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“Oh boy…here we go.”

Rolling my shoulders, I lift my chin and step out into the most beautiful office I’ve ever seen.

“Marble, leather, and gold, oh my,” I sing softly, like a lunatic. “Get a hold of yourself.” I scold.

Everything is stunning and perfectly balanced with softer colors and decorations so that it doesn’t feel too threatening or too friendly. Too dark or too light. It’s exactly like the man who chose the designs.

My heart pumps faster as I step up to the reception desk, but no one is there. I look in either direction. Very few offices are occupied, so I decide to find Alden myself.

Rounding the corner at the far end of the hall, a male voice reaches my ears. I follow it like a summoning bell. Alden growls into his phone as I reach his office.

“The juxtaposition between your client’s tearful performance in mediation and the abusive text messages he sent an hour later is exactly why we’re refusing to settle out of court with the current offer.”

He can talk to me like that anytime.

I swallow hard at the totally inappropriate thoughts. Alden has his back to me, so I just stand there awkwardly, not knowing if I should enter or walk away.

“Spare me, David. The financial records clearly show your client has stripped my client’s bank account bare and is now holding the money hostage. Which isn’t just hypocritical—it’s litigation misconduct, and I’m filing for sanctions.”

Alden turns and spots me. He smiles, which is a complete contradiction to the rough, gravelly tone he’s using on this David person. Lifting his hand, he waves me into his kingdom.

I look around and can’t hold back my awe. Diplomas, awards, and photos of Alden with famous people line the walls. But I’m drawn to the vase with vibrant red and white flowers in the corner.

“No. Not a chance. If you think a judge will buy your client’s performance, you are severely miscalculating. Get me a real offer by Monday morning, or I’ll take your client for every last cent he has.”

I’m so engrossed in my inspection of the poorly designed arrangement that I don’t notice Alden is off the phone until he clears his throat from right behind me.

Jumping, I spin around to find an amused smirk on his lips.

“I’m sorry, I…” I point at the arrangement. “I was focused.”

“I see that.”

Tension is thick in the air as I stand there, clutching my sketch pad.

Unable to maintain eye contact, I glance around.

“Great building, it’s…girthy,” I finally say, and want to smack my forehead.

Girthy?

Don’t do it, don’t look down. I force my eyes to remain on his face as heat creeps to the very tips of my ears.

Alden’s smile deepens and forms a dimple. He runs his fingers through his black hair, and for the love…where is a hole to hide in when you need one?

“That is a description I haven’t heard before, but yes…it’s quite…girthy.” He chuckles as my cheeks flame red.

Can I make a bigger idiot of myself?

Alden holds his hand toward the door.

“Would you like that tour now?”

“Please,” I say, flipping open the sketch pad and following him out, happy to focus on anything else. “I already mocked up the lobby. Is the rest of the building decorated the same as this one, or does each floor have different colors and themes?”

“The black marble flooring and white trim are identical throughout the building. The bulk deal was better for the remodel. My firm has the top four floors, and they are all done as you see. The rest chose between certain styles and colors before moving in. Most went with a monochrome palette.” He looks at me. “Very modern corporate, but easy to balance with a pop of color.”

Alden points out where he wants arrangements, while we stroll down the corridors and I mention color and flower options. It takes an hour and a half to do the quick walk-through. By the time we are done, I’m brimming with excitement to get started on the proposal.