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Yet I could always gauge the situation by how tight the security was on Mina. There’d been no change as far as I’d been able to decipher.

Then why had something been gnawing at my stomach for a couple of weeks?

With both John and Mark at the meeting so everyone could openly and freely talk about the designs, I’d never felt so left out in my life.

“So, what did your main squeeze get you for Valentine’s Day?” Julie asked.

“Are you trying to get my mind off the project?”

“I’m trying to keep from blood staining the carpet.”

I swung around to face her. “You are a beast.”

“And you love me for it. But seriously. The big holiday is tomorrow. Since you racked in the expensive jewelry at Christmas, I’m not certain how he’ll top the diamond tennis bracelet, the choker, or the stunning emerald earrings. Maybe a new car. A flashy red Ferrari or something.”

“Are you jealous?”

“I am and proud of it.” She chuckled while her eyes continued watching me as I moved from one side of my office to the other. “You’re making me dizzy. I’m going back to my desk.”

“You do that.”

“Maybe he’ll ask you to marry him.”

I stopped long enough to glare at her. “Uh, no. We are not doing that.”

Both our eyes captured movement in the hallway.

“Uh-oh. Our bosses are back earlier than I thought they would be. That can’t be a good sign.”

“No, it can’t be.” I took a deep breath while trying to keep from hyperventilating before opening my door.

I felt an instant drain as if all the hard work had meant nothing. The pit in my stomach remained, a full throttle effect that was close to gutting me. I’d been so hesitant about my feelings regarding the project, but this project meant more to me than any other ever would.

If the trust hated my designs, I would break down in tears.

My head was held high and I walked down the corridor, people in the other offices watching me as if I was walking on death row. Great. If I wasn’t careful, I’d end up in the bathroom upchucking one too many cups of coffee.

John stopped as soon as he noticed me heading in his direction. There was no expression on his face, no indication of what the decision had been.

Why was everyone standing in the fringes waiting? If I’d failed, I’d be completely humiliated.

“Ms. Dayne. You should get your team together. We’ll meet in the conference room.” Even his voice was different. When he started to turn away, I grabbed his arm with so much force he stumbled slightly.

“John. Please don’t keep me waiting. I can’t take it.”

He lifted both eyebrows. Still no expression on his face. Then he broke out into a sly grin. “Gather your team for a celebration.”

“Yes!” I pumped my fist and twirled in a full circle. I actually twirled like some giddy girl.

John was all smiles, nodding as a few of our associates clapped. “They were very impressed.”

“Including the doctor?”

“Especially the doctor. You should be proud of the work you’ve done. Next week, it’ll go to the city for plans approval. And I’m certain knowing them there will be tweaks needed. So take a few days off. That goes for your team as well. I’ll meet you in the conference room.”

As soon as he walked away, I was gripped from behind by Julie. Together, we jumped up and down as others came up to congratulate us.

I wiped my arm across my forehead. “Whew.”