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The love bites dotting my neck down to my nipples are a stark reminder of the insane pleasure Peter—if that's his real name—gave me all night long. Best sex I've ever had. The way he took charge. Fucked me in positions I didn't know were possible. Made me feel like I turned him on like no one else ever could.
In my own romanticized brain, I believed with all my heart meeting him was fate.
Fuck. Maybe a touch of cynicism hardening my round edges isn’t such a bad thing.
Let’s face it, my brave sex-kitten persona of last night was a facade. In my professional life, I’m a confident, ambitious tattoo artist. In contrast, I’ve always been conservative in my personal life. The woman who puts the “F” in faithful.
Winning an award gave me a false sense of bravado. Led me down a path of recklessness. I'm not cut out to live life on the wild side. Not if it means feeling like this.
Lesson learned.
An hour later I’m freshly showered and wheeling my suitcase out of the hotel room. By the time I check out and grab a cab to the airport, last night’s adventure feels like a distant dream. A fleeting glimpse of what could have been if I were a better judge of character. Or, luckier in love.
Ahhh, it’s only a minor detour on my journey.
I won't let it derail me.
This is going to be my year. In a few months I’ll open my own tattoo shop and staff it with the best of the best. It’s not like I have time for a relationship anyway. My focus has to be on my business.
Vegas, with all its glitter and empty promises, is behind me.
I’m focusing on my future and I’m ready to take the world by storm.
Chapter one
Peter
Present Day
It’s a few minutes past seven a.m. and I’m running behind.
Clutching my Hydro Flask filled with Purity coffee, I arrive at work. My footsteps echo off the sleek, polished floors of the breathtaking new contemporary lobby of VA/VT. My clothes, slacks and dress shirt are made out of organic, socially-responsible fabric.
Last night, because I worked until midnight, my car wasn’t fully charged by the time I’d hoped to leave this morning. Facing a full schedule of important meetings and appointments, I was forced to wait for it to finish. Nothing bugs me more than being late. Very unprofessional.
But, as a devout green architect, I’m hyperaware every choice I make—from the food I eat to the clothes I wear—is a reflection of my values. I take sustainability seriously. It’s not only my brand, but my lifestyle.
Despite the time, or lack thereof, I can’t help but stop for a moment. My eyes sweep the room from the half-moon reception counter to the arched bronze chandeliers to the striking curved staircase leading to the executive offices. Though the color scheme is neutral—classic grays and creams—the mixture of textures and materials give the entire space a bright, edgy feel.
It’s stunning. Truly stunning.
I did this.
It wasn’t long ago when I had a simple vision. A dream. A mission.
I was determined to build a firm specializing in designing gorgeous, sustainable net-zero commercial buildings.
My environmentally conscious design philosophy isn't unique. Unless you’re living under a rock, every modern architect understands the importance of using less water, energy, and other natural resources. Most people in the construction industry are committed to employing renewable energy sources and eco-friendly materials to reduce emissions and eliminate waste.
What sets VA/VT apart, however, is how we're better at it. Partially because of the proprietary software I invented. The way it enables us to create healthy, comfortable and resource-efficient spaces in a cost-effective manner is unprecedented. Even better, the software seamlessly integrates with government and regulatory bodies, making permitting and inspections a breeze.
Not only do I have several patents, but I license the technology—at a very steep price—to some of the biggest firms in the world. Hence, the name of my company. VA for Vander Architecture. VT for its sister company, Vander Technologies. We're also focused on long-term impact, collaborating with governmental and regulatory bodies across the US to create policy change and incentives to build green.
Ten years ago, little did I know my unique outlook on planning, design, and construction would propel my career into the stratosphere.
As I approach the conference room where my team is waiting for me, I feel proud. It isn’t an ordinary day. The decisions we make at this meeting will redefine my design career. Cement my name in history. Change my legacy for not only me but my future family.
I'll finally leave my past behind.
