a ten o’clock call, so how about at that time you go on down to HR? They’re one floor down. They’ll give you all of your paperwork. Then IT can give you your hardware along with your building badge. Your badge will allow you direct access to Josh’s elevator and this office.”

It sounded good to me. “Okay. Thank you.”

Josh came off the elevator.

I followed Nigel’s lead and stood at my desk. I thought I had a handle on my nerves until Josh turned toward me in his pinstriped suit.

“Good morning,” he greeted.

My mouth went dry. “Good morning, Mr. Singer.” I didn’t sound like myself.

He must have sensed it as he paused and raised that damn brow of his.

NIGEL CAME out of Josh’s office after fifteen minutes. “He would like to see you briefly, Haylee.”

Walking in with a notepad and pen, I smoothed my Chanel suit and thought about how the pink twill had been my mother’s absolute favorite.

“How was your evening?” he asked, taking me off guard. I had thought we would start off all business.

“Um, it was good. I’m unpacked, and Rafael was kind enough to offer me a ton of takeout options.”

“Ah, yes. Well, I’m sure that’s preferable to going out late at night in a strange city.”

My face broke out in a smile at his veiled suggestion to stay in.

“Nigel, I trust, is getting you settled in?” He steepled his fingers and leaned back in his chair.