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She’d been a victim of gossip before. Not at the office, but in her neighborhood. Her neighbors had known Boris was cheating on her long before she did, because he was seen out, openly dating other women. But none of her neighbors had felt the need to tell her about it. Instead, they’d discussed it among themselves.
She’d only learned she was the talk of her subdivision when she’d overheard a group of her neighbors discussing what a fool she was to remain with a husband who was two-timing her the way Boris was doing. For a while, driving through her neighborhood had been comparable to the walk of shame. She’d sworn she would never give anyone a reason to gossip about her again.
Still, she had grown a spine since those days and didn’t put a lot of stock in what people said about her. No one was paying the bills at 540 Walnut Lane but her. She had survived the likes of Boris Danville and was doing just fine.
Besides, she would be turning in her resignation at the first of the year, so why should she care what was said about her at Connelly Enterprises?
“I honestly don’t think I’d have a problem with it, Sheryl. And I have a feeling Frazier Connelly wouldn’t put up with it anyway.” She got up and walked around. “But I doubt it will be an issue. I’m really not in his league.”
“He evidently thinks that you are. Don’t sell yourself short, kiddo. You have a lot to offer any man. Even a very wealthy one. And you’re not exactly broke. Over the past two years, Electra has been very good to you.”
Sheryl was right about that. Although she didn’t have the kind of money Frazier Connelly had, by any means, she had a pretty nice savings stored away. It had certainly helped that Ireland had received a full scholarship for her four years of college.
“Now I’m curious,” Sheryl said, breaking into her thoughts.
“About what?”
“What Frazier Connelly is going to do next.”
Rylee leaned back in her chair. “Honestly, I don’t think he’ll do anything. He probably woke up this morning regretting he’d said anything.” They spoke for a few more minutes, before ending the call.
Rylee sat back down and read the paper as she sipped her coffee. Her heart skipped a beat when she reached the local news—there, on the front page, was a photo of her and Frazier.
She had to admit, they looked good together, with him in his tux and she in her shimmering tea-length gown. She was suddenly very glad she’d given in and worn that push-up bra. Her girls were sitting high and looking firm.
The article was on point and she was glad there hadn’t been a big deal made of her and Frazier sharing the samecar. Instead, the article focused on the American Heart Association. The only thing it mentioned was the true nature of her and Frazier Connelly’s relationship--he was CEO of one of the largest employers in the city and she was his employee, who’d spearheaded that night’s charity event. End of story.
Standing, she went to the kitchen to wash out her cup, then headed to the bathroom to shower and change. In addition to going shopping, she might take in a movie and grab dinner while she was out.
She was about to head out the back door to the garage when the doorbell rang. She figured it was her neighbor, Mrs. Payton, who lived across the street. She was a widowed older woman who often dropped in.
But when Rylee gazed through the peephole, it wasn’t her neighbor she saw, but a young man holding a beautiful vase of flowers. She figured he was at the wrong house. Speaking through the door, she asked, “May I help you?”
“Florist delivery for Rylee Danville.”
“But-but-that’s impossible,” Rylee stuttered to herself as she opened the door to the young, smiling teen. “I’m Rylee Danville.”
“These are for you, Ms. Danville,” he said, handing her the huge vase of fresh, cut flowers.
“Thanks. If you’ll wait a second, I’ll give you a tip.”
“No need. It’s already been taken care of. Have a nice day.”
Rylee watched him turn and trot back to the van before closing the door. The flowers were beautiful. She carried them to living room and placed them on the table. With trembling fingers, she pulled off the card.
I hope your day is as beautiful as you are. Frazier
Rylee dropped her arms to her sides, still holding the card in her hand. “Oh, boy.”
• • •
“Good morning, Mr. Connelly,” Mattie greeted, her voice chipper. “I understand Saturday night’s charity event was a huge success.”
“Good morning. And yes, it definitely was.”More than you could ever know, Frazier thought, as he passed his administrative assistant’s desk to enter his office.
Closing the door behind him, he placed his briefcase on his desk. Not bothering to remove his jacket, he walked over to the window. He had deliberately come in early to see Rylee when she arrived for work.
She had been a beautiful vision Saturday night, he thought, remembering how his pulse had ignited every time he had looked at her. He had been careful not to call attention to himself at the event, for fear others would notice how many times his gaze had roamed over her from across the room.
