AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Cole, she’s normally not this difficult, but when it comes to this business, she’s all in. Just…don’t give up on her.” Her words are laced with concern.
“I know and I won’t.” Her passion for her company is one of the reasons I love her so much.
“See you soon,” she sings and then the line goes dead.
For the next few minutes, I let my assistant Samuel reschedule my next few calls and a meeting that was going to cause me to eat through the lunch hour.
I walk the short few blocks to HEA, Inc. With the first smile on my face all fucking week and taking in the fact that it’s June, summer in Indy is quickly becoming my favorite.
Stopping by Sweet Wave to sweeten my visit, I run into Hazel at the counter. She gives me a big smile as she greets me.
“Well, hey there, Cole, what can I get you?”
“Actually, I’m sure you know better than I do, but what does Layla get when she stops by?” A better boyfriend would know his girl’s order from her favorite café, but I have to remind myself that we only saw each other in secret. I’m not a total tool for not knowing.
Hazel gets a sly look in her eye. “She’s got a few favorite orders, but before lunch, she’s still normally hitting the coffee, so what about an iced mocha?”
“Sure,” I tell her, pulling out my wallet.
“Oh, and take her a snickers cupcake. She loves ’em.” She taps the screen in front of her and I see she’s given me a discount. I grin, knowing she’s on team Cole. Handing her the cash, I shove a twenty in the tip jar, making up for the necessary discount and then some.
Within a few minutes, I’ve got my backup sweets and am heading up to the HEA office.
Stepping out into the lobby, Jodie lifts a finger as she types on her computer.
“Just let Cassie know you're here.”
I nod and try to peek into the couple of conference rooms that have the doors slid closed. Hearing the soft mummers of voices, I wonder if Layla is in any of them.
The door to the right pushes open and Cassie waves me forward. “Come on, hurry.”
I laugh at the excited look on her face and follow her up the side stairs.
“Oh, nice, you brought her yummies.” Cassie nods at the drink and small white paper bag in my hand.
“You can never be too prepared,” I offer.
Cassie makes a noise of agreement and then tells me her plan.
“She’s in a meeting with Ruth for another couple of minutes. So you can wait for her in her office.” Cassie pushes through the door that leads us into the top floor offices.
I remember how to get there even though Cassie points me in the direction.
The second I step foot into her office, I’m consumed with all things Layla. While her scent is never overly strong, I can smell her soft perfume. The office is decorated to match the rest of the HEA vibe, but there are small touches of her personality in the office. A vase of flowers on the table, bright yellow pillows on the couch, photos on the wall.
I decide to take a seat on the couch, placing her coffee and cupcake on the table in front of it.
Not having to wait long, she’s in the doorway and halfway to her desk before she realizes I’m here. She startles, hand to her chest.
“Shit, Cole. You scared me.”
“Sorry, Lays. Not my intention.” I grin at her. Fuck, she looks fantastic.
“What are you doing here? I have a meeting in a couple of minutes,” she asks, her posture relaxing.
“I know, it’s with me,” I tell her, then nod toward the door. “Wanna close that?”
“No, my meeting is with…” she trails off, realizing she’s been set up.
