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“We love you, too. Call me later and tell me everything!”
“I will,” I promise as I pull into a parking spot a full fifteen minutes early. “Give Mom and Dad my love.”
Once we end the call, I step out, take a deep breath, and prepare to face my future. Leaving everything familiar behind, including the business I’d worked my ass off to stabilize then expand, wasn’t easy, but it’s led me to this point. I intend to make the most of it and find the best possible future for me.
Inside, the swanky chrome and crystal building is a well-balanced mix of contemporary and traditional elements. It tells everyone who walks through the door that Force Financial is an established, venerable institution but not too stodgy to keep up with modern business.
“Ms. Evans?” an older receptionist greets me with a kind smile that makes me feel immediately welcome.
“Yes. I’m here to see Savannah Force.”
“Of course. She’s waiting for you. One moment.” She picks up the phone and settles her glasses more firmly on her nose. “If you’d like some coffee, there’s a bar with sugar and creamer right around the corner.”
“Thank you.” After an anxious, restless night, caffeine is a necessity.
I pour a cup, eschewing anything to flavor it. Lots of time on construction sites has taught me to drink it hot, strong, and black. Carrying my cup in one hand and gripping my briefcase with the other, I make my way back to the reception desk in time to see Savannah Force emerge from the elevator, looking both professional and stunning in a wraparound dress in a turquoise shade that makes her blue eyes pop. Sharp black accents, along with her sedate up-do and professional smile, complete the look. I’d say she’s the perfect corporate wife if she wasn’t a dynamo in her own right. After less than a year with Force Financial, not only has she been recognized as an insightful economic thinker, but she’s quickly been promoted through the ranks. And two months ago, she married the CEO, billionaire bachelor Chad Force. Though Savannah’s dress gives nothing away, rumor has it they’re already expecting. She seems to have it all.
So why can’t I?
That ship sailed. Love isn’t for me. I need to accept that and focus on my career. The inconvenient aches of my body—to be held, touched, and pleasured—are something I can only give fleeting attention to. I’ll find temporary lovers. One night, then I’ll show them the door.
How is that going to work? You’ve only ever had sex with Derrick.
Like everything else in my life, I’ll have to turn over a new leaf.
“Kate.” Savannah approaches me, hand outstretched. “Good to have you here.”
I shake her hand in return. “It’s good to be here.”
“No problems settling in?”
“The corporate apartment is great.”
“I’m glad.”
“I spent part of the weekend looking for my own place. I’m sure I’ll find something in the next few weeks.”
“No rush.” She smiles wryly. “In fact, you might put off moving out for a while. In the past few days, a possible new opportunity dropped in our laps. If it all works out, it will require us to move quickly and there will be extensive on-site analysis…which is where you come in. But look on the bright side. You’ll avoid this weekend’s chance of snow.”
I hoped I’d have time to learn how Force Financial works and get comfortable with the corporate side of my new responsibilities before I jetted off to look at property, but maybe it’s better this way. This is the part of the job I’m absolutely confident in. Besides, I’m not looking forward to snow. “Whatever you need me to do, I’m happy to jump in with both feet.”
“Fantastic.” She smiles. “Follow me. I’ll take you up to your new office, then introduce you around. Later, you’ll meet the two executives who will help you oversee the project.”
“I’m not flying solo?” Since she said no one in the organization possesses my skill set, I’m surprised.
“I wasn’t going to throw you to the wolves immediately. Though you might feel that way after you’ve met Marcus Hunt and Josh Hennessey.” She gives me a teasing smile. “They’ve been with Mr. Force forever, and they can tell you exactly how this company works. They’ll know the people to call and the ways to finesse the situation, both internally and with our investors. Just ignore their personalities. I always do.”
She’s kidding—I think.
Pasting on a smile, I nod. “I’m looking forward to meeting them. Lead the way.”
Up the elevator we go, to some floor north of twenty that seriously screws with my fear of heights. Since every wall is a window, the views of the city below are likely sweeping and amazing. I try not to look, and I’m beyond thrilled when she takes me to an office along one wall with the shades drawn from floor to ceiling.
“Here’s your corner of the world. Right now, you’ve got two people to help you. Cynthia is my assistant, but you can borrow her as needed for clerical tasks. You’ll probably interact most with Nathan Price. He’s here to assist with research, acquisition, planning—the works. He’s got some property knowledge, too, but nothing like your extensive background. He volunteered for this position, so it’s a change for him as well. You two can forge this department together and make it everything necessary, per our discussions.”
So, other than my two unexpected overlords, I’ll have someone on my side who also understands that more than dollars and cents go into making a property profitable. “Fantastic. I’m sure we can make this venture successful.”
“I have no doubt. He should be in before noon. He has a dentist appointment at nine, but I know he’s excited to meet you. Since you’ll both be reporting to me, at least for now, let me know if you have any other questions or issues.”
