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"To hell!" suddenly, a loud clap of thunder shakes the windows, mirroring the storm inside me.
He scoffs and without another word, he turns and walks out, slamming the door behind him. I'm left alone, clutching the countertop, the scent of lilac still hanging in the air, and the sound of my ragged breaths filling the empty room.
I snap awake, my skin slick with sweat and tears already staining my cheeks. The replay of that fateful argument with Leo, clings to me, refusing to let go. I'm wearing his t-shirt, now damp and uncomfortable. I told myself I'd stop wearing them because it triggers the dreams but I feel closer to him this way. My last words to him were harsh and regretful. If only I could go back, I wouldn't have fought, wouldn't have told him to leave. Especially, If I'd had turned on the stupid news, I would've known about the storm coming that night.
The alarm goes off signaling it's six in the morning. I fumble for the lamp switch, it's not too bright but it's enough to see around the small hotel room. It's not the fanciest place, the decor is pretty basic and the place could use a fresh coat of paint. The carpet has seen better days and the walls are thin. It took two hours to fall asleep thanks to the newlyweds next door. Well, I can only assume since they were moaning each other's last name all night long.
My thoughts drift to breakfast, but I'm quickly reminded of the lack of a proper kitchen. There's just a microwave which is a bit frustrating. According to Mr. Harts's assistant, there weren't many options to choose from in this town. Despite the less-than-ideal living situation, this is my temporary home for the next six months so I'll have to make the best of it.
I grab my water bottle from the nightstand and take a refreshing sip, trying to clear my mind. This trip is what I need right now, a chance to dive into a new role and forget everything else. What sucks is these nightmares tagging along, it feels like it might be harder to feel like myself again. I guess all I can do is focus on what I do best – work. This job opportunity istoo important and I need the raise so I'll be able to move the hell out of that apartment when I get back and make my dream purchase.
I toss the damp sheets aside and head toward the bathroom.
The bathroom is just as run-down as the rest of the place. Cracked tiles, a dripping faucet, and a mirror with a tarnished, cloudy surface that barely reflects my image. As shitty as this place may be, it still beats being tortured in my old apartment by memories.
I turn on the shower and let the hot water heat up for a moment. When I step in, the warmth is immediately comforting, helping to ease the tension in my muscles. I reach for my eucalyptus & spearmint Shower Gel and lather up. The scent fills the shower, creating a small oasis that helps me forget about the discomfort of the stiff hotel bed.
I get out of the shower and brush my teeth before starting on hair and makeup. For my makeup, I go for a classic look: smooth foundation, a dash of mascara to bring out my blue eyes, and bold red lipstick to add a touch of confidence. Using a curling iron, I create gentle waves throughout my long blonde hair but then, I change my mind it's my first day on the job and I feel like a sleek bun would make a great first impression.
I slip on a black skirt and button up a crisp white dress shirt, neatly tucking it into the skirt's waistband. I then add a wide red belt for a pop of color. I slip on a pair of black heels to finish off the look. A glance in the mirror confirms I'm all set and looking professional.
I leave the hotel with my purse in hand and get into the company's Ford Focus. I punch in the new office address on the GPS and start to drive through the small town taking in the sights.
The streets are quiet, with a few local shops lining the main road. I notice a small hardware store, a bakery with a chalkboardsign out front, and a diner. As I'm driving, a coffee shop with a drive-through catches my eye. Realizing I could use a caffeine boost, I quickly steer into the line. The convenience of grabbing a coffee on the go feels like a small win on my first day.
Arriving at the office, I switch into work mode. The building's interior is surprisingly upscale for a small town: marble floors, a large glass ceiling stretching from floor to wall, and everything smells freshly cleaned, with a hint of lemon.
I approach the front desk and see a tall guy with dark brown hair. He's absorbed in his work and doesn't notice me at first. When he finally looks up, his face shows slight irritation. I offer a friendly smile and reach out for a handshake. Before I can introduce myself, he cuts in with a somewhat sarcastic, "Ah, my replacement," accompanied by a forced smile.
Unsure if he's joking, I laugh awkwardly and introduce myself. "Quinn Russo."
He acknowledges this with a nod, his hazel eyes briefly flicker with amusement and something else. "Alright, Ms. California. Let's go meet your new boss," he says, leading the way.
My brows knit together as I follow him. If I am hisreplacementthat has nothing to do with me and I'd prefer to steer clear of any drama. In the elevator, were surrounded by silence. The mirrored walls make the space feel cramped. I notice his eyes on me in the reflection, adding to the uneasy atmosphere.
Why is he staring at me?
I clear my throat and look away, trying to ease the awkwardness.
"Greig," he says simply.
I'm caught off guard. "What?"
"My name," he replies, "It's Greig."
I barely have time to nod before the elevator dings at our floor. Greig exits swiftly, and I quickly follow, still processing this brief, somewhat odd interaction.
He leads me down the hallway into a spacious office, and my heart stutters for a moment. "Quinn, this is Weston Ledger, our CEO." When he lifts his eyes from his computer to meet mine, it's like the air is knocked out of me. A slow smirk spreads across his face, pulling everything else into the background.
Weston's dark hair is styled to perfection. He has sea-blue eyes that light up beneath dark lashes. He's got a natural tan that would make any girl jealous and broad shoulders you could just lay across. Then he stands up, and I realize just how tall he is - easily over 6 feet something. I find myself standing a little straighter, trying to seem unfazed, but inside, I'm fighting to keep my cool in front of him. Easier said than done because he's a stone fucking fox.
I notice Weston biting his lower lip subtly, his eyes sweeping over me in a way that sends a rush of heat through me. It's a small move, easy to miss, but I'm watching him closely, catching every detail.
"Welcome, Quinn." His voice is deep and carries an edge of something unreadable.
He dismisses Greig with a nod and he leaves quietly closing the door behind him.
I swallow my nerves as guilt hits me. I haven't looked at another man like this since Leo and if I'm being honest I've never even looked athimthis way. Weston might just be the most handsome man I've ever laid eyes on.
